Essential Boat Buying Checklist


The key to getting out on the open sea and creating memories that will last a lifetime is doing the work upfront so that you are getting in the best boat for your unique situation. If you take the time now to carefully go over this essential list for beginning boaters, brought to us by the professional over at Boatmo.com, you will find that each time you hit the high seas is better than the time before.

Find a Boat1. Be sure that you get out and test drive the boat you are going to buy. Don’t take the word of the salesman or previous owner, you have to make absolutely certain you feel right behind the wheel from day one or each day after will be a living nightmare.

2. Make sure that if you are buying a new boat that you speak with the salesman about the warranty. be sure they go over all the details so you know exactly what is and what is not covered when you have an issue with the boat.

3. Consider getting a used boat if you are only shopping new. There are plenty of boat owners trying to sell a boat they bought this year, and you could really score some upgrades, accessories, and even a trailer they bought when they jumped in too fast.

4. Get yourself to a safety training class before your fist time out on the water. A rogue wave or fast moving storm could not only put you off course, it could capsize your vessel and put you and your passengers in grave danger.

5. Take a drive to the local marina and find out if they have room available and what it would cost to rent a space for your boat. Be sure you take into account what the cost would be versus buying a trailer to get your boat home each day instead.

6. Take into account all the added costs associated with owning a new boat. Besides the cost of the boat, you have to figure into the equation the insurance, license, fuel, maintenance, storage, repairs, permits, and all the gear you will need on board.

7. Go to boating school. Just like driving a car, there are rules that need to be followed when driving a boat, and if you are not aware of the signs on the water, you could run aground and tear up the bottom of your boat on the first trip out to see with your family and friends.

Once you complete the checklist, you can grab your keys and start making memories that will last forever.