Question on buying boat?

Question

Should I rent a boat during the year and see how much time I spend with it, or do you think that it will pay for itself over time. How is the re-sale of boats as a whole in the US? Also, if you buy a used boat, what should you spend to get a decent starter? I'm not looking for the top of the line.

Answer 1

The two happiest days of a boat owners life are the day he buys it and the day he sells it... Also the way to tell if you really want a boat is if you can go to the water throw in a hundred dollar bill and it not hurt.

Answer 2

I would recommend that you find some friends that have a boat already and get out on the water with them several times in different conditions before you even consider putting any money out there for a boat of your own.



During the summer months, I have my boat in the water almost every weekend. I trailer my boat, so that means I have to have a vehicle that will pull it to the water and home. A typical weekend and we will use two tanks of gas or better, so just in gas alone for the boat we spend $200 +. I bought my boat new and paid $34,000 for a Four Winns Heritage, I love it and we can put eight people in the boat safely and comfortably.



Spend some time in boats and find what you like, what you do not like. Help out with maintenance, fuel, loading, unloading, cleaning and I think you will find real quick what you do or do not want in a boat. If you even think you can afford one.



MOST importantly, attend a Coast Guard boater safety class, even if they are not required in your area.

Answer 3

If you rent one, you'll only use it on occassion. If you own it, you'll tend to use it more. Decide on the type of boating that you're going to do, and then ask a number of boat dealers and boat owners at the marinas how their boats perform. If you get the word out that you're in the market, you can usually get good feedback, and possibly find a good deal on a used boat. Buying a "starter" and then moving up is not a good idea. Most people who do that, wind up having a problem getting rid of the first boat in order to buy the second. Buy what you think you'll graduate into after the first year, even if you think it's "too much boat". You'll grow into it, and it'll be easier to sell if yo decide that you want to give up boating.

Answer 4

There are a ton of variables to your questions. What type of boat do you want? Sailboat? Powerboat? What will you use it for? Day trips? Extended trips? Where will you use it? Inland lake? Large lake? Ocean? Will you trailer it or dock it? Those questions will determine how big and what type of boat you need. How much do you know about boating?



People tend to use a boat a lot when they first get it. Its new to them and they want to use it a lot to get their moneys worth. As time goes on, most people I know use the boat more when they want to rather than having a view that they have to use it.



On the powerboat side, an inboard engine gets better fuel economy but you will use more gas than you would with an outboard. Why? Because you will enjoy the inboard more and will use the boat more. Watch the price of fuel as powerboats use a lot of fuel. You may be able to pick one up from someone who is looking to sell because of high fuel costs.



Be careful with used boats particularly power boats. The engines often times will need a lot of work and maintenance. And if it needs repaired you get the double whammy: you have to pay for the repairs and you are not out on the water using it when it is being repaired.



Bood luck.

Answer 5

What kind of boat are You talking about? What do You want to use it for? Sailboat, Skiboat, Fishing Boat, Houseboat? Where will you keep it ?? In the water in a marina? Tow it around on a trailer??



http://www.yachtworld.com/



http://www.iboats.com/

Answer 6

Start small - buy used. Research everything you can about boat ownership, maintenance, navigation, rules of the waterways. Then think long and hard about it - don't make an impulse buy. Then when you're ready, give it a go.

Answer 7

either that or check into a boat co-op. Where are you looking and what kind of boat? I know of a few sailboats in florida

Answer 8

Yes. Re-sale is bad. I'd spend $100,000 to get a good starter.