Although there are plenty of things that can be considered when buying a boat, we have narrowed it down to the top 8 primary questions to help you determine what boat might be best for your needs! Please note that just like a lot of things in life, rarely is there one perfect boat that will do everything for you. Each one is to some degree a compromise one way or another – it comes down to what is the least compromise for your needs! Otherwise, you might hear us say something like, “Well everyone needs AT LEAST three boats.” 🙂
1. How Do You See Yourself Using Your Boat The Majority Of The Time?
– Family Fun: tubing, picnicking, going to the beach
– Fishing: inshore, offshore, freshwater
– Water Sports: wake surfing, skiing, wakeboarding
– Entertaining: cruising, going to restaurants, relaxing
– Exploring: adventure, camping, diving
2. How Many People Will Be On Your Boat The Majority Of The Time?
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the one time a year that everyone will come to visit and have fifteen people with them! We would suggest taking a second look at who would be spending the most time on the boat to ensure the size matches this normal capacity.
3. Where Will You Keep Your Boat?
– On a trailer: inside or outside?
– Marina: dry stack or in-water?
– Dock: boat lift or in-water?
4. Are There Any Features That You Or Your Spouse Must Have?
Do you need a toilet, freshwater, a bait well, shade, GPS, depth finder, etc.
5. How Long Do You Anticipate Owning This Boat?
Sometimes when making a large purchase it can feel like we have to live with that decision for the rest of our lives. However, with different seasons in life, often times your needs change along with that new season. Also, when we look at the initial purchase price, we forget that one day we’ll end up selling it. For example, the initial price may be $50,000, but when you sell it 4 years later, you may get $33,000 so the actual cost of ownership is only $17,000. Keep this in mind as it may help in the decision making process.
6. What Is My Monthly Budget?
You must keep payment, storage, insurance, maintenance, and fuel in mind.
7. Who Will Take Care Of My Boat And Engine?
This is an important question because boats do require maintenance and unfortunately, things will break. Who can you trust that has the experience, the knowledge, and the resources to get you back out onto the water quickly and efficiently?
Lastly, and hopefully it’ll give you an answer as to “why?”
8. What Do You Hope To Get From Owning A Boat?
– Connecting with your family and kids
– Socializing with your friends
– Staying active and healthy
– Achieving a life-long goal
– Reducing stress
– Sharing the experience with others
– Escaping/recreating
– Getting closer to nature and exploring
– Making your friends and neighbors jealous
Did you have all of your questions answered? If not, give us a call at 843-305-3194 to talk to a sales consultant or click here. We can help clarify any lingering questions you may have!
