Do you love boating? If you do, you’re not alone.
In fact, there are around 12 million recreational boating vessels in the US (registered from 1980 to 2017). Another fun fact: more than 87 million Americans have reported participating in boating activities including fishing, water skiing, cruising, and so on.
If you’re looking to purchase a boat for yourself, you’re in the right place. The best boat might be different for everyone, but this guide will make the process much easier.
First Things First: Should You Rent or Buy a Boat?
Deciding this will depend on how often you want to go boating. If your schedule doesn’t allow for frequent boating trips, you’re better off renting than buying.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t choose your boat with care. Even if you’re only renting, you still need to take into account boat sizes, styles, layouts, etc.
For example, you wouldn’t want a big boat if you’re only going to a lake. Likewise, you shouldn’t take a small boat with only the basic amenities if you’re going deep-sea fishing with your buddies for several days. You need to consider the location, as well as the number of people going with you before you rent just any boat.
Now, if your plan is to go boating as often as possible, then go ahead and buy a boat. But which one?
How to Buy a Boat
You know that a boat is expensive to buy and maintain. Even buying a used boat can eat into your budget. Remember, you have all those ownership costs to think about (e.g. fuel, insurance, labor, mooring, storage, and so on).
So the first step when buying a boat is to crunch the numbers. Be realistic about how much you can afford and look into your financing options.
Next, be sure about what you’re going to use the boat for. Do you need it for fishing, cruising, sailing, luxury yachting, or water sports? The more activities you have in mind, the more you should choose a versatile boat.
Last but not least, consider the size of the boat you can safely handle. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start small.
Round boats such as Roundabout Watercrafts, for example, are especially great for newbies. Once you become a better boater, you can think about trading up.
The Best Boats for You: It’s a Personal Choice
There’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a boat. The best boat is always the one that’s right for the location and the type of activity you’re going to do.
It also depends on how often you want to go boating. If you’re not a frequent boater, renting is a good option. But if you’re keen on being a boat owner, make sure to calculate the costs.
You don’t want to end up selling your dream boat just because you couldn’t keep up with the payments. Look into your financing options and see if it’s better to start small and then trade up later.
Want More Boating Advice?
Now that you know more about renting or buying the best boats, don’t stop here. Keep researching the subject so you can decide which boat to get.
For more boating tips and related topics, feel free to browse the site.
