Guide to Buy New Boat

So, you want to buy a boat? The good news is that you are smart enough to research it first, so kudos to you! Also, if your significant other is making you do the research and looming over your shoulder – it’s okay, sometimes that’s just how it goes. (Blink twice if you need HELP!)

The truth is, buying a boat is a big decision and most families tend to make that decision together. It’s like buying a car – except more expensive initially, monthly (thanks to maintenance), and more time consuming.

If you are a first-time boat owner or thinking of buying your first boat, then you should get used to hearing all the negative stereotypes about owning a boat. Another hard truth is that no one complains about owning a boat more than boat owners do. It’s like a rite of passage. You should try complaining, or talking about recent trips you made, then you’ll fit right in too!

The Negative Stereotype

“The best day in a boat owners life is the day they buy a boat and the day they sell it.”

“B.O.A.T. stands for Break Out Another Thousand.”

There are so many negative stereotypes associated with boats. Though we cannot argue that boats are expensive, and that owning a boat requires a lot of consistent maintenance, what we can say is this, there are a million reasons why people own boats, and why there are thousands of boats for sale all over the world, every day.

Now, onto the pros and cons of buying a boat.

Why You Should Buy a Boat:

  • Boats are the best excuse to take family or friends out. It’s always a day trip, always fun, and everyone loves it. Once you buy a boat, you will very rarely hear anyone say no to an offer to join you. You’ll have to keep people off with a rudder and a flare gun.
  • Nothing compares to the pride, joy, and reverence of owning a boat. It’s not like owning a car or owning a motorcycle. There is appreciation in every nautical mile you move, you begin to love the time it takes to get it on and off the ramp, you have pride for it.
  • Owning a boat is a status symbol. It shows your business partners, clients, friends, and neighbors that you not only have the extra income to afford a boat, but you also have the patience to maintain and operate one.
  • Boating reduces stress, at least that’s what most people believe. Though there aren’t studies to confirm this, there are studies that suggest that people who take fishing trips tend to be more creative and less anxious. There is nothing quite as relaxing as enjoying the tranquility of the open ocean.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy a Boat:

  • Most boats spend a lot of time sitting at the dock, on a lift, or in a driveway. They are essentially taking up space. You should really try to use it at least once a month to warrant buying a boat in the first place.
  • You can rent boats before you buy a boat. Try it out for a weekend and make your decision that way. This will hopefully prevent you from regretting your boat purchase and can also help you find the best boat type, style, and brand you like to inform your decision.
  • Boats are expensive to maintain. Though there are some hacks to make boat maintenance cheaper, the standard option is to pour money into boat maintenance.
  • Boats depreciate immediately and rapidly. Though owning a boat can be an investment if you take very good care of it, it will only be an investment as an asset, not as a resale item. Of course, this depends on the kind of boat you buy, but the rule of thumb is that boats lose their value fast.

If you are on the fence about buying a boat or don’t know where to start, contact the professionals at Vessel Vendor. Our staff can help you decide whether or not buying a boat is right for you, and if so, which type of boat you should get.