Considering Buying a Boat?

Usually when you get to the stage of buying a boat, you will have had some previous experience of boating. You may be looking for a replacement, new or used, or it could be that after spending many a good time on a friends boat that you feel it time to have your own. Check out the market. There are various ways to find your type of vessel. Boat builders, dealers, brokers, and private sellers who all use the old and new methods of advertising such as magazines, news papers, brochures and of course the biggest medium available is the web. For instance, www.onlineboatfinder.com is fast becoming known to the boating fraternity.

The Budget. Whatever the type be it a small or large power or sail boat the final decision must fall within a budget. This budget needs to be carefully thought through as there is the initial purchase price then the ongoing expenses. So first up think what you'd like to include in the necessary accessories such as safety equipment to comply with local rules or laws and what, if pre-used, needs to be spent to bring the boat up to standard for your first adventure. The second consideration should be continuation of affordability. i.e. On going maintenance, fuel and running costs, insurance mooring fees or in the case of a trailer boat, trailer maintenance. On the subject of trailer boats, the trailer has as much an importance to the whole boating experience as the boat. If you don't maintain the trailer, you're not going boating or if poorly maintained, accidents can spoil the day.

Too often the maximum budget is spent with no regard to the likes of, fuel and running costs, insurance, mooring fees etc. It is easy to fall in love with a boat outside your budget as there will always be something bigger, nicer and better than you can afford.

Traps. There can be many traps when buying a boat, particularly if pre-owned and you've not had the experience. If not sure always seek advice from an experienced person. For example; a good coating of paint on an older wooden boat can hide rot and other nasties. If a glass boat has lived its life in the sea have the hull checked for osmosis. Hulls delaminating have been a common problem. Marine Electrical and Electronics need to be checked and tested and made safe if required. There are specialists who survey vessels. Mostly their expertise is applied to vessels that live in the water all their life but there are plenty of reputable dealers that give good advice on smaller boats. Money spent with a Marine surveyor will always be a good investment and can save you a lot of financial heartache in the future. And if still not sure get a second opinion.

Summing up. Well you've got to the stage of purchase but before you hand over any money, make sure you're satisfied that the sea trial of the boat does all that you require of it and meets any other criteria you have set. For instance; will it carry the number of people most likely to have on board; does the fuel economy suit your budget; do the sails suit the type of yacht or yachting required; can the vessel perform in bad weather if you're caught in it; just to mention a few. Take the advice from the experts and surveyor, if one was employed and you will have a very happy boating experience.

About the Author:

From the team at OBF. For more information, please visit http://www.onlineboatfinder.com.