New Or Used Boat
Similiar to cars, there are a few pros and cons to new and used boats. Even though there are hundreds
of used boats available, you should look at the newer ones first.
New boats
With new boats, you'll know each and every piece of history with the boat and the motor. If something
happens to go wrong, you'll have a warranty to fall back on, so you don't have to focus on restoring or
repairing your new boat. This way, you can get out in the water immediately.
When you finance a new boat, you can usually get a much better interest rate as well. By shopping new
you'll also get a better idea as to which type of boat is best for you and your family. Just like a
car, the depreciation value is the highest in the first season of use.
Used boats
Used boats can be a great option, especially for those who don't know what they want to do with the
boat, or those with tight budgets. Even though you may be planning to buy a new boat, it's always a
good idea to shop new ones first.
Attending boat shows are a great way to see the boats that are out there, helping you to get an idea
of what you want. You can look at the many used boats that are there, then narrow your list down as
to what type of used boat you prefer.
Whether you plan to shop for your used boat online, through the newspaper, or by visiting one of the local boat dealerships, make sure you get a marine survey of the boat before you make the purchase. A marine survey may be a bit expensive, although it's money well spent.
Often times, structural defects or mechanical problems with used boats that weren't cared for
properly will be quite difficult to detect. A marine survey is similiar to a home inspection, as the
surveyor will inspect every inch of the boat, from the engine to the electrical system and the hull to
the steering wheel.
Depending on the results you receive, you can use the results to get a lower price, or just stop the deal altogether if the results are that bad. The marine survey is the smartest way to buy a used boat, as it can save you a lot of time, headache, and even money - which makes it well worth it.
Those of you who have the money and plan to keep one boat forever, should buy it new. If you happen
to be on a budget and skeptical about owning a boat, you should buy it used.
Buying used is great for some, although it isn't always the most glamorous decision. The oceans
and lakes are filled with boaters who are far wealthier than most. Many boaters go well beyond
their means and finance their boats at extreme levels.
What really counts with a used boat is being out there on the water. Someone who is out there
every weekend on his beat up boat is a great boater. A businessman who only has time to ride
on his 60 foot yacht once or twice a year isn't considered a boater at all.
If you look around the water, you'll se that the little boats are the ones that move, while the
big boats are the ones that never move. Those that are too busy earning money and never have
the time to go boating shouldn't really have a boat at all.
New boats can lose half of their value in less than 2 years. With a used boat, the previous
owner has already fixed the problems that are associated with new boats. The previous owner
has also already hassled with the dealer to get the warranty service taken care of.
A used boat normally hasn't be used very much at all. A boat will sit a majority of the time,
which is nothing like a used car. You can find many boats with less than a couple hundreds hours
of engine time. For the sake of comparison, look at how many hours are on the engine of your
car.
A used boat will already have scratches and dings, so you won't feel half as bad when you
add a few of your own. When you purchase your used boat, you should leave at least a grand to
outfit the boat and make any necessary repairs.
A used boat will normally come with dock lines, life jackets, spare props, a radio, safety
equipment, and other nice additions. New boat owners will have to pay hundreds of dollars
for these kinds of things.
The wild card is, of course, whether or not the previous boat owner did the proper maintenance
of the boat. Prior to buying you should always get the boat surveyed to be sure that it's in
reasonable condition. This way, you'll know your getting a great used boat.
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