With around 71 per cent of the Earth’s surface covered in water, it’s no wonder many people long to buy a boat – after all having your first boat, a sea cruising, wave hopping, crest riding machine will allow you to not only see much more of the planet but to visit places that are simply not accessible by bike, train or car. The idea of sailing out into the ocean is certainly an attractive thought for many but if you’re ready to take the plunge what do you need to know?
Here’s a quick guide on how to buy your first boat:
Find a boat to suit your needs
Before you buy marine paints from Rawlins or dream up the perfect name for your new investment, it’s essential to think carefully about what boat you want to buy. While some people require something that’s simple to handle allowing them to island hop with ease, others are looking to enter recreational racing competitions and try their hand at high-performance boating. Many buyers also want to purchase a boat for camaraderie and are in need of something that won’t look out of place in yacht clubs, cruising clubs or fishing tournaments. It’s completely up to you what you go for, but whatever you buy should reflect your lifestyle choice.
Don’t know much about boats but still want one? Well, then it’s important to know that there are three main types of boating activities: cruising, fishing and watersports. While many boats can be used for two or even all three of these activities some boats are more suitable for specific tasks, for example, a Bowrider is perfect for cruising and entertaining guests whereas a Bass boat has a larger decking area suitable for fishing. Still confused? Then why not head to one of the many boat shows dotted around the country? You’ll find out more via the British Marine Federation website.
Think about the size
As a first-time buyer it can be tempting to go for the biggest boat around, but this is not always wise. Sure you might have seen videos of the largest yachts in the world gliding elegantly over the sea, but big boats often come with advanced, often complicated, systems which are suited to experienced boaters and might scare/confuse people new to hitting the seas. With this in mind it’s probably best to choose something no bigger than 22-24 feet so long as it can carry all the passengers and gear you plan to bring on board. Even if you’re eager to upgrade quickly, getting started with something small is definitely the way to go as you can always sell up once you’ve gained more experience.
New v used
New boats can be expensive to buy but they should also be problem free. Used boats might have a few issues here and there but look carefully and you’re likely to get a great deal on a very respectable model. As with any purchase it’s all about assessing the market and taking your time to choose something appropriate. Before buying a used boat, always get a marine surveyor to give it a once over. This will help to reveal any anomalies and let you know if you’re doing the right thing.
Insure your boat
Once you’ve handed over a cheque or set up a finance deal, it’s important to insure your new boat. Leading boat insurance specialists will be able to tailor cover to suit your needs and will help you set sail with peace of mind.
Buying a boat can be challenging, but with plenty of research and patience you should be able to find the ideal vessel for you.