Have you been experiencing the ‘boat fever’ recently? Is it
your lifelong dream to be a boater and invest in boats? Nowadays, with thousands
of boat dealers across the country who sell affordable quality boats, it’s as easy
as 123 to own the boat of your dreams. But with a vast array of vessels
available, selecting the right one can feel like navigating a heavy boat in a
sea of molasses. We wouldn’t be surprised if you have a hard time choosing
between an XFI
boat (for a fun day out on the water) or a Quintrex boat
(for a more versatile experience).
However, this concern of yours can easily be addressed if
you know what important factors to consider before setting your mind on a
specific boat type and brand. Read the rest of the article below to know more:
Set Your Goals
The first step is to identify your primary purpose for
owning a boat. Here are some key questions to ask yourself:
- What activities are planning to do?
Do you envision casting fishing lines to catch some elusive
game fish offshore or do you prefer to master the cool sport of water ski or do
you plan to explore islets, inlets, and hidden coves with your mates?
- Who will be joining you on your adventures?
Consider the number of people you're planning to have onboard
regularly. Will it be primarily solo excursions, or will you bring along a crew
or will you entertain larger groups?
- What kind of water bodies will you be exploring?
Lakes, rivers, and oceans all have different characteristics
that influence the ideal boat type.
Owning a boat is not a one-time big-time purchase. Not only
you’ll budget for the price of the boat but also for the ongoing costs such as
insurance, maintenance, mooring, storage (if applicable), and fuel. Make sure
you can afford all those in the coming years.
Match Your Needs with the Boat’s Features
Once you've identified your ideal boat type, you also need
to consider the following too (yes, choosing a boat is no easy task but you don’t
want to waste thousands of dollars buying the wrong boat for your needs):
- Size and Capacity: Choose a boat size that
comfortably accommodates you, your crew (if you plan to have one) and gear
without feeling cramped or overloaded.
- Draft (Depth in Water): Consider the water bodies you
plan to navigate. Shallow draft boats are ideal for rivers and lakes, while
deeper drafts suit open and deeper water bodies.
- Storage and Trailering: Think about where you'll
store your boat and how you'll transport it. Trailerable boats will be trailers
such as from Dunbier or Move
Boat trailers and dedicated storage facilities. For larger boats, you’ll
need to rent a spot at a marina to dock your boat.
- Maintenance Needs: Different boat materials and
engine types have varying maintenance requirements. Aluminium boats are cheaper
than fibreglass although you need to do a lot of maintenance work if you’re
planning to use it offshore. Consider your time and skills for upkeep.
- Resale Value: If resale is a future consideration,
research boats that hold their value well in the pre-owned market.
Do A Sea Trial Before Locking In A Boat
Assuming you visited a lot of boat dealerships, inspected
hundreds of boats, and reserved some boats you want to purchase; before making
a final decision, schedule a sea trial with the boats you’ve chosen. This will
serve as your tiebreaker and will also allow you to experience the boat and
assess its handling, performance, and comfort before you buy it.
Here are some aspects to evaluate during the sea trial:
- Maneuverability: Test how the boat handles turns,
responds to throttle adjustments, and performs at different speeds.
- Seating Comfort: Ensure the seats are comfy and have
enough legroom for everyone onboard.
- Visibility: Check for any blind spots or obstructions
that may hinder your view while operating the boat.
- Noise Levels: Evaluate the noise level of the engine
at different speeds to ensure it aligns with your expectations.