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.

• What is your budget?

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.