Insiders Guide To Finding The Right Boat

 

There is something about being on the open water that refreshes the soul. Maybe that’s why we’re so drawn to boating. Recreational boating is one of our most beloved traditions in this country, with annual retail sales of around $20 billion. Over 141 million Americans go boating every year.

You can rent or charter a boat, but if you plan to go out frequently, buying a boat might make more sense. Of course, you shouldn’t rush out and buy the first one you see.

If you want to buy a new boat, you’ll need to ask some questions to make sure you find the right one for your needs.

 

What Kind of Boat Do I Want?

So you’ve said, “I want to buy a boat.” Now comes the biggest question. What type of boat is right for you? You need to think about why you want a boat and how you will use it?

Do you want to go fishing, water skiing, sailing or do you want to just tool around in the bay?

Let’s look at the types of boats so you can narrow down your choices.

 

Fishing Boats

As the name implies, these boats are built exclusively for fishing, whether in freshwater or saltwater. You’ll find a wide range of sizes and uses. Some are more suited for lakes and rivers, while others are built for deep-sea fishing in bays or the ocean.

 

Deck Boats

This type of boat has an open “deck” at the front that can be used for seating or sunbathing. Decks are generally between 25-35 feet. These boats are ideal for activities like water, skiing and entertaining.

 

Bowriders

These boats are ideal for families. They have room for up to eight, as well as a rear platform for swimming or attaching a wakeboard.

 

Catamarans

A catamaran has two parallel hulls. They have less volume and a shallower draft. Catamarans are ideal for fishing, but you can also use them for other water activities.

 

Cuddy Cabins

These boats have a closed deck over the bow, along with storage space. They are well suited for fishing, yachting, sailing, and water sports.

 

Centre Consoles

These boats feature only a hull station with no cabin or foredeck. If you’re into sport fishing, this might be the best choice for you. These boats can be outfitted with everything you’ll need for a fishing expedition, including bait wells, gunwale rod holders, fish lockers, and outriggers.

 

Cabin Cruisers

These boats offer all of the comforts of home. They have a central cabin featuring amenities like a heater, air conditioning, and power generator.

 

Motor Yachts

This type of boat is primarily for leisure activities. They come with one or two diesel engines for navigating inland waters, a bay or the ocean. There are several different categories of motor yachts, from day sailing to luxury sailing yachts.

 

Runabouts

This type of boat can seat up to eight people. The movement is controlled by a steering wheel and forward controls. This makes it ideal for water skiing or casual sporting. A runabout is an excellent entry-level option if you’re new to boating.

 

Sail Boats

There is a whole separate class of watercraft called sailboats. They can be propelled either entirely or partially with sails. The rigging includes a mast, boom, and shrouds, which hold up the mast.

There are 3 categories of sailboats: monohulls (one hull), catamarans (two hulls), and trimarans (three hulls).

The types of sailboats to know include:

• Sloop – 1 mast, mainsail & headsail
• Cutter – 1 mast and two or more headsails
• Ketches and Yawls – Have a secondary mast behind the main one
• Schooners – 2 or more masts

Beyond these broad categories, there are other types of sailboats, from small dinghies and racers to bluewater cruisers that are designed to sail across oceans.

 

What Size Boat Do I Want?

Who will be sailing with you? Do you want to bring the family or friends? You’ll need room for everyone, not to mention a place to store gear for all of them.

Or perhaps this is your retirement toy, and it will only be two of you on the water?

 

How Much Can I Spend?

Sometimes the question is not how to buy a boat, but can I afford to buy a boat? You’ll need to determine your budget so you know how much you can spend.

If you know your price range at the outset, you’ll have a much easier time when you finally go shopping.

 

Tips When Shopping For a Boat

Once you have determined what type of boat you want, the size you need, and your budget, it’s time to shop.

Your first question is probably, “where can I buy a boat?” Perhaps the safest bet is going with an official boat/yacht broker. Ask around and research to find a reputable dealer.

You can also attempt a private sale. You can find “boat for sale” listings online at places like Craigslist or Kijiji. Boating/yachting websites and magazines also feature lots of classified ads.

You might also have luck going to local marinas. Along with “for sale” signs, many marinas have community boards where owners can post information about available boats.

 

How Should You A Conduct Boat Inspection?

Whether you’re buying a new or used boat, you’ll need to conduct a careful inspection before making any deals.

Your inspection checklist should encompass a variety of areas, such as:

• Boat engine
• Bilge
• Steering & throttle controls
• Electrical components
• Floors & siding
• Propeller & propeller shaft
• Deck hardware
• Fuel tanks
• Batteries
• Rigging, hardware & sails
• Hull

Things to look for include:

• Signs of stress-cracks or patterns
• Chips in the paint
• Missing or loose screws and bolts
• Condition of the upholstery and cushions
• Signs of wear and tear, algae & mold
• Check the fuel lines and gas tank for leaks

If you’re buying a used boat, find out how long it was sitting with gas in the tank. The ethanol in the gas can corrode other parts of the boat, particularly fibreglass.

 

Other Questions to Ask

Beyond an inspection to look for damage or flaws, there are other things you should ask the boat broker or owner. This will help you know what you are getting into, especially since buying a boat is a big investment.

 

Does the Boat Come With a Warranty?

New boats should always come with a warranty, just like with a car. Even used boats sometimes have a transferrable warranty.

Be sure to ask about transferrable warranties, too. This could be a benefit if you decide to sell the boat later.

 

Can I Take the Boat for a Test Drive?

Again, treat this purchase like you would a car. Take the boat out for a spin to see how it handles. How does it start? What is the acceleration like? What about the speed?

Bring your family or a friend along if they will be adventuring with you. You want to make sure everyone is happy with the purchase.

 

Get Ready For Water Adventures After Buying a Boat

Buying a boat is not something you should attempt without a plan. Take time to really think about what you want in a boat.

After that, follow these steps to make sure you get the right watercraft so you can discover boating and everything it has to offer!

Search through our inventory of new and used boats. If you’re interested in buying a used boat, check out our inventory to see what you may be interested in.