| You've decided to join the ranks of boat owners | | | | for. Will you be fishing, skiing, tubing, or cruising? Will you |
| worldwide, but what do you need to know before you | | | | ever operate in salt water? Do you plan on pulling your |
| head to your local marine dealer? As is the case in | | | | boat by a trailer? All this will help you determine the |
| making any large-scale investment (like a boat), there | | | | best boat for your lifestyle. |
| area few things you need to consider before making | | | | Find A Good Dealer: |
| such a high-cost purchase. First, ask yourself: | | | | If you know little about boats or what's entailed in boat |
| Will I Really Use A Boat Enough To Warrant The | | | | ownership, then it's important to find a dealer who can |
| Expense? | | | | guide you through the buying process and beyond. |
| Go boating with some friends. Make sure it's | | | | Ask other boat owners about dealers in your area |
| something you can see yourself doing every weekend | | | | who offer exceptional service. This should go beyond |
| - or at leas enough to justify the time and expense | | | | selling you the boat, by also offering tips of towing, |
| owning a boat requires. | | | | winterization, and repairs. |
| Understand What Owning A Boat Really Means: | | | | Avoid Buying Too Much Boat: |
| Owning a boat is time consuming and expensive. | | | | Bigger isn't always better - especially for the first time |
| Seriously consider the cost of ownership before | | | | boat owner. The larger the boat, the harder it is to |
| investing big bucks for one. Consider the costs of | | | | handle, and maintain, and the more it costs to operate. |
| buying it, insurance, interest, fuel and oil, trailer, storage, | | | | Start with a boat that is small, economical, easy to use. |
| repairs, setting up a tow vehicle, lodging, weekend | | | | A used one from a reputable dealer is even a better |
| food, extra fishing gear, skis, life jackets, licenses and | | | | choice until you know exactly what size and style boat |
| permits, maintenance, to name a few. And, don't forget | | | | you'll be happy with for the long haul. |
| the time it takes to round up the gear, get to the | | | | Understanding the Difference Between the Asking |
| water, participate in water activities, get back home, | | | | Price and the Selling Price |
| unpack, and service the boat. | | | | Just like cars, buying a boat doesn't always mean the |
| Do Your Research: | | | | sticker price is the "real" price. Most boats sell for less |
| Go to a few boat shows to see what styles are | | | | than the asking price. Do your homework so you |
| available. Visit a few showrooms and talk to a variety | | | | understand what the real value of the boat your |
| of different salespeople and current boat owners to | | | | interest in is, then be prepared to haggle for the best |
| help you decide what size boat and options best fit | | | | price. |
| your needs and budget. | | | | Buying a new boat is very similar to buying a new car: |
| Consider What Type Of Boat Best Fits Your Needs: | | | | it takes persistence, patience, some know-how, and |
| The kind of boat you ultimately purchase will depend a | | | | the ability to walk away until you find the best deal. |
| great deal on the types of activities you will be using it | | | | |