What to Know When Buying Your First Boat

If you’re planning on buying a boat, it pays to do your research. Boats are one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make, after your house and maybe your car. Be sure you know exactly what you want before committing, and don’t forget to shop around for different types of boats to see which one best fits your needs. A Gulf Coast marine center can help you learn everything you need to know about boating, as well as individual boats that you’re considering.

Types of Boats

There are a wide variety of boats, and the type you choose will depend on how much time you plan on spending on the water and what you want your boat to do. Small boats like bowriders and fishing boats are appropriate if you only want to take your boat out for a few hours at a time and don’t plan on hosting many guests.

Larger boats like yachts are good choices if you plan on taking longer trips with more people. There are also larger fishing boats that can take you and your friends on overnight fishing adventures. These sorts of boats come with more amenities, like cabins and toilets, but they are also more complicated and may take longer to learn how to operate.

Choosing the Size of Your Boat

In general, it’s a good idea to start small with your first boat. Look for a boat that’s less than 25 feet long—it will be simpler to operate and you’ll be able to move it around easily. Larger boats are more difficult to store and transport, so you will need to make special arrangements to take care of them when you’re not on the water. Make sure your boat is big enough for any guests you plan on bringing on board; the maximum occupancy should be clearly listed on the boat. This goes especially for small boats under 20 feet long, which easily capsize when overloaded.

Take a Test Drive

Once you have selected a few possibilities, it’s time to start taking boats out on the water for a spin. Some of the things you’ll want to look for are:

• Maneuverability
• Ease of operation
• Smooth running (no strange noises or vibrations)
• Noise level
• Ability to get up to speed

Try out all its special features and learn how to locate important parts like the engine. Since this is your first boat, it may be a good idea to bring along a more experienced friend to help you make sure the boat will fit your needs.

Learn More about Your Boat

Just like you took a course to learn how to drive a car, it’s a good idea to do the same for your new boat. This will help reduce your chances of getting stranded or lost while you’re out on the water, and will help you get the most enjoyment from your boat. Look online or ask local boating experts for advice on where to learn more about your new boat.

Storing and Transporting Your Boat

Finally, once you’ve selected a boat, you’ll need to make plans for when it isn’t in use. You will need a permit to tow boats over a certain size, although smaller boats fit easily onto a trailer and should be fairly easy to handle. You may also choose to store your boat at a Gulf Coast marine center if you don’t have enough room at home or don’t want to bother with the hassle of towing your boat. Short-term storage options include keeping your boat in the water at the dock or marina, or having it lifted on a rack nearby. For long-term storage, you will want to look into dry storage. Indoor storage is the best way to protect your investment for long periods of time.