How to Buy a Boat

Tips for buying a boat

1. You should begin your research into finding a boat that’s right for you by talking with other boat owners about their boats. See which directions they can point you in, and ask for advice on things to look for when inspecting a boat and arranging to finance one. Also consult boating magazines for reviews of boats, as well as web sites devoted to boating.
2. Find out when a boat show is coming to your town or a town nearby. This is without a doubt the best way to see a wide range of different boats up close and in person. Many boat owners have walked away from boat shows knowing which kind of boat they want to purchase after perusing the selection on the floor.
3. Examine your finances to determine just how much you can afford to spend on a boat. Allot a specific amount to spend, then begin shopping in earnest.
4. After you’ve decided what you want, its time to consult a dealer that deals in selling the kind of boat you want. Talk to him/her about your needs, how often you think you’ll be using the boat and the reputation and performance of boat manufacturers who craft the type of boat you’re after.
5. Hash out a deal with your boat dealer about the price of your boat. Arrange payment schedules if the entire price cannot be covered up front (in most cases, it can’t). Be sure to read all the fine print in the deal before signing. Also inquire about the delivery of the boat—production on boats can sometimes be slow, and because of this, deliveries can sometimes take quite a while.

Caution

Keep in mind that your expenses won’t stop when you purchase the boat. You will also have boating equipment to purchase, (life preservers, etc) and in many cases, docking fees for when you’re not using your boat.

Where to buy a boat

Check out the below online classifieds for sales of both new and used boats.

boats.com is perhaps the most popular place online for perusing new and used boat advertisements. You can search for a specific type of boat for sale by make, brand and length, or check out links to dealers and builders.

American Boat Listing allows users to find new and used boats for sale by owners. Browse listings for house, power, sail and deck boats. You can also search the listings by boat manufacturer, size, location, boat type and age.

Boat Trader Online offers boat lovers the chance to peruse or search their listings of over 100,000 boats for sale. Look for new and used boats by such search criteria as price range, manufacturer and location.