So, you want to buy a boat?

Buying a Boat?

Perhaps you were on vacation at the lake or beach ~ and there she was, the most beautiful thing in the world! A sailboat floating by or that motor yacht that looked so sexy. Maybe it was just a little fishing boat made of aluminum that struck a chord in your gotta have brain cell. Whatever the reason for the desire, before you go out on the hunt for that perfect Trawler, I've got a few insights and tips for you.

1. Are you rich or just crazy? Boats cost money. Lots of money. I don't care what brand, size, make or model ~ sail or power ~ somewhere down the line something will need fixing or replacing. Keep that in mind and then budget for it. Remember: the bigger the boat, the bigger your budget needs to be.
2. Mechanical ability helps!  Most boats (yes, even sailboats unless you are talking about a 'toy') have motors. Motors need parts. Parts break. But it's not just motors that go ker-plunk. If the boat you choose is a live-aboard, which of course, means that you and your honey or the whole family (depending on the boats size or your relationship with Uncle Jack) can sleep over. This type of boat can make for a great vacation get-away, like a condo on the water, without the taxes or the lawn to mow, but with all the niceties, also comes the headaches. Toilet? I mean head, today's vacuum-flushes are wonderful, but they clog too! Not to mention the pump out it'll need every other week. Having the ability to fix engines, generators, refrigerators, lighting fixtures, windows and toilets is a big plus for the potential boat owner. Remember: Boats have everything that a car and a house have, plus 20% more!
3. Got gas? I am referring to the petrol kind here folks ;) because you will need it! If you are complaining about gas prices now for your mini-van or even to heat your home, then you don't even want to know that gas on the water is even more expensive! (Sorry, but someone had to break the news)... but hey, who wants to sit at the dock everyday? Not you! So, budget for that.
4. Dock Fees. Well, I suppose you can avoid these if you trailer your boat to the water. However, if you are that must mean that a) you live nearby; or b) you own waterfront property. Yet, for most boat owners of the larger variety, their boats are kept at a marina all year and, for good reason too! Once the season starts they can just go to the marina, hop on their boat and take off! Or, if it is a live-aboard, they arrive at their vacation "home" and can relax or take off! The marina will also store and winterize your boat when the season is over. What that means is peace of mind. All this good life for a pretty reasonable cost which can vary depending on where you dock your boat. Still, it is much cheaper than owning or renting a house for the season.
5. Insurance Costs? Funny thing about this is that I just read an article debating insurance costs for boats. Tsk-tsk on that writer! Insurance on boats is mandatory. Just like homeowners insurance is required for your house, so it is with boats. What's covered? Pretty much everything from fire, towing, collision, sinking (oy-vey!)... it is full-coverage. One plus is that your boat insurance can be eligible for discounts if you have taken any safety or navigational courses.
6. Which way is Port? Which brings me to the notion that if you don't know the answer to that question, and many more, you need to take a safety course. Don't get a captains license! It's too costly and not necessary. Captain's licenses are for those who drive boats commercially. Let's just handle one dream at a time here, okay?
7. Gas or Diesel? Who cares?? I care. Why, because the cost of your boat, not to mention the maintenance on those motors is gonna cost you depending on that decision. I vote for gas for a number of reasons, but cost is the main one. If you are not sure, research both. However, if your wallet and taste are super-size and you want a boat, I mean Yacht to go with it, then you'll be a diesel man. Rigs that are 50 foot + are always diesel.
8. Fresh or Salt? Where are you going to boat at? The waters that are boat are put in (or in the case of a used boat, been in) are an important factor. Salt water boats take a beating. Their bottoms need to be cleaned off practically all the time- even if just sitting in water- from barnacles and other odd creatures. Salt does a number on boats, not just outside, but inside as well. Corrosion is not pretty. But, if you love the ocean, then it doesn't matter. You'll just have to deal with it. Fresh water boats stay clean. Period. You can have the same boat, make, model and year and the fresh water boat is going to look and act like new. Its paint will be fine, its bottom bright... just saying. The Great Lakes are a good place for east coasters to boat in BIG waters and still keep it fresh.

You may look at 159 boats before you ever buy. That is good. Shop around, learn, research and then think about it. Owning a boat is a huge commitment. The larger the vessel, the larger the commitment. Take your time. Look at used boats and read, read, read!! Good luck ~ see ya on the water!