| While visiting a local boat show, you finally found | | | | value sharply go down once it leaves the |
| that perfect boat you have dreamed about ever | | | | showroom. Visiting boat shows is the ideal |
| since you were a kid. You see the price tag and | | | | practice when shopping around for a new boat, as |
| realize that what you have is nearly enough to | | | | it will give the buyer a chance to compare |
| purchase that boat and all you need is to convince | | | | head-to-head the products of different |
| you ever-supportive wife to give you that extra | | | | manufacturers. Also consider after-service, as the |
| $200 to complete the deal. However, before | | | | buyer may have difficulty in claiming after-sales |
| offloading a considerable amount of cash to buy a | | | | service if the boat manufacturer is located in |
| boat, there are several factors you should think | | | | another state or hundreds of miles away. It is |
| about before making that major decision. | | | | also wise to be patient. Boat manufacturers tend |
| Someone that wants to buy a boat must first | | | | to make sharp discounts on boats that will soon |
| determine what type of boating he/she will be | | | | be replaced by new models. Normally, clearing out |
| doing. A lot of boat buyers fall into the trap of | | | | sales of boats occurs during late July. Buyers can |
| choosing a boat based on aesthetics and will soon | | | | also inquire for old models still in stock once the |
| realize that what they bought is not appropriate | | | | new ones are rolled out in the market. Shopping |
| for their needs. Other factions include the climate | | | | for used boats is also fun and exciting but will |
| the boat will be exposed to. Large body boats are | | | | likely require the buyer to be very careful in |
| appropriate for water locations with rough | | | | making choice. Advertisements of used boats can |
| conditions and big strong waves, while boats with | | | | be seen in classifieds ads, various websites and |
| fewer freeboard and deadrise are just right for | | | | magazines. Buyers should also be on the look out |
| small and sheltered water spots. A Bimini topped | | | | for refurbished boats. Refurbished boats may |
| open boat is perfect in warmer climates. Go New | | | | have been slightly used and returned to the |
| Or Go Used Another option on buying a boat is | | | | dealership for replacing or minor repairs. In |
| whether to buy something brand new or used. | | | | addition, refurbished boats are normally as good |
| Obviously, a used boat will be considerably | | | | as a new one, will have a factory warranty and |
| cheaper compared to a new one but may contain | | | | retail cheaper that its original sticker price. Things |
| more useful accessories that the previous owner | | | | to be checked when buying a boat * Steering and |
| decided to put in. In addition, a used boat that has | | | | throttle controls. * Various systems; galley stove, |
| been well taken care off will likely perform reliably | | | | head, heater, bilge pump, stereo, winches, |
| and does not have to undergo a break-in period. | | | | freshwater, sink blower, lights, shower, air |
| One advantage of a new boat is that it will come | | | | conditioner, generator. * Upholstery * Condition of |
| with a factory warranty. Anytime the unit | | | | cabin * Fuel tank, lines and fittings. * Check for |
| becomes defective within the warranty period, | | | | leaks and rust in electrical items. * Close and open |
| the owner can just contact the boat company to | | | | hatches.Khieng 'Ken' Chho is author and owner of |
| have it repaired or receive replacement parts | | | | Online Boat Buying Resources. |
| free of charge. A new boat though will see its | | | | |