Boat Buying Guide - How To Buy A Boat - Advice, Strategy and Tips For First Boating Purchases

webhosting

Cheap Reseller Hosting

links

free hosting by fateback

hosting reseller

100WebSpace offers 100MB Web Space

HOW TO BUY A BOAT
Boat Buying Guide
Tips & Advice Especially For First Time Boat Buyers

Welcome to the How To Buy A Boat web site. Thank you for visiting. This site provides step-by-step boat buying tips and advice from a recreational boater who has been through the process of buying a first boat.

A GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS
If you're like most boat buyers, you're head is spinning. There are so many options its confusing.
Before buying I got advice from friends (which was generally good) and advice on the Internet (which was generally confusing, self-serving or contradictory.)
This is a summary of the practical lessons I learned from trying to find a decent boat at a decent price. I hope it will help you to more quickly and easily find a great boat!

Scroll down to see information on the following boat buying topics:
        Are You Really Ready To Buy?
        New or Used?
        Finance or Pay Cash?
        Choosing A Boat
        Types Of Sellers
        Buying Strategy
        Questions To Ask Sellers
        After The Purchase
        Boat Ownership Alternatives
        Additional Resources For New Boaters

ARE YOU REALLY READY TO BUY A BOAT?
Boating is a lot of fun. It can be relaxing and a great way to get away from the stress of everyday life. There are plenty of good reasons to boat. But there is another side of boating.
FACT: Most first time boat buyers sell their boat after two years. Why? They have either upgraded or (more likely) quit boating.
Boating is hard work. Boating is expensive. Boating is time consuming. Many first time boat buyers don't realize just how much time and work it is. Are you prepared to spend as many hours maintaining your boat as you do on the water? Do you want to pay the recurring monthly expenses involved in boat ownership (payment, insurance, storage, gas, mechanical maintenance?) Ask other boaters (or former boaters) about this.
Time spent boating is time (and money) away from other pursuits. Does your work and family situation allow you to spend several days each month on the water? How will you feel if your limited free time is devoted to boating and not your other interests? For instance, you rarely meet people who can both golf and boat. Do you realistically have enough time to devote to boating?
Many first time boat buyers get out of boating because they didn't fully appreciate the the time, work and expense involved. It's important that you have a realistic idea of the time and money involved in boating before you commit to your dream of buying a boat.
Now that you've assessed your life circumstance, it's time to decide some other important issues.

NEW OR USED?
If I had the money and intended to keep one boat forever, there is no question I would buy it new. However since most first time boat buyers are on a budget and wasn't quite sure if I really was passionate about owning a boat, I opted to buy used.
What really counts is being on the water. Someone who is out every weekend in his 12-footer is a great boater. The businessman who only has time to drive his 58-foot yacht twice a year isn't a boater at all.
Look around the waterways. The little boats are the ones moving. The big boats are the ones that never go anywhere. If you are busy earning money and don't have the time to use your boat, what's the point of having one?
Practically speaking, a boat can easily lose half its new value in two years. Appearance and mechanical condition will not diminish much in 24 months. Its just common sense that a used boat is a better value.
The previous owner has already fixed all the "shake down" problems that come with a new boat. They have already hassled with the dealer to get warranty service done.
Pre-owned boats generally haven't been "used" very much. Boats sit most of the time. Its not like buying a used car. You're not necessarily buying someone else's problems. Its easy to find boats with less than a couple of hundred hours of engine time. For comparisons sake, imagine how many hours are on your car's engine.
Used boats usually come with lines, life jackets, a spare prop, a VHF radio, safety equipment and other nice add-ons. New boat owners have to shell out several hundred dollars for this stuff.
Used boats already have scratches, dings and stains. You wont feel as bad when you inevitably add a few of your own.
Used boat buyers should leave an extra $1000-$2000 to outfit the boat and make repairs that aren't apparent at time of purchase.
After three years time, most first time boater buyers have upgraded to a larger boat or stopped using their first boat altogether.
Boating magazines are beholden to boat manufacturers (the magazines' major advertising customers.) They're not editorially objective. Boating magazine writers have never seen a new boat they didn't like. Magazines will always encourage you to buy new and unfairly discourage you from buying used.
Of course the wild cards with used boats are structural/mechanical condition and whether the previous owner did proper maintenance. Prior to purchase you must get a used boat surveyed (including a sea trial) to be assured that it's in reasonable condition. You must also willing to absorb mechanical repairs over time (the same is true when a new boat goes out-of-warranty.)

FINANCE OR PAY CASH?
Boating is a hobby. Unlike the roof over your head, its not worth going into debt for. This is especially true for the first time buyer who is unsure about the hobby.
It's best to scrape together your recreational dollars, sell a few things and save for awhile. Meantime, study the boat market. When you've got $5,000-$25,000 together, that's when you buy.
Don't spend all of your money just on the boat itself. At purchase time you will need enough money for a survey, taxes, registration, storage, insurance, towing insurance, gas, minor repairs and equipment.
If you must finance, use a home equity loan. At least it's tax deductible. Beware of boat show financing. Many boat show financing schemes extend the loan out 10 to 15 years. New boaters either advance or get out. I guarantee that you will not be interested in owning your first boat for 10 years.

CHOOSING A BOAT
Start by buying a copy of the Boat Trader at the local convenience story and look at the online version (http://www.boattraderonline.com) This will who you the types of boats available and what you should expect to pay.
After reading the Boat Trader, a few things will become obvious:
Boats of the same size, make and year can vary in cost by 100%.
A newer small boat costs as much as a 10-year-old bigger boat.
Some boats are not "seriously for sale." The boats may be advertised, but their owners just want to see if they can get a high price so they can purchase a different boat.
The "try" price is a gimmick. It means, "Try making an offer of this much." It does not mean that you will actually be able to buy the boat for the advertised price. I found this so offensive that I would not even call on a boat with a "try" price.
Overall, the used boat market is a wild place... with pricing that isn't necessarily logical.
Remember that boats are purpose specific. A good boat for offshore fishing may not be good in shallow inland waters. A fun ski boat may be a poor choice for cruising. A nice lake boat may not good in salt water.

The type of boat that best meets your needs:
        It is affordable (including all of the additional expenses previously mentioned.)
        It is big enough for the number of passengers you want to carry.
        It is small enough for you to handle given your current skill set.
        It has a design (draft, hull configuration, deck layout, power train) matches what you want to do with it.
        It has a design that's consistent with the water conditions in geographic areas where you plan to cruise.

Some examples of various boat types and what they are best used for:
        Center Console         Offshore ocean fishing
        Bowrider                   Water sports, fun day trips
        Cuddy Cabin             Water sports, overnight trip. Better in the rain.
        Jet Boat                     Water sports in shallow water areas
        Express Cruiser         Weekend trips, entertaining
        Deck/Pontoon Boat     Day trips for large groups/limited water sports
        Trawler                         Long distance cruising, live aboard
        Sportfish                       Serious offshore fishing and overnights
        Flats Boat                     Fishing in shallow water
        Rigid Inflatable Boat     Shallow water play and transportation

Most first time recreational boaters enjoy 18-24 foot trailerable bowriders, deck boats, cuddy cabins, walk arounds and center consoles. Determine if you want an outboard engine or an inboard/outboard drive.
Check out the waterways where you live. What type of boat is most common? The most common type will have better resale in your particular area. Conversely, less common models may be a better bargain for the buyer. If you are willing to travel a few hundred miles, you may be able to buy a boat that's popular in your area but not in the seller's area. This gives you both the price advantage and the "right model for my area" advantage.
A good way to find the right boat type is to rent several different models. Try them before you buy.

TYPES OF SELLERS
The kinds of people selling boats
Private Sellers That Want To Upgrade: These are people who have outgrown their current boats and want to buy something bigger. Generally they are knowledgeable people who take care of their boats. They are less likely to give you a good deal because they need cash for their next boat. Occasionally, the seller may have already bought their second boat and will give you a good deal just to get out from under two boats. "Upgrade sellers" are more likely to strip the boat of electronics and accessories because they need them for their next boat.

Private Sellers That Want Out: These people are generally selling their first boat because they don't use it as much as they thought. The boat may have sat for a long period of time without use. This may sound attractive, but lack-of-use is a bad thing. Boats do not sit well. Gas fouls, fuel lines and boots crack, batteries dry up, carburetors become varnished, upholstery rots and belts crack. "Getting out" sellers also may not have maintained the boat because they didn't have a passion for boating. Generally you can negotiate a very good deal with these sellers. However, be prepared to make some repairs because the boat has been sitting or routine maintenance has been differed.

Private "Forced Sales Due To Injury": Sometimes you will find an experienced boater who is selling due to a disability. These boats can come well equipped and well maintained. Many times a good price can be negotiated because the seller is in need of money. These boats sell fast.

Private Sellers That Are Not Serious: Some boats are listed by people who are not serious sellers. They're just trying to get a high price on their current boat so they can buy a lower-priced larger boat. They want to "trade up for no money." These sellers really don't care whether they sell their boat. If they can't get a high price, they'll just keep the boat and use it for a few more years. These are very frustrating sellers with which to deal.

"Take Over My Payments" Sellers: Generally these are people who are selling 1-3 year old boats. They will "give" you the boat if you will take over their payments. This may sound attractive because the remaining loan amount is about what the used boat is worth. However, once you figure in the interest it becomes a bad deal. Generally these sellers have not maintained or equipped their boats well.

Dealers: Used boat dealers probably got the boat on a trade-in or consignment. They are expert at knowing just what has to be done to make the boat attractive. Many times they do not know the boats real maintenance history. The boat may look good and run well… but it has been professionally detailed to do so. Dealers are a "middle man." They have a profit margin that must be met. They are less inclined to sell something at a favorable price to the buyer. Some boats are sold by the marinas where they were kept. These sellers can be a little better if the marina had stored and maintained the boat (and has the records to show for it.) At least they can stand by the boat's history.

Brokers: Brokers usually don't bother with smaller boats. A reputable broker can help put together high-dollar deals. In any case, they are still middlemen that factor into the seller's bottom line. They're not likely to help the buyer get the best price.

Repossessions: Like anything that's repossessed, its a safe bet that the person who used to own the boat did not take care of it. Repossessions happen to people who don't pay their bills. People who are broke cant afford mechanical maintenance.
The price will be attractive, but probably not low enough to pay for all of the differed maintenance that you will inevitably have to do. Knowing the maintenance history is key to finding a good used boat. Don't bother with repos.

Project Boats: Do not buy anything listed as a "project boat" unless you are willing to commit tremendous amounts of time, money, knowledge and heartache. Even if a boat is free, the extraordinary amount of maintenance and repair expense will have you discouraged before you ever hit the water. What you spend on repairs could easily buy a working boat. Spend time on the water, not on repairs.

BUYING STRATEGY
Techniques for finding the right boat at the best price
It's best not to "fall in love" with one particular model and year (example: 2003 22 foot Sea Ray.) Instead, select a category of boats (example: 20-24 foot cuddy cabins.) Determine all of the manufacturers that make that kind of boat. Look at a large pool of boats. Determine all the models and years that are acceptable to you.

  Use NADA to determine the average price for all of the boats in you pool of choices.

Begin to make phone calls. Have a list of questions that you ask each seller (a sample list can be found below.) Make several copies of your list, one for each boat you're are considering. This way you will be able to easily review all of the information on each boat. Use the phone to narrow your pool to a half dozen top choices.

During your calls, try to ascertain the boat's mechanical and cosmetic condition. Assess the seller. Was the boat well maintained and properly stored? Does the seller sound like he/she knows what they're doing? Are they honest? How comfortable are you dealing with this person? Do they sound passionate about boating? Do they want to quickly rush off the phone or do they take time to answer all of your questions? If your gut instinct isn't good about the owner, don't waste your time checking out his boat. Character says a lot.
When you've narrowed the field to a few top choices, go see the boat in person. Ascertain the boats condition and size up the seller. Take along an experienced boater who gives a knowledgeable second opinion.

After you see several boats that meet your needs, begin to make offers. Start the negotiations with a significantly low offer (not so low as to be insulting.) Consider an offer that is 20-40% below NADA value.   Adjust your offer based on the seller's situation (see Types Of Sellers above.) If you get a remarkable deal, go with it. If not, tell the seller that you will leave your offer on the table for a couple of days. Give the seller you name and phone number, then move on to your next choice. Make a low offer on your next choice. Continue this process for all of your choices. As time passes, sellers my reconsider your offer when they see you have options. You can always return to a seller with a better offer.
Its always a buyer's market for used boats. You owe it to yourself to get the best deal possible. Remember, you're going to have to pay to repair some hidden things after you buy the boat. Those hidden things were likely not disclosed by the seller whom you may feel bad about "low-balling." Besides, many sellers will just be happy to get rid of their boat. Use this to your advantage. Sellers may frown at your initial offer, but secretly most will be happy to have some action.

If all of your offers are rejected, you now know that none of the sellers are in a position to give you that "deal of the century" you are always hearing about. You took your shot at a remarkable deal. Now its time to get serious. Determine a "reasonable" price for your top choice and try to negotiate it with the seller. If they are stuck on an unrealistic price, walk away. Never "fall in love" with one boat. Again, keep your options open by having offers in mind for several boats.
Do not queer an otherwise solid deal over a couple of hundred dollars. If you aren't satisfied with any of the deal, walk away. You can always wait a few weeks for new boats to come on the market (they always do). Using the Internet you can also broaden your search to other cities nearby.

Money is not the only thing that can be negotiated. Consider the trailer and equipment as items to trade off during the deal making process.

Make sure the seller has clear title to the boat. All offers must be contingent on a professional survey and sea trial. A few problems are bound to surface during the survey. Negotiate these issues in good faith with the seller. If the seller gave you an outstanding purchase price, he/she may not be willing to compromise much on minor repairs. If satisfactory repairs or price adjustments cannot be agreed upon, walk away. The survey may have set you back a few hundred dollars, but buying a mechanical lemon will cost you thousands.

QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING THE FIRST PHONE CALL
Specifically what to ask a boat seller during you first phone conversation
Print one copy of this list for every boat on which you call. Make notes following the question. These notes are then easily reviewed at a later time.

Tell me about the boat:

Condition of engine and outdrive?

How was the boat used (Inshore? Offshore? Fishing? Pleasure? Freshwater? Saltwater?)

How many hours on the engine/outdrive?

Has the boat ever sat unused for any length of time?

What repairs have been done?

What things require repair or maintenance right now?

How was the boat maintained? Do you have all of the maintenance records?

Condition of deck, upholstery and interior?

How is the hull and exterior cosmetics?

Are there any blisters or dry rot?

Does it include a trailer (condition of trailer)?

Is it all original fiberglass and graphics?

Has the boat ever been left in the water on a regular basis? (stored at a marina, dock or at anchor?)

Does it have bottom paint?

How has the boat been stored?

Why are you getting rid of it?

Has the boat ever been in an accident?

Why kind of canvass does it have?

What types of electronics does it have?

What other accessories are included?

Do you have clear title to the boat?

Are you the boat’s only owner or are there partners?

Has the boat ever been safety inspected? If so, when?

What else would you like me to know about the boat?

Note name of person that is speaking with you and the date:

AFTER THE PURCHASE
> Celebrate with family and friends. You just got a boat!
> Complete all repairs indicated in the survey.
> Regardless of condition, immediately do a round of annual mechanical maintenance. This way you know all of the critical systems are working and ready. This maintenance would include changing the engine oil, engine oil filter, lower unit oil, fuel filter, water separator, cooling system impeller, changing the spark plugs, changing belts, lubrication of all greased fittings and cleaning/adjusting the carburetor. On the trailer, repack the bearings and check the brake fluid.
> Register and re-title the boat/trailer. Pay sales taxes. Apply up-to-date registration sticker.
> Have a safety inspection done by the local U.S. Power Squadrons or Coast Guard Auxiliary. Display the inspection sticker on the port side window.
> If your boat has a trailer, practice maneuvering and backing up in an empty parking lot. This can be tricky at first!
> Your first trip on the water should be with an experienced boater. Have them show you how to turn in tight spaces, dock and trailer the boat. Spend a few hours at the helm getting to know the boat. Practice docking in different currents. Get comfortable enough with the boat so you can confidently take others out.
> Your second or third trip out can be with family and friends.
> Plan to run your boat at least once every two weeks. The best maintenance plan includes running your boat on a regular basis.
> Write a boat operations checklist and use it each time you go out. Click here for a sample checklist.
> Purchase an engine manual for your specific engine (available at boating stores.) It will show you where everything is located and how to maintain your engine properly. Keep the manual aboard your boat in case of emergency.
> Purchase the latest edition of the reference book "Chapman Piloting and Small Boat Handling." It's excellent! It will tell you everything you need to know about operating our boat. Chapman Piloting is the "boater's bible" and has been a favorite for decades. It looks like a text book and is available at boating stores.
> Consider continuing your boating education through the series of boating courses offered through your local United States Sail and Power Squadrons chapter. They offer great courses on maintenance, navigation and boat handling.
> Remember that you are likely to use your boat a lot during the first couple of months that you have it (the boating "honeymoon period.") It is normal to boat less frequently when the excitement of the new purchase has worn off.
> It will take a long time for your boating skills to become second nature, but they will. Give yourself some slack during the learning process. You're going to make mistakes... it's normal.

BOAT OWNERSHIP ALTERNATIVES
There are some alternatives to owning a boat on your own. You can find a partner to share the purchase and upkeep costs. You can rent boats or join boat clubs that give you access to several different types of boats.
If all you do is want to get out on the water... kayaks, canoes and small sail boats provide an efficient way to do it. These watercraft are cheap to buy.   They cost almost nothing to transport, store and maintain. They can get you to a favorite fishing spot, sandbar, beach, campsite, waterside restaurant or boater hangout. Once you've arrived, who cares what kind of boat brought you there? All that matters is being on the water. Small boats such as these provide a way to enjoy the water without the commitment and expense of larger boats.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR NEW BOATERS
Why Boat?
Boat Operating Checklist
Boat Ramp Etiquette
Boat Maintenance Tips
Boat Trailer Maintenance
Boat Trailer Checklist
Tips For Handling Boat Wakes
Best Online Boating Stores
How To Be A Good Boat Guest

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I started boating with no previous experience whatsoever. I had to learn everything from scratch. This page is a summary of what I learned actually buying my first boat. I hope this page is useful to you... and that it helps you avoid some of the mistakes made by rookie buyers (like me when I started!)
Best of luck with your boating experiences. There's nothing like being on the water!

CONTACT
   Click here if you would like to contact the webmaster of this site.

Thank you for visiting How To Buy A Boat.

NEXT:
Top Boating Links

Return To Palm Beach Boating Guide

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

Disney World: Tips From A Season Pass Holder

Disney's Magic Kingdom Virtual Tour

Disney-MGM Studios Virtual Tour

Cruise Ship Vacation Tips

Moving To Florida Tips

Boating Guide: West Palm Beach Area

Kayaking & Canoeing Guide: West Palm Beach Area

Palm Beach Princess Casino Cruise Ship

Biking & Running Trails: South Florida Info

Kings Dominion, Virginia: Unofficial Guide

Jury Duty Excuses & Advice

Job Searching: The Quick Start Guide

Old Computer Central: Uses For Your Old PC

How To Improve Your Life With God's Help

Site Links

SEARCH: Google Yahoo Lycos MSN AltaVista All The Web AOL HotBot ODP Zeal Vivisimo SurfWax MetaCrawler Dogpile Ixquick

NOTICES: This web site and all of its contents are copyrighted. All rights are reserved by the author. This content may not be modified, copied, "mirrored", used, displayed, electronically stored or distributed in any way except with the written permission of the author. The author may discuss arrangements allowing use of the material, but there must be a written agreement in place prior to any outside use. To use this material, please contact the author by clicking here. Linking to this site is encouraged. You may provide links from your site without prior permission. Permission is NOT granted for direct linking of images only (a practice known as hot linking). Information on this web site is provided on an as-is basis with no warranty regarding accuracy or suitability for a specific purpose. No guarantees or warranties of any kind are make with respect to any information contained on this web site. Access to this web site by you, the user, constitutes your understanding, acceptance of and agreement to the terms outlined above. The information contained on this web site is subject to change without notice at any time at the sole discretion of the author.