Boat Buying Tips for First Time Buyers

If you are a first-time boat buyer, give yourself a lot of time to explore all the different options available before you make this important purchase. Boats area big investment and that’s particularly why you shouldn’t take the buying process lightly. You can find a good used boat at a fraction of the price of a new one. We’ll give you a few tips to help you get started.

Do your research

Like cars, you’ll find lots of places where they list the value of most used boats. You’ll need to go through these sites and have an idea of how boats are valued. It’s important to know what you want before you go shopping for a boat. Start with the price that you can afford. How much have you set aside for this purchase? This will guide you on the features to look out for.  Boats have certain specifications that make one better than the other and you’ll need to look at more than just the visual appeal.

Visual inspection

You can tell a lot about the boat itself by conducting a visual inspection. If the boat is dirty, scratched up and rusty, it could mean that it hasn’t been well maintained. Check the floor of the boat and walk over it. Any signs of rotting or poor construction should be a red flag. Just remember, the floor is usually one of the most expensive items on a boat to fix. But don’t buy a boat because of its flawless appearance. A used boat can look clean and shiny but this could be a disguise used to cover hidden problems.

Have a test drive

As soon as you’re done with the visual inspection, it’s important to take the boat for a test drive. Take it on the water and feel how the boat rides when you go fast, slow or make turns. This is the only way you’ll know how the boat operates before you buy. Go with your family or your friends for the test drive, the same way you would when going for a boating trip. It’s important to also get their approval before you buy the boat.

Find a reputable boat dealer

First of all, you’ll need to find a trustworthy dealer who can offer you a selection of boats that meet your budget and needs. You can find dealers who have over 20 boats to choose from. That’s better because you will not be restricted to a select few. Compare the boats offered by the dealer and decide what you like and don’t like. A good dealer should be able to advice you on what to look for in a good boat. You should easily tell whether someone is genuinely interested in helping you find a boat or just making a commission.

Hopefully, you now have an idea how to select the right boat. With this basic information on choosing a good used boat, you should now go out and have fun shopping for the best investment you’ll ever make. 

Posted By: Stowaway Marine   http://stowawaymarine.net