How to buy your first boat

Buying your first boat is an exciting venture. But while you may be cashed up and ready to dive in, it can all be a bit overwhelming when you’re new to the boating scene.

Whether you’re intent on family cruising, water skiing, or fishing, we’ve put together a handy guide to assist you on your buying journey.

The first step is to decide which boat will be best suited to you and your family. If you want a lifestyle boat, consider a bowrider. These are perfect for day trips with the family, as well as water sports. A bowrider has an open lounge seating area at the bow, which provides extra space for people to sit and take in the views while you’re cruising.

Jet boats and PWCs (personal watercraft, commonly known as jet skis) are a good option for speed enthusiasts while also having the option of being able to tow a skier or wakeboarder behind them.

Arguably the most popular of all boats are fishing boats. These come in a broad range of models depending on your preferred style of fishing. Whether it is offshore fishing, estuary fishing or fishing freshwater dams, there is something to suit everyone.

Before you start searching for a new boat, it’s a good idea to know how much you’re willing to spend. Boats can rapidly jump up in price once you start upping the size of the outboard or begin adding accessories like, for example, an electric trolling motor for a fishing boat.

So, setting a budget right from the start provides a total price to work off, helping you narrow down your options.

If you don’t have somewhere to store your boat, factor in storage or marina fees too, and don’t forget to allow for boat insurance costs.

One of the biggest decisions you will make when buying a boat is whether to buy brand new or used. They both have pros and cons, so it’s a matter of weighing these up before taking the plunge.

Purchasing a new boat gives you the reassurance of having warranty on the boat and motor if anything does go wrong, as well as having the latest technology and hull design. On the downside, a new boat will generally come with a significantly higher price.

Buying a used boat is an affordable way to get on the water and can be really good value if the vessel has been well maintained. However, it’s a riskier move given that many used boats are out of warranty. The solution? It’s wise to pay a professional to thoroughly inspect the boat and motor before purchasing.

Always check a used boat’s history and ask for any maintenance logbooks. Check that the boat hasn’t had an accident before and that there are no hidden repairs that may affect its performance on the water.

Once you have sorted your budget and know what kind of boat you would like to purchase, start by searching online for boats in your price range. A great place to start is boatsales, where you’ll find listings for thousands of boats of all descriptions.

You can also visit dealerships and test drive boats to make sure you are happy with the boat’s performance and handling. If it’s a used boat, pay special attention to how the boat handles at different speeds, and see if you can pick up on any strange noises or vibrations. Check the boat isn’t stiff in its steering and that it’s easy to manoeuvre.

Once you’ve found a boat you are happy with, don’t be afraid to negotiate the price.

Whether you are buying from a dealership or from a private seller, there is often always some room for movement on the price. The worst a seller can say is ‘no’, so give it a go – nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Complete all the necessary paperwork and organise the delivery or collection of the boat.

Most importantly, have fun breaking your new boat in! Whether you’re fishing, taking the family for a cruise or enjoying adrenalin-fuelled water sports, owning a boat offers endless fun and adventure.

But safety comes first, so make sure you’ve got all the required safety gear and follow all the relevant boating rules and regulations. Then there’s nothing left but to enjoy your new life on the water!