Buying a boat for the first time can one of the most exciting things
you’ll ever do. Whether you’re looking for something perfect for fishing
or you’re looking for a luxury yacht to take you around the world, the
excitement has more to do with the time you’ll spend on the water than
how much you’ll spend.
However, even if you’re buying a boat that won’t break the bank, you still need to be smart with your money. If you’re like most people, you only have a certain amount of money to devote to your boat, and anything more than that will just be impossible.
Use this guide to help you get the best boat you can for the money. Whether you’re looking for something under $5,000 or something under $500,000 the principles are more or less the same.
Determine Needs
Before you can really start shopping for a boat, you need to figure out exactly what you’re going to be using it for. Will you be boating on a lake over the weekend with your family? Do you need a boat for fishing? Are you looking for a boat that will be safe out on the ocean?
Most people don’t realize that there are so many different types of boats out there, even among those in the same class. Determine capacity needs and how you plan on using your boat before you even begin the shopping process.
What’s Your Budget?
Buying a boat can be exciting, but you need to consult your budget. For the most part, you can spend about 90% of your budget on the initial boat costs if it is good shape.
Reserve the remaining 10% for repairs and maintenance.
Consider Repairs
A lot of people assume that when they buy their first boat that it will be in prefect shape. While that’s certainly possible, individuals on a budget may find it more feasible to buy a boat that needs minor repairs. This is especially true if the owner can do the work without the help of a professional.
When you’re buying a boat, you need to consider the cost of replacement marine parts for that model as well. Not all boats are cheap or easy to maintain, so what you thought was a great deal could turn into a nightmare down the road.
However, even if you’re buying a boat that won’t break the bank, you still need to be smart with your money. If you’re like most people, you only have a certain amount of money to devote to your boat, and anything more than that will just be impossible.
Use this guide to help you get the best boat you can for the money. Whether you’re looking for something under $5,000 or something under $500,000 the principles are more or less the same.
Determine Needs
Before you can really start shopping for a boat, you need to figure out exactly what you’re going to be using it for. Will you be boating on a lake over the weekend with your family? Do you need a boat for fishing? Are you looking for a boat that will be safe out on the ocean?
Most people don’t realize that there are so many different types of boats out there, even among those in the same class. Determine capacity needs and how you plan on using your boat before you even begin the shopping process.
What’s Your Budget?
Buying a boat can be exciting, but you need to consult your budget. For the most part, you can spend about 90% of your budget on the initial boat costs if it is good shape.
Reserve the remaining 10% for repairs and maintenance.
Consider Repairs
A lot of people assume that when they buy their first boat that it will be in prefect shape. While that’s certainly possible, individuals on a budget may find it more feasible to buy a boat that needs minor repairs. This is especially true if the owner can do the work without the help of a professional.
When you’re buying a boat, you need to consider the cost of replacement marine parts for that model as well. Not all boats are cheap or easy to maintain, so what you thought was a great deal could turn into a nightmare down the road.
