| Dreaming of spending summers cruising in the | | | | the boat; look at the wear and tear of the interior |
| open ocean or riding down the river? Deciding to | | | | and the exterior. Check for signs of rust or |
| purchase a boat is a big financial decision that | | | | degrading on the body, and also check for second |
| should be considered carefully. One of the biggest | | | | grade materials such as molded plastics, or |
| decisions in buying a boat is to be certain about | | | | painted metals that can rapidly degrade in salt |
| what you can afford. Consider the fees that go | | | | water. During the test drive, check to see if the |
| along with boat ownership; title and registration, | | | | boat makes odd vibrations and if the boat slips |
| state taxes, storage costs and accessories such | | | | smoothly in gear. Also check the trim, which |
| as boat covers should all be added to your boat | | | | allows the boat motor to move from a down |
| budget. | | | | position to an angled position. Make sure the |
| Boats, like cars and houses, can be purchased | | | | gauges are working correctly, and make sure the |
| new or used. Newer boats are recommended for | | | | bilge is functioning properly as well. Double check |
| first-time boat buyers, while more experienced | | | | that the stern drive used for propulsion is in |
| boaters often purchase used boats. When | | | | proper order, and check the oil lines and hoses |
| considering new or used options, first decide on | | | | attached to the stern drive for corrosion. |
| the best boat for your recreational needs. If you | | | | Once you have decided on that special boat, ask |
| decide on a used boat, make sure you learn | | | | the seller if they have a maintenance history on |
| about the history of the boat from the seller. | | | | the boat. The maintenance history gives you an |
| Take the boat for a test drive and check the | | | | idea of how well the boat has been maintained |
| function of important mechanical parts such as | | | | and what parts may need upgrading in the near |
| the bilge and stern drive. | | | | future. Also, see if the seller is willing to throw in |
| Like the used cars business, the used boat | | | | some extras. A marine radio or depth finder |
| business has many purchasing options. There are | | | | comes in handy, and some sellers may throw in a |
| many online boat auctions sponsored by private | | | | pair of water skis or a few extra life jackets. |
| sellers and public companies. If you are a first | | | | Once you have acquired your dreamboat, make |
| time buyer and decide on a used motorboat, it is | | | | sure you have regular maintenance checks to |
| a good idea to have a marine surveyor inspect | | | | keep your boat in top running shape. When |
| the boat for potential mechanical problems. Many | | | | ordering parts, you may be able to save money |
| experienced boaters also recommend a marine | | | | by searching online for reputable part dealers. |
| surveyor for new boats as well. The surveyors | | | | Online parts vendors sell everything from trim |
| can offer advice about the quality of the boat and | | | | parts to stern drive hoses. Some vendors offer |
| help determine possible mechanical problems | | | | up to a 12-month guarantee with their new or |
| ahead of time. This can help you negotiate a | | | | rebuilt parts. Make sure you inquire about |
| great deal with the seller and discuss warranty | | | | warranty or extended warranty coverage with |
| options. | | | | parts. With a little research, you can attain and |
| Before purchasing a used boat, take some time | | | | maintain your dreamboat, stay within your |
| to research the seller and always take the boat | | | | budget, and spend your summer on the water. |
| for a test drive. Do an initial visual inspection of | | | | |