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If you are a longtime
boat owner, you know that owning a boat is a costly affair.
Making decisions that keep not only the cost of your initial
purchase, but also the long-term cost of ownership, well within
you financial means is one of the critical factors of keeping
the pleasure in boating. Its very hard to enjoy your boat
when it becomes an unexpected drain on your financial resources.
If you're buying your first boat, or are making a considerable
step up in size, the following are some important points that
should be carefully considered to help you achieve maximum
enjoyment from your purchase. |
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Make quality
a major consideration. Don't try to get the largest vessel
that your budget will allow. Better to take a step down in
size and a step up in quality. |
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If size is a major consideration, seriously consider
used versus new as a means of staying within your budget. |
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Look beyond
glamorous interiors, luxurious upholstery and racy designs:
the beauty may only be skin deep. |
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Calculate the
full cost of ownership, including depreciation, interest,
insurance, dockage, fuel and repairs. Figure maintenance as
an annual percentage over the period of ownership. |
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Seriously consider gas rather than
diesel for boats under 35' for which you don't expect to get
much use. |
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Once you've
decided on several possibilities, take a tour of a marina
or boat yard and see how the products of those builders hold
up over the years. Talk to their owners and see what they
have to say. |
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Consult a surveyor before you buy.
Most surveyors will be glad to help you make a choice. |
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Take the time
to find the best surveyor in your area. |
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Make your purchase decision only
after you've read the survey report |
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Consider the advantage of getting major machinery
or parts overhauled or replaced based on a reduction in price. |
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