Everything You Need To Know About Buying A Boat

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Buying a boat is an exciting experience for anyone, but you need to do it properly in order to select the right vessel and start your new boating adventure as you mean to go on. Read on to find out everything you need to know about buying yourself the perfect boat.

Write Down What You Want From Your Boat

The first thing you need to take into account is your needs. You might want to live on a boat, or you might want it for weekends, so it’s important that you take this into account as it will affect the type of vessel you need. You also need to think about where you want to sail your boat. Some vessels are made for the sea, others for rivers, and there are even some that can operate on both types of water. It’s important that you know exactly what you want from your boat before you go looking, so take the time to write out a list of what you want before you go boat shopping.

Consider The Type Of Vessel You Need

Now that you know what you want from your boat, you can research the type of vessel that will best suit you. There are many different types of boat, within which there are various additional subcategories, meaning that you will have plenty of choice. Take the time to consider everything you want to do on your boat, how large you need it to be and where you want to sail it so that you know you’ve made the right choice and selected the type of boat that you’ll be able to make great memories on.

Set A Budget

Having researched the types of boat on the market, you should be able to get a rough estimate of how much they cost. Now you need to think about whether or not you have the money for your perfect boat or if you should consider waiting. Remember that there’s much more than just the initial cost of buying the boat to think of: you’ll also have mooring fees, insurance, maintenance and running costs to consider. A boat is a big investment, so make sure that you will have the money to enjoy your boat throughout the coming years.

Explore Finance Options

Should you realise that you might not have the money to buy your boat outright, then explore the financing options available to see if you’re able to access them. Essentially, a boat loan is like a mortgage or a car loan, so if you’re planning on living on your vessel, using it for long periods of time or even setting up a touring or fishing business with it, then a loan could be a great way for you to spread the cost of your boat. If the boat is being used for leisure activities, then think hard about whether it’s worth taking out a loan for it or simply waiting until your finances are better before you invest in a boat.

Search For Your Perfect Boat

When you’ve got an idea of what kind of boat you want to buy and how you’re going to finance it, you can finally start your search. Remember that the seller needs to provide valid proof of ownership, whether you’re buying a new or second-hand boat. Visit multiple boats and examine them to make sure that you find the best vessel to suit your purpose.

Take A Trial To See How The Boat Handles

Where possible, take your boat out on a trial run to see how it handles, much in the same way you would test drive a new car. Go out with the owner and talk with them about the way the boat behaves and the experiences they’ve had in it during their time owning it. You should also ask why they’re selling the boat and see how much work and upkeep it will require.

Have A Surveyor Examine The Boat

Before you commit to buying a boat, get a specialist boat surveyor to look it over and point out any problems and issues that may need fixing. This will ensure that you can buy your boat safe in the knowledge that you know what condition it is in and are prepared for what lies ahead.

Make Sure You Have All The Documentation You Need

There are a number of documents you need when you buy a boat, including insurance and registration, so make sure you know exactly what you need and have everything. Take the time to learn exactly what you need so that you will be prepared for when you have your boat and can enjoy it safely for years to come.

By following these tips, you can find your perfect boat that will bring you joy and many years of water-dwelling enjoyment.