Questions To Ask Before Buying A Boat
When it comes to buying your first boat, there’s a lot to consider. There’s a lot to choose from, and you need to be able to keep your head and approach the issue with a firm idea of what you want in mind. Impulse buying may not always be a bad thing, but you don’t want to end up with something that you don’t really want. So, to help you figure out exactly what kind of boat you’re looking for, we’ve given you a list of questions to ask yourself before you buy.
Where are you going to be sailing?
Are you planning on just leisurely sailing on a relaxing weekend now and again, travelling on long trips across the seas, or fast-paced speeding? There are, of course, different kinds of boats for each of those options, and the sizes to match.
For the shorter trips, you’ll probably want a smaller boat, while the larger trips (especially ones that can take weeks at a time) you’ll want a home-away-from-home. Racing boats are a category unto themselves. The kind of boating you’re planning on doing will significantly affect what type of vessel you’re looking for, from simple fishing boat to luxury yacht.
Who will be sailing with you?
Are you planning on sailing alone? With your significant other? A group of friends? Your entire family?
The people you’re sailing with will allow you to make decisions about the size and attributes your boat should have. While you probably don’t want to have a mansion of a boat (unless, of course, you do), having one large enough that you won’t be piled on top of each other would probably be helpful. You’ll want everyone to be comfortable, of course.
Where will you be storing your boat?
It’s always a good idea to know where you’ll be storing your boat when it’s not in use. If your boat is small enough to be stored at home, are you going to need to build a space to place it? If you’re renting a space in the marina or elsewhere, have you considered all your options? There may be size or budget limitations to consider.
What do you want included?
Often there are a lot of additional items that can be added to your purchase. If you’re wanting luxury, speed or a home-on-water, then there’s a lot to consider and the costs tend to build up.
If you know exactly what you’re looking for, then it’s easier to find your dream boat. A built-in theatre? Gym? A bar? Diving board? Or are you just looking for a simple fishing boat? Consider all your options and add up the costs so you aren’t surprised when you’re getting ready to sign the contract.
What is your budget?
This is the biggest question you should be asking yourself. You don’t want to go over budget to get your dream boat, after all.
Create a budget, keep it firm, and only explore the options within your budget. In this way, you’ll find what you want without putting yourself into massive debt.
Buying your first boat is an exciting decision, so long as you know what you’re looking for. Of course, for any large purchase, be it home, boat, car or something else, you’re going to need to consider your loan options.
We here at Ezilend will, of course, always be happy to talk over your loan options and find one that will fit your needs exactly to get you your dream boat so that you can finally sail the seas the way you’ve always wanted. So stop dreaming and start planning; you have a boat to buy!
