Boating Question Again… First Time Buying And I Dont Know What To Do?
I have never owned a boat but i have income and a truck to haul it. I dont have a place to store it, but I can store it at the slip on the lake.
Payments, insurance, repairs – what kind of things do I really have to worry about before I buy a boat? Not should I, but if I do, what am I getting myself into? Do I need to learn how to use it or is it like driving a car?
Thanks.
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The type of boat has so much to do with the issues surrounding it, that it’s difficult to give a specific answer without more information. I own a 17-foot trailerable sailboat which is kept in a slip and used for daysailing. I’ve had it for 14-years and probalby averaged less than $100/year and 5 hours/year on maintenance. My Dad has owned a couple aluminum open fishing boats with outboards longer and even cheaper. On the other hand, I’ve owned 26-foot ocean going boats, that I spend thousands of dollars per year insuring, storing and maintaining.
Here’s a few things worth considering:
1. Be sure the marina you mentioned has space available for the type of boat you will have.
2. Check into off-season storage options.
3. If it’s more than a tiny, boat, insurance might be a good idea. First check with your home-owner’s policy, then check regional and national companies. I’ve heard good things about Progressive and BoatUS.
4. Check local laws – some lakes have size and horsepower restrictions for example. Some communities have ordinances about parking a boat in your driveway.
5. With a small boat, trailer issues can be as much as a headache and as expensive as the boat, so take a look at the trailer and have it checked out by a trailer repair outfit if you have any questions. Trailer lights fail often and axels need greasing, tires get worn out – that’s standard maintenance, don’t get hung up on those things. Similar issues with the engine. On a small boat, an outboard may be worth almost as much as the boat itself.
6. If it’s a basic boat with no plumbing, fancy electronics, etc and just an outboard, maintenance will likely be minimal. If it has sails, electronics, inboard engines, plumbing systems, a gallery, etc, expect to pay quite a bit on maintenance.
7. If you are looking at used boats, its like looking at houses. There can be curb appeal issues such as painting or easy repairs which make the boat unappealing but are affordable to address. Serious problems with a trailer, engine, or structure to the boat may cost more than the boat is worth to fix.
8. If buying a used boat, be sure the boat is properly registered and that the registration is signed over to you at the time of sale. With a new boat, it’s unlikely you’ll run into problems, but you’ll likely need a bill of sale and statement of origin to register it. Boats are generally registered at the county courthouse either with the registrar or possibly the DMV. Trailers are usually registered with the DMV. Trying to register a boat (or trailer) that is not up to date or does not have the proper registration can cause you more headache and frustration than anything else.
A simple outboard fishing boat is easy to operate. Other boats are more complex. It’s always good to take a course from someone like the coast guard auxullary, power squardron, etc.
There is an old saying about boats ” Boats are a hole in the water into which you pour money.” In coastal states at least, the Coast Guard Auxiliary teach courses in basic boating, these are a good way to start.
Like the previous guy said if you get a new boat then there is little maintenance. BE SURE TO WINTERIZE YOUR BOAT!!! I think that is the biggest mistake people make as far as maintenance goes, if you dont winterize, the water in the motor can freeze and crack the block then you have a very expensive paper weight. Always flush out the impellor after EVERY use even fresh water, to get out all the sand and yuck that can get in there, if you take your boat in salt water then this is especially important as the salt will corrode the insides of your motor. Also wash your boat inside and out if you take it in the salt!!!! These things will help your boat stay new.
If you are leaving it on the slip purchase a nice cover for it, this will keep the rain and the sun from damaging the interior of the boat. Another thing is at the end of the season when you winterize make sure you dont leave a lot of gas in the tank over winter. Gas goes bad and the following season it will give you problems.
I would recomend about a 17′ boat for a first timer… It will be easier to trailer and maneuver but still enough to ski and play.
If you take good care of your boat it will take good care of you and boats hold their value very well in the used market.
The 2 best days boat ownership
the day you buy it
the day you sell it
Better to have a good friend who owns a boat
The first thing you should do, is research local boating laws. You are obligated to follow these laws just like you would on the road. If you buy a new boat, outside of your monthly payments and fuel, you are looking a little to no maintenance cost for your boat for at least the first three years if you do your preventative maintenance. You should make sure to winterize if you park it for the winter, change oils when needed, and grease everything twice per season.
Another thing you will want to look into is how to operate the boat you buy. If you buy it from a “good” dealer they will take you to the lake to test the boat out, but if you want to go at it alone, just take it slow at first and don’t get crazy. Have fun on the water!