If you’re in the market for a new boat, it’s probably a good idea to get your hands first on some useful tips for buying a one on a budget. A boat purchase is no doubt expensive. But if it’s your first time, that’s only going to be half of the battle.
To help you make the best decision, and to get the best value for your money, here are some things you can do.
1. Do Your Research
The first thing you should do is research. To get you started, decide on your main purpose for the boat. Is it for fishing, family outings, or water sports? Also, how often do you plan on using it?
Doing your research before you even shop around can give you a better understanding of the type of boat you should look for. It’ll also save you time by helping you avoid looking at the wrong places. You can visit online boat shops to get an idea about boat models and their typical prices.
Researching will also help you collect all the information you need to make a smart buying decision. You wouldn’t want to make an impulse buy when it comes to purchasing an investment as expensive as a boat.
2. Decide What Type Of Boat You Want
Once you’ve gathered enough information and weighed all the pros and cons, you should be able to decide on the type of boat you want to buy. If you’re going to use it primarily for fishing, a small boat may be enough. If you need one for watersports, then you should probably choose a jet or a ski boat. If you have a specific boat model in mind, look for reviews about it online, especially when you’re having a hard time deciding.
But aside from the boat type, you should also consider factors that may affect how you use it. For example, your storage space, the model’s maintenance cost, and the level of skill required to operate it.
3. Set A Realistic Budget
After you finalize the specifics of the boat you want, you can start setting a realistic budget for your purchase. If you find that your budget is a bit limited, you’ll have to make some compromises on the type or quality of boat you want.
However, if you’re in need of a bigger and more expensive boat but cannot afford it yet, it may be worth finding out if you can secure a financing solution with a certified dealer or a boat broker. Banks and mortgage providers may also be able to provide you with a loan for your boat purchase. Just make sure that all the details of the contract are clear, especially when it comes to the monthly fees and possible extra charges.
4. Shop Around And Compare Prices
Before deciding on buying a specific boat, see to it that you’ve already made comparisons. Boat prices vary across dealers, and shopping around will help you find the best prices for the quality you want.
Comparing models and prices online may also be easier. Plus, you might chance upon discounts and promos too. And while you’re online, you might as well look for the best boat shops or places around your area that offer secret deals. If you can find boating groups online like on social media, you might get some insider tips too from boating enthusiasts.
5. Try To Negotiate
When you’ve narrowed your list down to a few dealers, try to negotiate to find out if price reductions are possible. Sometimes, dealers are willing to sell at a lower price under certain conditions, especially if they haven’t had a sale in a while. For example, a dealer may agree to give you a discount if you buy in cash. Or if the boat comes as part of an expensive package where the products that come with it aren’t important to you, you can ask if it’s possible to buy just the boat for a lower price.
6. Consider Additional Expenses
Most of the time, people often overlook or underestimate the additional expenses that come with owning a boat. Some of the operating expenses that you have to factor in when purchasing a boat include care and maintenance, fuel, launching and dockage fees, boat insurance, marina fees, registration or documentation transportation, etc.
If you don’t consider these extra expenses, your purchase will end up becoming more expensive than you think in the long run.This is why you also have to allocate a budget for the operating expenses of your boat before even purchasing it. The more expensive it is, the higher its operating expenses will be.
7. Find The Best Time To Buy A Boat
If you want to save more on your boat purchase, you need to know the best time to buy one. Boating is a seasonal recreation, which also depends on where you live. The prices usually depend on their season. But most of the time, you can find the best deals during winter or fall. This is the time when boat dealers are eager to clear space in their showrooms or garages as preparation for the winter.
You may also get a better deal when purchasing a boat from boat-shows, auctions, or dealer open houses. Keep an eye on these events during early spring or early summer months and watch out for the types you want.
8. Opt For A Pre-Owned Boat
Depending on your budget and intended use, buying a used boat may be a better choice that will give you more savings. You can check out crankyape.com for pre-owned ones usually come at a great deal. It’s also a more affordable option when you want a specific model but can’t afford it if it’s brand new. Just make sure that the pre-owned boat is inspected by a professional to determine its condition and actual value before purchasing it.
Conclusion
Buying a boat is a big decision. If you’re a beginner when it comes to them, it’s a good idea to educate yourself first and consult with a professional to help you make the right choice before your purchase.
