There is nothing quite like the thrill of buying your first boat - or even your second. From the consideration of so many options to dreams about all the water-bound adventures in your future, buying a boat can be an unforgettable memory.
Paying attention to some key factors can ensure that memory is a good one, not a bad one.
Boat & RV Accessories can help you consider these critical things when buying a boat.
Unlike a car, purchasing a boat involves thinking and planning for many different aspects, from storage to maintenance and licensing to insuring. If you have bought a boat before, you already know that previous experience goes only so far - you may be swamped with questions.
Whether this is your first boat or next boat, or you are buying a new or used watercraft, we've put together a list of important aspects you should think about.
- Location
America is filled with different types of waterways, from rivers and creeks to lakes and bays, all the way to mighty oceans. Each one of those bodies of water has different characteristics and qualities that your boat must account for. So where do you want to go? Answering that question alone will help you determine what kind, and how much, of a boat you should get.
- Purpose
What do you want to do when you finally get on the water? That question will also tell you what kind of boat to get. If you want to host family gatherings on the lake, for instance, a kayak is a bad fit for you. Think about how much fishing, cruising, water skiing, diving or other activities you'll do.
Pictured: Windstorm by Eevelle, 29' Long
- Storage and travel
How will you store this boat and get it to the water? Or will it stay there permanently? The answer to that question will tell you about either equipment or docking you'll need to pay for.
- New or used
Have you found a bargain of a used craft? Or are you ready to invest in a brand-new boat? The answer to that question will tell you much about your anticipated costs. If used, inspections are absolutely critical for buyers - especially if there is no warranty involved.
- Insurance, licensing and taxes
Can you afford the legal upkeep costs? Boats usually trigger property taxes and licensing fees, and they require insurance. Ensure that you can afford all those extra costs.
- Regular upkeep
While we're talking about costs, be prepared to save up for taking care of your boat. A little foresight goes a long way, but the costs of that preemptive upkeep may not be very little. A lot of water-wise boaters suggest that owners should prepare to spend about 10% of their boat's purchase price annually on replacement parts and similar boat care.
This is just the surface of things to consider. At Boat & RV Accessories, we make those costs easier to handle by offering outstanding prices on replacement parts, components and other accessories. We can help you find things to get the most out of your new boat, and save money for your next grand adventure.