Go boating with some friends several times. Make sure the activity really fits your interests.
Be aware of the true cost and time commitments of being a boater. The old joke about a boat being a hole in the water you pour money into may not be far off at times, and yet a boat can provide great recreational and learning experiences for you, your family and friends. We just ask that you do some serious looking at original cost, insurance, interest, fuel and oil, trailer, storage, repairs, setting up a tow vehicle, lodging, weekend food, extra fishing gear, skis, life jackets, licenses and permits, maintenance, etc. Also realize the time required to round up the gear, get to the water, participate in water activities, get back home, unpack, and service the boat. Millions of people do this and couldn’t enjoy it more. We only suggest you consider it before you plunge in. Relatively new developments in engine efficiencies, sport jet boats and inflatable boats are making boating both easier and more economical. Also, many moving up from PWC’s already have a pretty good idea of what the boating experience will be.
Decide what your main boating activities will be and how many people will be in the boat. Will you be fishing, skiing, tubing, cruising? Do you plan on trailering your boat?
The importance of a good dealer — We encourage new boaters to “buy a dealer” instead of buying a boat. Many first timers buy a used boat from the want ads but we strongly discourage that unless they have grown up in a boating family and already have a lot of boating experience. They lose the safety net a good dealer provides. Ask around, shop around, and visit with other boaters and dealers in your area to find a reputable, honest, dealer that provides good service for a good price. You will still need to have access to a parts dealer.
Don’t buy too much boat your first time. Get a small, economical, sound, easy to get around, easy to handle boat you can learn in that doesn’t cost a fortune and that doesn’t go 75 miles an hour or eat gas like a rocket ship. You won’t be so sad when you crash it into the dock a few times and scratch it up trying to learn how to get in on a trailer on a windy day. Your whole family can learn on it and you might even keep it on as a second boat for the kids if you “move up” later. Your dealer might have a nice used boat that still has some warranty and is in excellent shape that could make you a nice first boat. Big boats are more difficult to handle and more costly to operate. Your dealer can help you find an appropriate sized first boat.
Beware of instant low dollar deals you have to take “right now”. Good, well established firms want to sell you a boat, but they want to sell you the one you need. Firms struggling for dollars sometimes resort to “must buy now” offers. Shop around and think about your potential purchase for a while. Don’t make spur of the moment decisions.
Asking Price vs. Selling Price — Just like cars, most boats sell for less than the asking price. Learn the approximate value of the boat from the guides and comparison shopping, then be prepared to deal. n