Whether you want to socialize with friends, take the kids on educational tours, enjoy cruising with your partner until sunset, or participate in watersports adventures, you will need a sturdy boat for your marine outings. However, not just any model will do—you will want a perfect vessel for the recreational activities you want to enjoy on the water.
RVs and Boats For Less is your local boat dealership in Chubbuck, ID, and our experts have created this guide to highlight a few questions to ask yourself when buying a boat. Read on to learn more, and for more information, swing by our dealership for a friendly chat with our team. We are happy to welcome our patrons from Idaho Falls and Pocatello, so reach out today.
1. What Type of Boat Should I Buy?
There are various distinct types of boats available on the market, and you will want to get a model that matches your marine lifestyle. Consider the activities you want to participate in, like fishing, cruising, water skiing, or socializing, and whether you will need to sleep aboard your vessel. You will also want to consider any transportation options to bring your boat to the dock and back.
2. Can This Boat Meet My Requirements in the Future?
As you may know, boats are rugged and durable vessels, and a well-maintained model can last for years. However, priorities and family requirements can change over time, forcing you to get another model that’s more suited to your needs.
To skip the hassle, select a model you can use for at least the next five to ten years. Think about the size of your family and what interests each member, and then make any payments.
3. Should I Buy a New Boat or a Used Model?
Another question to ask yourself when buying a boat is whether to get a brand-new model or a used one. Ideally, you will want to buy a vessel without making too many financial adjustments. So, crunch a few numbers to see what suits your budget.
4. How Much Should I Set Aside for Maintenance?
One of the critical aspects of owning a boat is maintenance. Usually, the annual maintenance cost of a vessel is approximately 10% of its value when it is new. However, this can increase or decrease depending on the fixes you do on your model and any parts you choose to replace to keep your vessel functioning smoothly.
5. What Storage Options Do I Have?
Finally, you will also want to consider the storage facilities at home or outside for keeping your boat when you aren’t using it.
If you have a garage, consider whether you can use it to keep your boat along with whatever other machines you have. Alternatively, you can rent a marina slip, but you will need to factor in fees and transportation costs.
We hope this guide helps you select the perfect boat for your marine adventures. If you want more information or need help picking a model that suits your budget and unique requirements, visit RVs and Boats For Less. Our dealership is in Chubbuck, ID, and we proudly serve those from Idaho Falls and Pocatello.
