After you have decided that you want a new boat, whether its your first or a replacement, you will need to go about deciding on what one to buy? Before you part with your hard earned cash you should do prepare ahead of time so that you don’t end up throwing money into the water! This guide will outline the main questions you will want to ask before you go about buying your boat.

What sort of boat?

Where will you be sailing – messing about on the river, inshore or sea fishing, cruising the inland waterways, sailing round the coast, towing water skiers, heading out to sea or even living on a boat. Do you prefer sailing or power? How many people will your be carrying and how long will they be staying on board? You should ask these questions before you look at any boat more closely.

Which brand?

Faced with a massive choice of manufacturers and models, how do you find out more about the boat that suits you best. The internet is clearly a great source of information. You can look at the specifications for different models, download brochures, compare prices and even take virtual tours on certain websites. Specialist magazines review boats and you may be able to get archive reviews from the publishers’ websites. You could also visit boat shows to get a first hand view of the latest models and talk to manufacturers.

Second hand boat or Brand new?

Finance is the obvious deciding factor. Naturally new boats will come with a higher price-tag, however you can expect not to pay for maintenance and repair costs for a while – unlike an older boat. Bargains can be had from used boats in great condition with a full service history and warranty, equally a boat with a less than careful owner without a warranty could be damaging to your wallet and time after purchase.

You should consider the final cost. The price advertised might not contain all the eventual costs. The prices quoted for new boats cover the basic boat specification, so don’t forget to ask what isn’t included in the price. If you don’t you could be in for a big surprise. With a used boat, you may find that the price includes a whole raft of essential items that save you any additional expenditure.

Private seller or dealer?

You would probably expect to pay less when you buy privately – dealers have to add a margin to cover their costs and run a profitable business. But, the risks and rewards are similar to those of buying a car. Dealers can often be given a greater amount of trust, especially established firms, as there reputation is often on the line when they recommend a boat. A real bonus is the fact that they can offer a warranty that will protect you against unexpected repair costs in the initial stages of ownership. With a private owner, you are unlikely to get a warranty and you have to take the owner’s word on the condition of the boat.

Inspect carefully

You wouldn’t buy a house or car without a careful inspection, particularly if you are buying used, so treat your boat purchase the same way. A Professional surveyor will be able to provide a full and objective report on the boat. It could well be the case that the finance house or insurance company sees this as a requirement.

Whether you use a surveyor or not, make sure you check these essentials:

Check the condition of the hull, the paintwork and fittings.

Look out for signs of damage or fresh paintwork which could indicate an accident.

Check the operation of ropes, cables, controls and operating systems.

Water marks are a good indication of leaks and you should keep your eyes open for any other tell tale signs.

Visually check the engine as well as letting it run for a while to see if there are any signs of a leak and general wear.

Financing your purchase

Don’t forget to include all likely costs in your budget – purchase price, additional equipment, transport to your preferred mooring place, insurance and estimated operating and maintenance costs.

Insuring your boat

You will need to insure your boat against theft, accidental damage and other risks. It would be unwise to not extend this to personal effects and cover against 3rd party claims. A specialist marine insurance company can advise you on the most suitable cover.

Documentation

Even if you are buying privately, you should have a written sales agreement which sets out everything that is included in the price and gives the seller’s full details. You should always make a point of requesting registration documents and any available service records.

Boat shipping

If you are buying a boat in another part of the country, you will need some form of boat transport unless you plan to sail the boat back to your local mooring place. An useful tip: make sure you find a specialised boat transport company and not just a man with a van. If you do not have a suitable trailer of your own, or you don’t wish to tow a boat, you can use the services of a specialist boat transport firm.

If you need further information, it can be found on transport marketplace websites like Shiply.