Buying a boat can be exciting. It is a chance for you to get a vessel that gives you the freedom you have always wanted when fishing, vacationing or doing anything you want out at sea. No more filling lease forms or working around the schedule of your friend whenever you need their boat. However, to avoid making the wrong choice, there are a couple of questions you must answer. You also need to work closely with boat surveyors Fort Myers trusts. The role of the surveyor is to help you get a better understanding of the boat you are about to buy. Let’s take a look at the top questions you should answer before settling on a boat.
New or pre-owned?
The first decision you have to make is whether to buy a new or a used boat. If you have been saving for some time and don’t mind the rapid depreciation, buying a new boat will be a better choice. New boats come with a warranty and they have modern equipment. However, if you are on a tight budget, a pre-owned boat will give you a great bargain. You will also be able to get a bigger pre-owned boat even on a tight budget. Even so, you have to get a pre-owned boat inspected by boat surveyors Fort Myers. The boat surveyors will help you understand if the purchase will be a good investment or not.
Which size is best for you?
When deciding on the size, there are many factors you have to think about. The main factors include:
- Where you will be operating the boat. For lakes and rivers, a boat that is between 18 and 40 feet will be ideal.
- How long do you plan on staying on the boat? For an overnight stay, you will need a boat with a spacious cabin, galley and other amenities.
- The number of passengers you will carry.
- Your budget. The bigger the boat is the more expensive it will be to buy and maintain.
Do you need a sailing or motorized boat?
The choice here boils down to personal preferences. The easiest boats to drive are motor-powered ones. They are the most common among first-time boat owners. Sailing boats, on the other hand, rely on the wind to move. The type of boat you end up picking will depend on the activities you plan on using the boat for.
How do you plan on using the boat?
What you need the boat for is an important consideration when buying a boat. This is because boats have different uses. You cannot use a fishing boat for sporting activities.
How will you finance the purchase?
Last but not least, how you plan on paying for the boat has to be considered. If you plan on using marine lenders, make sure you understand the interest rates and payment terms. You also need to ensure that you can sustain the long-term loan payment based on your cash flow.