If youâve been thinking about spending more time on the water, then you may be considering purchasing a boat for personal use. But there are so many choices, so how do you pick the right one for you?
Here are 5 tips on finding the perfect boat for your tastes and budget.
1. Consider the Type of Waters Youâll Be Exploring
There are three types of water you can go in a boat: rivers, lakes, and the ocean. If youâre going to spend time in the river, you have to buy a boat that has a flat bottom. But if youâre only going to the lake, youâll have more choices since youâll have more space and depth of water to work with.
For the ocean, youâll want a bigger, more stable boat. That way, if you get caught in rough waters, itâll be safer.
2. Narrow Down What Type of Boat You Want
Here are the types of boats you can choose from:
- Bowriders
- Freshwater fishing
- Cruisers
- Runabouts
- Saltwater fishing
- Sailboats
- Speed boats
- Trawlers
- Watersports
- Pontoon
Think about who you want to go cruising with and how far you want to go out. For example, if you just want to lounge around, then you donât want to get a watersports boat. Or if you want to go out on the sea, you wonât want to get a pontoon, since they donât handle large waves well.
Once youâve crossed off a few boats from the list, itâll be easier to choose the best one for you. Check out these luxury boats for some inspiration.
3. Think About the Hull Design
There are five types of hull designs available:
- Flat bottom
- Catamaran
- Chines and strakes
- Deep-V
- Modified-V
If youâre considering a small boat, then youâll want to go with the modified-V hull since itâs commonly used in smaller vessels. For rough waters, youâll want a deep-V hull; itâll provide you with a smoother ride.
4. The Engine Matters
In addition to picking out a boat, you have to choose an engine as well. Factors that go into the optimal one for your vessel are its weight and overall horsepower.
Make sure you pick a complementary engine so you not only get a better experience on the water, but also donât waste gas. If youâre not sure which engine to go with, feel free to ask your boat salesman for advice.
5. New vs Used
While buying used will save you money, new boats come with generous warranties. However, new boats will depreciate in value as soon as you leave the boat dealership.
Before you decide on new or used, weigh up the pros and cons of each side to see which one works best for your financial situation.
Finding the Perfect Boat Isnât Difficult
Now that you have a few tips on finding the perfect boat, youâre well on your way to picking out a beauty thatâll coast the waters smoothly for years to come. Take your time, do your research, and youâll end up with an excellent purchase.
Want to read more on hobbies? Then check out our lifestyle blog posts.