How To Buy A Boat
For you, the open sea is the best place on earth. You like sailing and cruising so much that you’ve decided to get a good boat that you can be proud of as you journey out into the vast ocean. It’s not that simple, though: buying a boat is not too different from buying a car. You have to consider various aspects before getting a reliable watercraft. Here are some tips to remember when buying a boat.
Determine What Boat You Need/Want
You’ll be surprised at the numerous kinds of boats available today. When you get one, you have to make sure it fits whatever type of sea maneuvering you’re planning to do. Will you need a fishing boat for fishing or a sailboat for sailing? Do you want a yacht?
You also have to think about other considerations, like in what climate you’re planning to do your sailing. If you live in a place with a colder climate, boating season is pretty short, and if you want to prolong it, you must have a boat that’s got ample protection from the elements. If you’re in a hotter area, an open boat is a better choice.
Water conditions also matter when buying a boat. If you’re using it on a sheltered and small body of water, a boat that doesn’t have as much deadrise and freeboard is great. If it’s for the ocean or sea, a tougher boat is ideal, since you have to go through rougher conditions and big waves.
Search And Research
You can find numerous boats for sale over the Internet. Browse sites that offer categories on boats, and run a search on them. Advertisements in newspapers or magazines also feature boats that are for sale. Check these out as well. Don’t just settle on the first boat you use: study your options, and see which ones fit your taste. Find at least two to three choices, then narrow them down until you pick just one.
One tip: although you’ll see photos of the boat you like, it’s still better if you drive down and check them out personally, before making the purchase final. The photos owners put up can sometimes be deceiving.
Another important part of researching is finding out if the owner is credible. As if you can see the seller’s proof of ownership before buying the machine. If the price is very low, and the owner is hesitant to show the ownership documents, you should suspect that the boat is stolen.
New Or Used?
This is another factor you must remember when buying a good boat. New boats are great and well-equipped, of course, but remember that they can be pricey. A used boat might cost less, but you’ll have to spend cash on upgrades or repairs. Also, used boats, although weathered, have proven their reliability and performance, while new boats just offer a full warranty.
If it’s a new boat you’re seeking, the go to boat shows to evaluate your options. July, the end of the model year, is the best time to buy, since dealers are clearing out their old inventory.
Check The Boat Engine
You must make sure the boat engine is in a good condition before you close the deal. If it’s a used boat, the engine maintenance you need to do must not be so overwhelming, or you’ll only spend more money than you should have. Here are the things you should check:
Check the oil level and condition of the engine
If the bilge has oil, it might indicate a gas leak
Are the fittings, hoses and belts brittled or cracked?
Check its gearcase oil
Compression check the boat engine
Check for lubricant leakage around the hoses, gaskets and freeze plugs
Check for signs that the propeller, drive or rudder hit submerged areas
See if there are broken engine mounts
Examine if a spark plug is poorly gapped, burnt or relatively new
See if the sacrificial anodes are in tiptop shape
Check the propeller for cavitation damage
Other Things To Check
These are other things you must check before buying a boat:
Hardware and the backing plate’s condition
Throttle cables and controls, as well as the steering
Electrical connections
Sails and rigging
Systems including lights, bilge pump, winches, blower, gallery stove, freshwater sink, air conditioner, heater, head, and generator
Close and open hatches
Fuel tanks, lines and fittings
Cabin and upholstery condition
Batteries
Rudder shock and propeller shaft
Through-hull fittings
Closing The Deal
If you’re ready to buy the boat, there’s now one thing left to do: settle on a price. You have to coordinate with the owner or the seller and strike a mutual deal. Make sure you educate yourself on the value of a boat first, since there are sometimes sellers that expect a better price than its actual value. To learn about boat prices, check out “blue books”, which contain pricing guides of various nautical vehicles. Some sites also offer information regarding boat prices. Agree with the seller on a price, then ask him to prepare the necessary documents.
Just like sailing into the open sea, buying a boat is an adventure. You might encounter a rough waters along the way, but once you get through, you’ll be grateful for what you get in return. Keep these tips in mind when purchasing your dream boat.