Important Tips for First-Time Boat Buyers

Our Boat-Buying Checklist

It goes without saying that buying a boat is a significant investment, and there are several important decisions to make before you start the boat-buying process. From choosing the right type of boat for your needs to weighing the benefits of getting a new vs used boat, there are many practical and financial questions you need to ask yourself to ensure your purchase meets your specific requirements. These include:

• What boating experience do you have?

Whether you are planning on taking your family on a water sports vacation or hosting friends on an extravagant excursion, it is easy to get swept up in the excitement of the boat-buying process and forget to consider the safety of yourself and everyone else on board. Unlike passing your driving test, there is no practical element to getting your boating license, putting some novice boaters at the helm with little to no experience.

Being realistic about your piloting ability is crucial when you are buying a boat for the first time, as without prior knowledge of its specifications, operation, and safety protocols, you could put yourself and your passengers at risk. If you have limited experience piloting boats, you might benefit from taking one of the boat safety programs offered by the Boat US Foundation. 

• What type of boat do you need?

While it is important to choose a boat that you will be confident piloting, you need to give equal consideration to how you intend to use it. Depending on the size of your family or the number of friends you hope to host on board, you will need to ensure the boat has adequate seating and special features to facilitate your chosen recreational activities, such as Bimini tops and wakeboard towers.

Furthermore, it is imperative that you have enough storage space to accommodate your boat when it is not on the water; otherwise, you may be forced to leave your vessel at the mercy of the elements, vandals, or thieves.

• What is your budget for buying a boat?
  

With prices ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands, establishing a budget at the start of the boat-buying process is an effective way to focus your search, while incentivizing you to scrutinize the boats that are in your price range. Once you are more familiar with the type of new and used boats that are within budget, you will be better equipped to find the best possible deal, as well as more discerning about prices that seem too good to be true.

• Where should you buy your boat?
  

When you are buying a boat online, you have to be certain that you are making your purchase from a reputable site. Browsing listings on generic sites with an unverified user base makes it more difficult to determine the history of the boat you are interested in buying, increasing the risk that you buy a damaged or stolen vessel. Community sites provide more security for first-time boat buyers, as their members can review and verify one another’s trustworthiness. 

• Should you buy a new or used boat?
  

Buying a boat straight from the manufacturer comes at a much higher price point than investing in a used model, though they are much less likely to display any weathering or technical issues after purchase. Depending on the engine hours and the number of previous owners, used boats can look and function as good as new, but it is crucial that you ask the dealer detailed questions before proceeding with your purchase. From how the boat handles the water, to the type of water it has previously been used in, to the recreational water sports it was used for, it is in your best interest to get as much information as you can about the performance and history of your chosen boat.

OnlyInboards is proud to host the largest community of inboard boating enthusiasts on the internet, allowing experienced and first-time boat buyers to exchange vessels as well as insights on their shared pastime. For more information about how to choose a boat from our broad selection, or for guidance on how to list your own new or used boat, contact us today and a member of our admin team would be happy to instruct you.