Owning a boat is not a cheap experience, but it can be very rewarding and enjoyable. When you select a boat, keep in mind not simply the original cost, but also the longer-term costs of owning and maintaining your boat. You won't enjoy a boat that drains your savings account, and if you are buying a boat for the first time, it's even more important to consider many factors before you buy.

Things to Consider

The initial cost of your boat is, of course, the prime consideration when you are making a purchase. The total cost should not set you back financially, but should be affordable without changing the way of life you already have. If you would need to sell it, you'll find that boats depreciate like cars, so you may wish to go with a used boat first, since it won't have the immediate depreciation of a new model of boat. Determine how much quality you can afford in your boat. Price is important, to be sure, but larger boats will often mean larger repair bills when they need things fixed. Boats "live" in an environment that are hostile to their materials, so you will want the best quality of boat that you can afford. Don't sacrifice safety and function for style and size when you shop for a boat. Buying a boat isn't a contest with your neighbor the next dock over - it's a long-term investment that should be reviewed carefully before you sign the purchase contract. A well-built boat doesn't need glitz to show off.

The Importance of Proper Construction

It's very informative for you to take a walk through a marina and see what types of boats hold up after years of use, and which ones don't. Make sure the model you are contemplating will hold up well when it gets put into use. If you see marina boats with fading paint or striping that is peeling off, remember to check those parts on the boat you plan to buy. Check the boat's rub rails, since this is a good place to determine the quality of the boat. If the rails are loose or bent, or if you see cracks along the joint from the hull to the deck, these indicate that the materials used were of poor quality, and may even mean that the boat may leak. If the outside of the boat's windows are covered with caulking compound, this may mean that the windows and the structure leak. If you want your boat to be a fashion statement or a status symbol, you can always buy a boat with a “bubble” deck, as is in favor these days. But fads come and go, and you're probably better off spending your hard-earned money on a sturdy craft, regardless of whether it looks to be “in style” or not. Inferior materials used in cheaper boats include cast aluminum, plywood decals, vinyls and molded plastics. These may look good when they are new, but they will degrade quickly, and then they cannot be restored. Boats that are poorly constructed are like furniture made from particle board – once they deteriorate, you can't being them back. Quality boats cost more because the builders use quality materials and time-tested methods to make them. Boat upholstery in open cockpits generally will be made from vinyl over wood, and it can collect water and rot the wood in a few years. Make sure the exterior materials used on the boat you are buying are made for outside weather conditions.

Which Is Better? New or Used?

As far as buying a new boat or a used one, you can find quite a few excellent values when you look at used boats. First time buyers tend to buy new boats, even though experienced boaters often will buy used boats. There is better value for your dollar in a well-made used boat. They've already experienced the major depreciation, and the high finance costs involved in purchasing a new boat are over. If you plan to keep your boat longer than four years or so, you can buy a new boat, if your finances permit it. This will extend past the lowest of the depreciation curve for the boat, and the residual value should be comparable to other boats of the same age. Boats are an expense, more than an investment, since they depreciate like cars do. If you just want a starter boat, or if you may have trouble with the upkeep of the boat, you are better off buying a quality used boat.

About the Author

Jane Warren is a water sport enthusiast, who loves swimming, scuba diving, and boating. She and her friends have a lot of fun on the water with their boat, skis, and towable boat tubes. One of their favorite inflatable tubes is the Super Mable towable by Sportsstuff. It holds 3 riders, and has 2 tow points: you can ride sitting up, or laying flat on the towable. Because of her involvement in water activities, Jane also publishes a website about boat tube reviews, and other boating and water sports products. Some of the waterproof items include Garmin portable handheld GPS units, and boat radios by Uniden.