Your New Boat Buying Guide
Owning a boat is a really rewarding experience for people of all ages and walks of life, from avid fishers to pleasure cruisers to those who want to participate in on-the-water activities like water skiing. And buying a new boat ensures that you get something pristine and in perfect condition, ready for you to take to the nearest waterway.
Purchasing that boat is a big decision, though, so it’s not something you want to undertake lightly. Here are some things to think about when you’re looking to buy a new boat.
1. Determine How You’ll Use It
First, you'll want to think about how you intend to use your craft, as this will tell you what type of boat to get. Do you want to go fishing? You’ll want a boat that can maneuver easily in shallow waters with features like livewells and rod holders. Do you intend to tow watersports participants like skiers or wakeboarders? Your boat should have a rear-facing inboard engine and a tow-eye for these activities. Do you want to take groups of friends on the water? Look for a craft with plenty of space and comfortable seating.
2. Create a Budget
Next, you’ll want to sit down with your finances and figure out exactly how much you can afford to spend on a new boat. Bear in mind that you’re not just counting the sticker price of the craft, but also the cost of a trailer and various accessories for the boat. You’ll need to take insurance and maintenance costs into account as well. Many people opt to finance their boat purchase, which allows them to pay a fixed monthly rate over a period of years until the boat is paid off. Figure out exactly how much you can afford to pay each month in addition to saving up a down payment of 10% to 20% of the total cost of the boat.
3. Do Your Research
It’s helpful to gather as much information as possible before you head to a dealer to purchase a new boat. Attending a local boat show can be a handy way to view boats by many different manufacturers and take a tour of various models. However, if a boat show isn’t in your area when you’re looking to buy, you’ll likely want to hit the internet instead.
4. Ask Questions
When you get to the dealership, make sure you ask as many questions as you need to in order to determine whether the boat will meet your needs or not. Don’t be afraid to ask anything! The more you learn, the more informed a purchase you can make.
Ready to start shopping? Come on down to our Elberton, GA, dealership today to check out our wide selection of new boats for sale by leading brands. 72 Marine Sales serves our customers in the cities of Athens and Augusta, GA.