Owning a boat is one of life’s many pleasures—but the decision to buy a boat should not be taken lightly. Many owners have rushed into a purchase and were unprepared for all the details of ownership. Fortunately, you can make the right choice by reviewing these things to consider before buying a craft.
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Do You Have Time to go Boating?
There are a lot of details that go into owning a boat, but the most important is also the simplest—do you have time? If you are a busy professional with an active family and numerous responsibilities, it can be hard to find time for boating. Consider some of the hobbies you’ve had in the past. Were they neglected because you couldn’t find the time? If that’s the case, it may be hard to find time for boating, hence such a large purchase may not be worth it.
Does Your Family Enjoy Boating?
If you have a family, what are their hobbies and activities? The last time your family went on a boat, did they enjoy it? Did your spouse, partner, or children seem interested in buying a boat for the family? If there was lots of excitement for boating, then you will be more likely to enjoy owning your own craft. Boating is a great family activity, and it can bring everyone together for a full day of fishing, skiing, and cruising the waters.
Is the Water Near Your Home?
If you have to drive two hours to reach a good body of water, there is a strong chance that you will not go boating nearly as often as you prefer. However, if you can keep the boat at a marina that is only ten minutes from your house, you could go out on a weekday afternoon. The closer you can be, the more use and enjoyment you will get from your boat.
How Much Boating Experience Do You Have?
You don’t have to be an experienced sailor to own a boat. However, the more experience you have with boating, the better. If you only rented a boat on your last vacation, but have no other experience, perhaps it would be best to continue renting for a while. As you gain experience, you can build confidence and eventually purchase the right vessel for your needs.
Will the Added Costs Hurt My Finances?
There are lots of additional expenses associated with owning a boat. There will be maintenance and repairs, fuel and oil, lifejackets and throwables, rods and reels, and much more. In additions to the cost of the boat itself, these expenses can easily go into the tens of thousands of dollars every year. Make sure you are prepared for these expenses before buying.
Can You Store the Boat Nearby?
This aspect of boat ownership is all too often neglected. Where will the boat be stored? At a marina? In your garage? In a storage facility? Decide on storage and research prices before you purchase a boat.
Purchase the Perfect Vessel
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