Are you thinking of trading in the car for a boat, or buying something you can use on the water at the weekends? You’re sure to be excited, but before you dive in feet first, there are a few things you should bear in mind.
Know Your Boating Style
Before you shell out for a bowrider or pontoon, figure out what floats your proverbial boat. Are you chasing adrenaline via wakeboarding and tubing, or more interested in slow cruises with a cooler full of drinks? If you picture yourself carving waves behind a ski boat, brands like Moomba boats deliver wake-friendly hulls with generous ballast systems. On the other hand, if you just want to drift lazily while communing with aquatic wildlife, a simple vehicle like a deck boat or pontoon will do the trick without breaking your bank.
Budget Beyond the Sticker Price
Your wallet may cramp at the sticker price, but don’t forget dockage fees, insurance, fuel and routine maintenance. Those numbers add up faster than you can say “full throttle.” Factor in launching costs, winter storage (unless you fancy a frozen dinghy), and spare parts—propellers have a habit of colliding with unseen obstacles. A boat that seems affordable on paper can quickly become a money pit if you neglect these hidden line items.
Test Drive with a Captain
Just like you wouldn’t buy a car without a test drive, insist on at-sea trials. Bring along a seasoned boater or hire a broker who can spot engine quirks, steering play or hull stress. Check how the boat handles at low speeds near the dock, then open it up in open water to see how it planes and responds to steered turns. If the helm feels sluggish or the engine coughs, walk away. There are plenty more boats on the seven seas.
Checklist for Condition
Inspect every inch of fiberglass, wood and upholstery. Look for hairline cracks in the hull, worn spots on seats, fraying lines and rust around fittings. Open lockers to ensure bilge pumps and wiring are in working order. Make sure gauges light up and electronics—GPS, fishfinder or VHF radio—power on. If you spot stains around joints, it could be evidence of leaks. In that case, seek extra discounts or professional repairs before you commit.
Paperwork Isn’t Boring
A clean title and registration are your best defence against surprise liens or ownership disputes. Verify that the hull identification number (HIN) on the paperwork matches the number on the transom. Review maintenance logs, especially if the boat is older. If you see a consistent record of oil changes, engine tune-ups, and antifouling treatments, chances are the previous owner cared for the vessel. If that paperwork is sketchy or missing, brace yourself for unexpected repairs down the line.
Safety Gear and Licensing
Don’t let oversight sink your fun. US law typically requires life jackets for every passenger, throwable floatation devices, fire extinguishers and navigation lights. Some states mandate boater education courses before you can register or license a new vessel. Even if it’s not strictly required, take a safety course—it’s worth the time if only to learn how to call for help without accidentally broadcasting your credit card number over the radio.
Learn, Practice, Enjoy
Once you’ve sealed the deal, spend a few weekends mastering docking, anchoring and basic engine troubleshooting in calm waters. Invite patient friends or family to join as crew so they can help when lines tangle or wind turns your vessel into a stubborn beast. Before you know it, you’ll be confidently charting your own courses, swapping sea stories and enjoying the freedom that only a boat can bring. And remember, the best upholstery doesn’t mean a smooth ride—practice makes perfect on every ripple and wave.
