An opportunity to spend money on a boat wrapped in plastic and covered with snow! So, you bought a new and bigger boat. Where are you going to store it? In your yard, in a presumably secure lot? At a marina, either inside or outside? Regardless of your location, each comes with its own set of challenges.
Winters are rough, and wherever you decide to leave your boat, it needs to be protected from the elements, and it needs to be properly winterized.
Then add shrink wrap for four hours more fun! Doing it yourself is completely straightforward if you have the tools, the time, and the weather!
I have 25 years of experience with yards, and mistakes and omissions happen. If storing it in your yard, is it safe from tree limbs, snowdrifts and the like?
Who is going to do basic maintenance on the boat each spring and fall? Who will do major projects like an electronics upgrade or an engine replacement? If you have no relationships and start calling around, you will be lucky if your back running in a month! Buy the boat this winter but absolutely create a relationship with a yard or independent mechanic or both and give them some winter work! It never hurts after buying a boat to have a professional go through the entire boat and identify problems that must be addressed now as well as issues you should address at your own pace.
My approach for 25 years has been to spend my maintenance money proactively in January or February, which is both cost-effective to me and also helps create a positive relationship for the future, so my call will be answered!
Article: Best New Fishing Boats of Article: How to Become a Better Boater. Thanks, great article. I have changed my mind and will not be purchasing a boat. Thanks for the tip to determine how you will use a boat two to three years from now before you buy it. My brother is thinking about buying a boat.
I think you are right to assess how long you will be out on the boat. My wife and I want to be on the boat for about 3 hours a day. I found it interesting when you said that some bays take 10 to 15 years to have a mooring. My father is buying a new boat in July and is worried about where he can dock it. I think I should tell him to find experts in mooring installation who can provide affordable and efficient services.
Your email address will not be published. Search this website: Enter. Thank you for the insight! Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Your email address will not be published. From there, there are many subcategories and various hull designs to choose from, as well as engines, electronics, add-ons, seating options and general layouts.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the perfect boat for YOU and all of these things will come into play. You might not require a galley boat kitchen since you might be planning to eat at boat up restaurants and marinas or perhaps utilize a transom-mounted grill for cooking up the catch of the day.
Choosing the right boat length is vital. Is it just going to be you and a few friends going fishing? Will you be entertaining your family and friends, where comfort will be important? Are you doing a charter for paying guests that will need to be impressed? If you plan on going offshore, most experienced boat captains would recommend at least a foot length boat or L.
Boats with a beam over 9 feet will likely require a special permit to trailer on public roads, in many states. If your boat is too deep i. This can help you decide which of the many boat hull types available will be most appropriate. Each of these hulls has different variants for different purposes.
These semi-planing hulls will allow you to blast through choppy waters and get to your desired location quickly and efficiently, which is ideal for offshore fishing boats. In addition to flat-bottomed and v-shaped hulls, there are two other common types of hulls: multi-hulled and round-bottomed. Multi-hulled can either be planing hulls or displacement hulls, and are generally some of the most stable hulls on the water. Popular multi-hull designs include catamaran boats both power and sail and pontoon boats.
Round-bottom hulls are usually displacement hulls designed to glide smoothly through the water, such as a canoe. There are many other types of boat hulls that may fall somewhere between these main categories — some deeper and some flatter.
In the end, your decision should depend on what the boat will be used for and where you will be boating. Do you have the need for speed? But besides just top speed, boat engines are quite possibly the most important factor to consider when buying a boat. This is because they are usually the most expensive part of your boat, and because they determine how far you can go, how fast you can get there and how much you can carry.
Researching boat engines will be a critical part of choosing what boat to buy. On a boat with two engines, you are not only moving more powerfully through the water but you are also much safer at sea.
If one engine happens to break down, you have a backup engine onboard. This is always an important factor when considering having others on the boat. For most trailerable-boat owners, outboard motors mounted on the transom seem to be a winner all around. Generally speaking outboards have higher top speeds, are easier to maintain and easier to fix overall. They come in either 2-stroke or 4-stroke versions. These motors are enclosed within the hull and are often just modified automotive engines.
The pros and cons of buying new versus used boats is always a hot topic among boat buyers, sellers and traders. Since much of the depreciation in value has already occurred, used boats actually hold their value better than new boats.
Working with a professional boat surveyor when buying a used boat can be vitally important. Remember to always check the engine compression of a used motor before purchasing. Used boats can also be attractive when you have a particular model in mind, but the dealers are out of inventory, or the manufacturer has stopped making that model for some reason. In some cases, a beloved boat builder goes out of business, and the boats they have built in the past actually increase in value as they are harder to acquire.
You can choose the features and conveniences that fit your needs and leave out those features that you may not want. Also, new boats tend to be more reliable in general and usually come with warranties. Boat warranties are another important topic to consider and research further.
What kind of equipment will you need onboard? What kind of GPS will you be getting, if any? Having a good GPS is highly recommended if you plan on being out in the open water. There are so many great GPS apps these days, and I think they are a great backup, but I am a strong believer in getting a solid GPS specifically for your boat.
Does your chosen boat have coverage from the sun? If not, you will definitely want to consider getting one installed. Do you need a cabin with lots of storage? Do you have a bathroom?
As noted earlier, bathrooms are important on longer rides — especially for your guests onboard. Not everyone will want to use the ocean as their toilet! Where to shop for new and used boats. It goes without saying that there are many places to find both new and used boats for sale. From the junkyard to the showroom boats are everywhere, but where is the best place to find the right boat for you?
Boat Trader is the go-to destination for buyers across America to find both new and used boats for sale by dealers, as well as by private sellers all over the U.
This tool allows you to save your criteria and automatically get weekly notifications whenever a seller posts a new listing that matches your needs. You can also consider boats. Most have full galleys, saloons, staterooms, and all the amenities you need to enjoy the ride. Some of these fuel-efficient vessels feature multiple decks and aft cabins under the boat.
Inquire About Trawlers. Purpose: Freshwater and saltwater fishing , offshore boating, and day cruising. A walkaround boat, which is sometimes known as a walkaround cuddy, is primarily a fishing boat that allows you to fish from any point on the outskirts of the boat. It has a small cabin inside with a commode for protection from the weather, storing gear, or staying the night in. These boats can be basic or luxurious, depending on the designs and features. Browse Different Types of Fishing Boats.
Purpose: Saltwater fishing , offshore boating, day cruising, and overnight cruising. These boats typically range from 40 to feet in length and can cruise farther for longer than most boats. Inquire About Yachts. Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats.
These things will be especially important to know if this is your first boat purchase. If your primary purpose in buying a boat is to fish, for example, a center console boat, a cabin cruiser , or a classic pontoon are all made to be ideal for fishing.
Instead, start with something small and simple. Once you master it, you can upgrade to something bigger and better down the road. Unless you have something specific in mind, we recommend bowriders, center consoles, pontoons, and cabin cruisers for beginners. These boats are intuitive and easy to use — the ideal combination for any beginner.
A common mistake beginners make is buying a boat without enough horsepower. Consider your needs: Will you be using your boat for watersports? How many passengers and how much equipment will you be carrying? Boats generally have one of four engine types — outboards, diesel inboards, water jet propellers, and gas sterndrives.
You also have to factor in maintenance, fuel, storage, insurance, and registration costs. Those who live in Cape Cod, for example, would be better off with a boat that has cabin space, like a cabin cruiser , to shield them from the cold whereas someone living in Fort Lauderdale may enjoy a deck boat with more lounging space for warm-weather sunbathing. Apply online now via our safe and secure financing application to see if you qualify.
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Remember me Log in. Lost your password? Posted on June 18, March 9, by Jason. Understanding Boat Types and Their Main Functions Before we delve too deeply into boat types, understand that there are three main categories of boats: man-powered boats, sailboats, and motorboats. All-Purpose Fishing Boats Purpose: Multi-species fishing , aquatic activities like skiing, tubing, and day cruising Pros: Ideal for rivers, lakes, bays, and other waters Easy to maintain Low operational costs Affordable for most families Range of shapes and sizes available Cons: Only holds up to five passengers Freshwater activities only General Overview: An all-purpose fishing boat is an excellent investment in family togetherness.
Shop Fishing Boats Bass Boats Purpose: Primarily freshwater bass angling on inland lakes and rivers with limited watersports and cruising capabilities Pros: Low profile Large casting deck Plenty of storage space Ideal for competitive fishing and catching largemouth bass Fast and powerful with high horsepower for their weight Specialized features, including fishfinders, livewells, and bow-mounted trolling motors Cons: One of the most expensive freshwater fishing boat types Not as good for other types of fishing Limited space for passengers General Overview: For serious bass fishers, these boats are a no-brainer.
Inquire About Cabin Cruisers Center Console Boats Purpose: Fishing , watersports, and day cruising Pros: Ample storage space Easy transportation Navigates well in rough waters Cons: Less comfortable Costly Few amenities in older models General Overview: Center console boats are reliable and durable water crafts generally meant for saltwater fishing and can range drastically in size.
Inquire About Center Consoles Deck Boats Purpose: Day cruising, watersports, and freshwater fishing Pros: Spacious seating areas Plenty of storage space Multipurpose use Cons: A more costly choice than other cruisers No protective cover for rainy days General Overview: Deck boats, similar to bowriders, are named after their large deck spaces that offer even more storage and seating space than bowriders for small groups of people, generally measuring between 25 and 35 feet in length.
Inquire About Deck Boats Dinghy Boats Purpose: Hauling people or equipment to or from a larger watercraft Pros: Very affordable compared to other boats Can navigate tight areas in the water Easy to deflate and store at home Easy operation Cons: Limited seating five or less Few amenities Very small usually around 6 to 8 feet General Overview: A dinghy is a small watercraft that is usually used to transport goods to larger vessels.
Inquire About Dinghies High-Performance Boats Purpose: Day cruising and offshore boating Pros: Fun to drive and ride in Ideal for watersports Fast and versatile Cons: Little seating capacity Ranges on the expensive side Costly to insure Guzzles fuel General Overview: High- performance boats are like the sports cars of the boating world. Browse High-Performance Boats Multi-Hull Boats Purpose: Freshwater and saltwater fishing , offshore boating, day cruising, overnight cruising Pros: High-speed racing capabilities Fuel efficient Easy transport Cons: Cannot navigate tight waterways Can come with a high price tag Expensive to store and maintain Longer sail times without motor General Overview: Multi-hulled watercraft are named after their two equally sized hulls that are parallel to each other.
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