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Similiar to cars, there are a few pros and cons to
new and used boats. Even though there are hundreds
of used boats available, you should look at the newer
ones first.

New boats
With new boats, you'll know each and every piece of
history with the boat and the motor. If something
happens to go wrong, you'll have a warranty to fall
back on, so you don't have to focus on restoring or
repairing your new boat. This way, you can get out
in the water immediately.

When you finance a new boat, you can usually get a
much better interest rate as well. By shopping new
you'll also get a better idea as to which type of
boat is best for you and your family. Just like a
car, the depreciation value is the highest in the
first season of use.

Used boats
Used boats can be a great option, especially for
those who don't know what they want to do with the
boat, or those with tight budgets. Even though you
may be planning to buy a new boat, it's always a
good idea to shop new ones first.

Attending boat shows are a great way to see the
boats that are out there, helping you to get an idea
of what you want. You can look at the many used
boats that are there, then narrow your list down as
to what type of used boat you prefer.

Whether you plan to shop for your used boat online,
through the newspaper, or by visiting one of the local
boat dealerships, make sure you get a marine survey
of the boat before you make the purchase. A marine
survey may be a bit expensive, although it's money
well spent.

Often times, structural defects or mechanical
problems with used boats that weren't cared for
properly will be quite difficult to detect. A marine
survey is similiar to a home inspection, as the
surveyor will inspect every inch of the boat, from
the engine to the electrical system and the hull to
the steering wheel.

Depending on the results you receive, you can use the
results to get a lower price, or just stop the deal
altogether if the results are that bad. The marine
survey is the smartest way to buy a used boat, as
it can save you a lot of time, headache, and even
money - which makes it well worth it.

If you are planning to buy a boat, you'll first need
to evaluate what you plan to do with it. If your
primary purpose is fishing, then you'll want to
look into boats that are designed primarily for
fishing.

If you happen to be a tournament fisherman, or hope
to be, then you probably wouldn't be happy with a
boat less than a 150 HP motor and shorter than 19
feet in length. Those of you who plan to fish in
really deep water on a regular basis will probably
need a 200 HP motor and at least 20 feet of length.

If you don't plan to tournament fish, but go after
bass fish instead, you'll want a 17 - 18 foot boat
with at least a 115 HP motor. This way, you can
enjoy the lake or the river.

Those of you who like to fish for species may want
to look for a more versatile boat with plenty of
walking around room, higher sides, and a different
seating arrangement. This type of boat is ideal
for several people, even a trip out with your
wife and kids.

If you plan to fish on occasion, but not enough
to invest in a boat, you may want to look at a
fish and ski model. This is a hybrid boat, crossing
between a bass boat and pleasure boat, and can
easily serve your purpose.

The biggest part of the buying process is getting
what you can afford. Luckily, there are many new
boats available, giving you several that fit your
budget. If you prefer, you can shop and find a used
boat that fits both your needs and budget.

The right way to use an anchor is probably one of the
least understood areas of boating. If you are new to
boating, you may be thinking - how hard can it be? You
simply throw the anchor in the water, wait until it
hits the bottom, then tie it off, correct?

Anyone who is experienced with boating has probably
seen the types of problems that type of attitude can
cause. Just like everything else in boating, anchoring
requires the right equipment, careful thought, and a
lot of practice.

The starting point is selecting the right ground
tackle (the proper term for the anchor, line, chain,
shackles and swivels) for your boat and your style
of boating. There is no single anchor that will do
everything perfectly. Each style has its own unique
benefits and drawbacks, and each one performs best
under its given conditions.

The Danforth anchor
The Danforth anchor is one of the most popular,
being easily identified by its two long, sharp
pivoting flukes and long shank. The Danforth is
also a great choice for small to medium sized boats
as well. The anchor is light and easy to store,
digs well into sand and mud, and releases easy when
pulled from different directions.

The flukes on the Danforth pivot so that the shank
can be pulled at a more vertical angle. It's ideal
for fishing, which requires quick release and moving
around to different locations. If you fish overnight
a lot or travel to different areas of water you may
want to consider a different anchor, which will
hold better in changing conditions.

The plow anchor
The CQR, or plow anchor, features a single shaped
fluke that pivots at the end of the shank. This
design works well on many bottoms. The plow shank
pivots from side to side, while remaining parallel
to the fluke. This design also makes releasing a
snap when the anchor is pulled vertically.

The Bruce anchor
This anchor was originally created for offshore gas
and drilling rigs. The more scaled down version
of this anchor is popular with boaters. The anchor
holds fast, yet it will still come loose when
pulled vertically.

Always make sure to select an anchor system that
matches the length of your boat, displacement, and
the windage. If your looking for strength, elasticity
and durability, you should use only top quality
braided nylon anchor line.

It's very important that the size and length of
your anchor line is appropriate for your boat and
it's requirements. Small or medium boats should use
a section of galvanized steel chain between the
line and the anchor.

If you are new to boating, anchoring is something
you should become familiar with. As you use your
boat more, you'll pick up the proper anchoring
techniques. Or, if you prefer, you can always take
classes and learn everything you need to know about
anchoring from a qualified professional.

As you are probably already aware of, inflatable
boats are very popular today. Each distinct group
of inflatable boat is designed for a specific use
and therefore equipped with different components
and equipment.

If your looking for a small boat to get you from
your ship to the shore, a typical inflatable boat
is the best answer. If you are looking for a
medium sized boat for diving or swimming, there
are many choices in that area as well. For recreation
or rescue work, there are large inflatable boats
available as well.

Dealers
The location of a reputable dealer is very important,
as you don't want to travel too far to get an
inflatable boat. Whether you need parts, repairs,
or just technical support - a close dealer can also
be a close friend. As a new boat owner, you may
also have questions, need to claim your warranty,
or just need regular servicing. No matter how
you look at it, a close dealer is always better
than having to travel.

Prices
Many years ago, inflatable boats were the most
expensive types of boats and only a small amount
of people could even afford them. The reason for
this, was the use of exotic materials and the
numerous hours of hand labor that went into their
construction.

Today, there are machines that do a majority of
the construction work. Zodiac and its sister
company Sevylor, are the leading low cost producers
today thanks to technology. You can even finance
an inflatable boat if you need to, making them
available to almost everyone now.

Warranty
You may have heard claims from all competitors,
with each one promising they have the best or even
the longest warranty. A few years ago, a company
offered a lifetime warranty - although they soon
disappeared shortly thereafter. Many manufacturers
will use an attractive warranty to substitute for
quality or even proper boat design.

In the back of your mind, you should be sure that
the company you buy from will be around long enough
to deliver on their warranty. Zodiac has been
building inflatable boats for over 50 years, and
offer a limited 5 year warranty on their inflatable
boats. Therefore, Zodiak is one of the best you
can buy today.

With all inflatable boats, you should know which
type you want before you purchase. You can always
look around and see what each dealer offer, then
plan your purchase accordingly. An inflatable
boat is great to have, especially for those who
own big ships and vessels. You can't go wrong with
these boats either - as they serve many different
useful purposes.

Those of you who own boat will want to make sure
you get watercraft coverage. Often times, people
don't realize that they need this type of coverage
for their boats. There are many boat owners that
don't even realize this type of insurance is
even available.

You need boat insurance if you own a boat, it's
that simple. Before you buy boat insurance, here
are some things you simply must know.

- Many states now require that you carry watercraft
liability coverage. What this coverage does, is
protect you against any damage that you cause to
other people or their property with your boat. This
insurance will also cover you for vandalism, theft,
fire, stranding, sinking, and even collision. You
should always call your insurance agent and see
what's required with your state and what policies
they cover.

- There is also optional coverage that you should
really consider. One type of coverage that you
should strongly consider is Wreckage Removal. In
most areas, the removal of sunken or wrecked
boats is required by law, and the responsibility
of the owner to pay for the removal, which can
easily be very expensive.

Wreckage Removal coverage will pay these costs for
you. You should also consider adding coverage
that will pay for repairs and mechanical failure
as well, along with towing charges - should you
ever need to be towed back to the shore.

- Not all insurance companies cover everyone who
operates the boat. This is something you should
always ask about, find out who is covered when
operating the boat. There are several companies
that will only cover the owner of the boat. Make
sure that the insurance agent defines who is
covered when operating the boat.

- When you shop for boat insurance, call your
current company first, then check with other
companies to see what type of rates they offer as
well. Always remember that insurance agencies
are in competition with each other, and they'll
work with you to get you to join them. Let one
know about a better rate that you've been quoted
and see if they'll go one better.

Before you shop for boat insurance, think about
the investment you have made with your boat. Boats
are not cheap, replacing or repairing them isn't
cheap either. Therefore, you should always make
sure you get the coverage you need to protect you
against anything that happens with your boat.

Those of you who have the money and plan to keep
one boat forever, should buy it new. If you happen
to be on a budget and skeptical about owning a
boat, you should buy it used.

Buying used is great for some, although it isn't
always the most glamorous decision. The oceans
and lakes are filled with boaters who are far
wealthier than most. Many boaters go well beyond
their means and finance their boats at extreme
levels.

What really counts with a used boat is being out
there on the water. Someone who is out there
every weekend on his beat up boat is a great
boater. A businessman who only has time to ride
on his 60 foot yacht once or twice a year isn't
considered a boater at all.

If you look around the water, you'll se that the
little boats are the ones that move, while the
big boats are the ones that never move. Those
that are too busy earning money and never have
the time to go boating shouldn't really have a
boat at all.

New boats can lose half of their value in less
than 2 years. With a used boat, the previous
owner has already fixed the problems that are
associated with new boats. The previous owner
has also already hassled with the dealer to get
the warranty service taken care of.

A used boat normally hasn't be used very much
at all. A boat will sit a majority of the time,
which is nothing like a used car. You can find
many boats with less than a couple hundreds hours
of engine time. For the sake of comparison,
look at how many hours are on the engine of your
car.

A used boat will already have scratches and
dings, so you won't feel half as bad when you
add a few of your own. When you purchase your
used boat, you should leave at least a grand to
outfit the boat and make any necessary repairs.

A used boat will normally come with dock lines,
life jackets, spare props, a radio, safety
equipment, and other nice additions. New boat
owners will have to pay hundreds of dollars
for these kinds of things.

The wild card is, of course, whether or not the
previous boat owner did the proper maintenance
of the boat. Prior to buying you should always
get the boat surveyed to be sure that it's in
reasonable condition. This way, you'll know
your getting a great used boat.

Selecting the right fishing boat can be a real
challenge and also a lot of fun for someone who is
new to boating. If you haven't experienced buying
a boat before, it can also be a daunting task to
say the least.

Before you start looking, it's important to consider
the purpose of your fishing boat. A fishing boat
serves but one purpose - fishing. You have to
decide if you plan to fish in the ocean, or in other
bodies of water, such as lakes. This is very
important, as there are different types of fishing
boats available.

If you plan to use your fishing boat for ocean
cruising and overnight stays, it would be ideal to
buy one that has a hull. This design is meant for
rough waters, riding the waves, and providing more
comfort for anglers while they fish.

When you buy a fishing boat, you should know if it
includes a warranty. If it does, you should really
study the warranty as not all are the same. Buying
your boat from a dealer is always a smarter decision,
as dealers will provide repair services is the
boat is found to be defective.

It's also important when buying a fishing boat to
note if the boat is certified by the NMMA. This
agency will guarantee that the certification they
give to every boat passes the agency's standards
of excellence.

When it comes down to it, you should do more than
just look around when it comes to a fishing boat.
You should learn how to look for the best details
to ensure that your boat is worth the money. If
you take the time to look around, you'll find a boat
that you can truly be proud of.

Everyone out there likes the idea of a shiny new
boat. While buying a new yacht is an accomplishment
in itself, you shouldn't spend over your budget then
be unable to take it anywhere. When you buy a
yacht, always look at what comes with the boat
and decide if it's everything you want.

Types of construction

GRP
Almost all cruising yachts out there today are made
of GRP construction. GRP material is long lasting,
strong, and easy to repair. Osmosis is the only
real problem here, as the blisters it leaves can be
sometimes costly to repair.

Steel
Steel is always a great a idea, as it is by far the
strongest material. There have been steel boats ran
into reefs and banks and received just a few mere
scratches. Even though steel has many advantages,
rust is the true enemy here. You must keep all
surfaces thoroughly painted, primed, and ready to
avoid all types of rust.

Aluminum
Although rare in the normal cruising market,
aluminum is very popular with the construction of
top quality custom built yachts. If you are looking
for an aluminum constructed yacht, always make sure
that it wasn't constructed by an amateur yacht
builder - as this can cause major problems later on
down the road.

Wood
Even though it's the most traditional building
material, wood still has a lot to offer. If you get
the right kind of wood, it can last just as long as
any other type of material. The maintenence costs
are very high with wood, especially if you do your
own painting.

Ferro-cement
Concrete type boats have been around for a long
time. A cheap method of hull construction, it was
very popular in the 70's. If done properly, it
can be a very strong method of yacht construction.

Rigs
The most popular choices of yacht rigs include sloop,
cutter, and ketch - in that particular order. Sloop
has the virtue of simplicity, while ketch and cutter
rigs will split the sail plan into more easily
managed areas. A ketch rig can sail under mizzen
and headsail alone, while cutter rigs can offer a
simple twin headsail with downwind option.

Essentials versus desirables
Before you begin looking for a yacht, make a list
of what you must have then make a list of what would
be nice to have. There are many additions and add
ons you can get for yachts, although they can get
very expensive in a hurry.

When you shop for a yacht, always plan out your
budget before you even start looking. A nice yacht
can cost a lot of money, which is something you
may need to save up for. Yachts are great to sail
on, especially for those who have a lot of money
to spare.

Once you've made the purchase on a brand new boat
you'll be very excited - as you should be! The
first thing to do is celebrate with your family and
friends, you deserve it. You shouldn't rush out
on the water immediately after the purchase, as
you have some things to take care of first.

If you are new to boating, you should take a
safety course first. There is a lot to know about
boats. Being out on the water is a lot of fun,
although there are things you should know and
things you should always be aware of.

After buying your boat, you should register it and
re-title the boat and trailer if you need to. Pay
your sales tax and apply any up to date registration
stickers if you need to. Also, make sure you buy
the proper insurance for your boat, as it will
protect you while you are on the water.

When you make your first trip on the water, you
should do so with an experienced boater. You can
have them show you turning in tight spaces, even
trailering and docking. Practice docking in
different currents and take the helm with the
boater there to help you. Get comfortable at the
helm enough to where you'll feel comfortable taking
others out for a ride.

The world of boating can be very fun, offering you
many things to do and a lot to see. Boating offers
plenty of freedom as well, especially for those who
are completely new to boating. Your first boat
purchase is very important, as it opens up new doors
in life. Your family will enjoy boating, all you
have to do is give it a chance!

A boat trailer is something you really can't go
wrong with, as it is a dual purpose device. It
provides a convenient way to store the boat, and
also allows you to explore new areas by taking
your boat down the road. Good trailers must
perform both duties equally as good.

Most people buying boats are into getting the
boat, and not the trailer. They are more than
willing to spend money on a boat, then end up
getting a cheap trailer. If you want the most
from boating, these tips will help you with
buying a trailer.

- The total weight of the boat, gear, and motor
should be in the mid range of trailer's carrying
capacity. You shouldn't pick a 2,500 capacity
trailer if you have a boat with the same weight.

- Go for larger diameter tires and wheels. The
larger tires will rotate less times per mile,
producing less heat and wear on the tread. The
wheel bearings will last much longer as well,
as they rotate less times per mile.

- You should look for trailers with "drive on"
capabilities. These drive on trailers will allow
you to drive the boat onto the trailer, close
enough to the winch so that you only need to
winch the boat up a few inches.

- Select trailer lights (for the highway) that
are protected and sealed against water.

- Pick your trailer based on the environment it
will be operating in. If you plan to launch in
salt water, you'll need a trailer for that purpose.
There are many types of trailers available, each
one designed for a specific type of boating.

Although most are protected against weather and
rust, you should always pick the one designed
for the type of terrain you will be using your
boat with. This way, you have no worries about
your trailer not doing the job it should be.

There are some trailers that include a spare tire,
which is an excellent investment for those who
plan to travel long distances. Even though it
can be hard to find trailer tires in the dark,
it's still great to have a spare if you get a
flat while you travel.

All in all, a boat trailer can save you a lot of
time and money. You can store your boat on your
trailer when it isn't be used, even take it to
other lakes or oceans. A trailer will open up
new roads for you and your boat - all you have to
do is find one that you need.

There are many boats out there on the market, with
something for everyone. If you are new to boating,
selecting the right boat can be hard. There are
boats for every purpose on the water, all you have
to do is find the one for you.

To help you in your quest, we'll go over the several
types of boats available. This way, you'll know
the differences when you head out to buy one of
your own.

1. Vessel
The vessel is the most common name for a boat, as
it's the description used or capable of being used
on the water. Basically, it's another name used for
a boat or anything capable of being on the water.

2. Power boat
A power boat is any boat or vessel that's propelled
by machinery. Fishing boats are great examples,
as they are powered by motors or engines.

3. Houseboat
A houseboat is fitted for use as a living vessel or
for leisurely cruising. Normally, a houseboat will
include living accomodations such as sleeping
quarters, kitchen facilities, and even a full bath.
The cruising models are normally propelled by
power.

4. Sailboat
A sailboat is any boat that's under sail along with
no mechanical means of propulsion. The modern
sailboats range from one person boats to luxury
yachts that can accomodate several people. They
are divided into three basic types:
1. Daysailer - This is a small boat that's
designed for comfortable sailing without sleeping
accomodations. It offers a roomy cockpit and can
also contain an outboard auxillary engine as well.
2. Cruiser - Cruisers are medium sized or
large boats that contain a cabin with sleeping
quarters, toilet, food area, and usually an auxillary
engine that's built inside.
3. Racer - Racers are boats built for speed
and ease of handling - normally at the expense of
comfort.

5. Zodiac
The Zodiac brand of high performance aluminum boats
are some of the most popular in the entire boating
industry. These boats are constructed with a
conventional rigid hull with increased buoyancy and
stability. The deep V hulls offered by these boats
are made to take any weather. They are well known
for their prowess and are used all over the world
for commercial search and rescue operations.

6. Catamaran
These boats come with twin hulls. They provide
safety, comfort, speed, and stability that's
unmatched by single hulled boats. Popular with
boating, they offer you a new twist to hitting
the water.

Below, you'll find many people who sell boats, and
how to go about dealing with them:

Private sellers looking to upgrade
These sellers are those who have outgrown their current
boat and are looking to buy something bigger. Normally,
they are knowledgeable and take care of their boats.
They are also less than likely to give you a
great deal, as they need the money for their next
boat. They are also likely to strip the boat of
electronics and accessories, as they need them for
their next boat.

Private sellers wanting out
These types of sellers decide to sell their boat
because they don't use it much. Even though it may
sound great because the boat may have sat for a long
time, this is actually a bad thing. When a boat
sits for a long period of time, the boots can crack,
batteries can dry up, and many other things can happen.

Sellers who want out may not have maintained their
boat well, as they didn't have a passion for it. You
can get a good deal with these sellers, although
you should be prepared to make some repairs after
you make the purchase.

Forced sales
Sometimes, you are able to find an experienced boater
who is selling due to an injury or disability. Many
times, these boats come well equipped and have been
very maintained. These boats sell quick, as you can
normally get a great deal because the seller needs the
money.

Private sellers who aren't serious
These types of sellers aren't serious about their
boats, as they are trying to get a high price so
they can buy a lower priced boat. They normally
don't care if they sell the boat. If they can't get
a high price, they will normally keep the boat. They
should be avoided, as they can be very frustrating to
deal with.

Dealers
Dealers of used boats normally get their boats on
trade or consignment. They know how to make the
boat attractive, although most times they don't know
the history of the boat too well. Dealers are more
middle men, as they have a profit margin that has
to be met.

Brokers
These sellers normally don't waste time with smaller
boats, as reputable brokers can easily put together
high dollar sells. They aren't really the ones to
help you, as they aren't likely to help you get a
great price on a boat.

When you decide to buy your boat, always proceed with
caution and really think about who you plan to buy
the boat from. This can help you get the best
possible price, avoid headaches, and help you get
what you want. There are many sellers available, all
you have to do is compare prices and see what each
one has to offer you and your family.

Towing And Trailering

A trailer can add a new dimension to the sense of
freedom associated with boating. Once you have a
trailer, you're pretty much free to boat anywhere
you decide, lakes, rivers, or inlets. A trailer
allows you to explore your area, and is also the
most affordable way to store your boat.

Starting out
If you've never owned or trailer or trailered a boat
before, there are several things you should know
and consider. The first thing is the towing capacity
of your truck, car, or SUV. If you don't know, you
can easily find the information in your owner's
manual.

Normally, small cars or family sedans aren't suitable
for towing, although small boats may not be a problem,
if you have the proper towing equipment installed on
the car. Most standard trucks or SUV's can tow
boats up to 25 feet, although you'll need to check
the owner's manual to be sure.

Weighing in
In your boat's owners manual, you'll find the dry
weight of your boat. The dry weight is the weight
of the boat without fuel or gear. Always make sure
you assess your vehicle's towing capacity, and add
a few hundred pounds to the dry weight to cover
these types of extras.

Muscle and power
As the weight, length, and beam of a boat increases,
so does the power needed to retrieve and launch it.
Smaller boats may be easier for one person to handle,
although larger boats will require more than one
person. If you need extra help, don't be afraid to
ask for it - as trailer boaters are always ready to
give you a hand if you need it.

One of the keys to owning a boat is the question of
where to keep it when you aren't using it. Your
budget, convenience, and availability are all keys
that should be talked about.

Trailering
There's no less expensive way to store a boat than
on a trailer in your driveway or yard. A trailer
offers you the advantages of taking your boat into
different areas of water, taking your boat out
whenver you like, or just saving fees on your winter
storage. Before you look into a trailer, make sure
that your vehicle has the towing capacity for your
boat and the equipment you need.

Rack storage
For smaller boats, a great alternative to storage is
rack storage, or dry stacks. Typical rack storage
facilities will keep your boat in a covered shed
filled with plenty of room. Simply call the facility
before you want to use the boat and they will
retrieve it for you. When you are finished boating,
simply bring it back, tie it up, and they will
return it to the storage area for you.

Marina advantage
If your a boat owner craving convenience, a marina
slip is just what you need. Simply drive your family
to the marina, get in the boat, and go. Rates will
vary from state to state, although most offer you
several other perks as well.

Buying your slip
In some areas, you can actually buy a permanent slip
at a marina. This can be great to have in high
demand areas, as it guarantees you a slip at the
marina whenever you need to store your boat. The
purchased slip is a long term asset, and is good
for as long as you own a boat.

Many studies have shown, and many people already know
that being with friends and family, relaxing in the
outdoors and being close to nature are the best reasons
to buy a boat and spend time on the water. Your family
doesn't need to spend a forture or travel to a theme
park to have an experience that everyone will enjoy.

Boating is family
If you've ever felt that your family is going in
different directions, a boat can help to bring things
back together. When you spend time with your family
on a boat, it's all quality time. No matter if you're
fishing, tubing, swimming, or just cruising, your
doing it together - as a family.

There are no distractions on the water, so you can
focus your attention on each other. You can share
stories, laugh, have conversations, or reconnect and
create all new memories together. To put it in simple
terms, a boat will make life much better.

Boating helps you relax
Being on a boat makes it easy to relax. There are no
faxes, computers, or interruptions on a boat. You
have the open water, fresh air, the warm sun, and
adventure that you won't be able to find anywhere else.

With a boat, a great getwaway is all but a weekend
away. You may be a few miles from home in reality,
although you'll feel like your a million miles away.

Having fun
On a boat, the fun will never stop. There are always
things to do, places to see, fish to catch, and new
memories to create. Buying a boat is easy to do,
even if you are on a budget. If your ready to start a
new journey in life - a boat is something you and your
family simply must have.

The viewing, or inspecting your boat is a very
important part of the buying process. Inspecting
will allow you to see what you are buying before
you pay any money.

You may want to use a surveyor to do this, as they
will perform a very detailed inspection of the
boat you are interested in. You can be present
if you like, as this will give you the chance to
ask questions if you like.

Although using a surveyor is the best way to do
an inspection, you can do it yourself if you are
experienced and confident enough. There are many
parts of the boat to inspect, which makes it
nearly impossible for beginners.

If you inspect yourself, make sure you look at
the bottom of the hull, the interior, the control
cables, electrical system, pumps, and be sure
that everything is in working order. If the boat
has been well maintained, you shouldn't have a
problem looking everything over.

The engine should also be checked, as it is very
important to the boat. If you don't know a lot
about boat engines or engines in general, you
should get a mechanic to look over it for you. You
may want to do this anyway, as the engine can
be very tough to inspect.

If everything is up to par, it's time to take a
test drive. Before you fire up the engine, check
to see if it's already warm. If the engine has
trouble starting or smokes when cold, the seller
could have warmed up the engine prior to you
arriving to disguise any problems.

Check for oil leaks as well, checking the bilges
at the start and end of the test drive. When
moving around, see how the boat performs. You
should experiment with hitting the waves from
different angles, looking for any type of roll
or pitch.

Make sure you also test that all the instruments
are working correctly, then run the engine for a
period of time to see if it overheats.

If you are buying a sail boat, put the sails up
and see how the boat performs under wind pressure
alone. Also, make sure you examine the mast and
how the boat rigs under load.

If the boat you are planning to buy doesn't pass
any of your tests, don't rule it out just yet.
If you are willing to put both time and money into
making things work, you can use any problems as
bargaining tools to try and get a lower price on
the boat.

If you think you've found the boat of your dreams,
it's time to test it. Testing your boat is more
than just taking it for a test drive around the
harbor. You should look at everything closely, as
a professional boat tester would.

Sometimes, it can be hard to tell a top quality boat
from one that may have problems later on. To an
untrained eye, both can look good on the surface.
When you start to break everything down and give it
a careful inspection, you'll be able to tell a great
boat from a not-so-great boat.

By opening up all doors and access plates, you can
get great insight on the the construction of the
boat. You should also stick your head into the
anchor locker of any boat you are considering to
buy, as if they've cut any corners you'll normally
be able to see it here.

Looking into the anchor locker also lets you look
at the hull to deck joint. If there is light
coming from through, or if the fiberglass around
the joint can be seen through, it normally means
the boat has poor construction.

When you buy a boat, you should put it through a
rigorous visual inspection. It's also equally
important to conduct a vigorous test on the water
as well. A private seller or dealer will
normally want to stack the deck, ensuring that
the boat will perform well.

Normally, this involves a near empty gas tank,
no gear or extra passengers, and keeping the
boat in sheltered water. Therefore, it's up to
you to insist on a more realistic test. Think
of the test as an actual day out on the water,
and you'll find out if the boat is indeed something
you should spend your money on.

During your water testing, you should determine
if the boat performs well and meets all of your
expectations. You should determine if the boat
travels at the right speeds, and whether or not it
is capable of doing everything that you plan to
do with it after you buy it.

When test driving the boat, you should put it
through all paces in open water, cutting waves at
all angles. If you plan to test a saltwater boat,
you should bring along a 5 gallon bucket and try
throwing some water onboard. Any boat you plan
to use offshore should quickly shed water through
the scuppers. Some boats will pool water in the
bow and drain slowly - which can be very dangerous
in rough waters.

If a seller or dealer balks at the mention of any
requests you have, simply find yourself another
dealer or another boat. There are plenty of great
quality boats available, ranging in prices. Make
sure to check everything very carefully before
you make any decisions.

Once you decide to buy a boat, you'll find yourself
wondering how you are going to pay for it. This
type of purchase will involve some type of financing,
whether it's a credit line through the home, an
unsecured loan, or a boat line. Choosing the right
financing source can be just as important as
choosing the right boat.

When choosing a source of financing, there are
several things to consider. The first factor is
how long you plan to keep the boat. If you are
buying a first boat, it'll make more sense to find
a loan that will be flexible enough for an early
payoff via private party or even a trade in.

If you are purchasing the boat of your dreams, you
should expect to have it financed for a long time
which makes it important to get a fixed rate loan
with terms that allow for a low monthly payment.

Another factor you'll need to consider is the
down payment. Most lenders or dealers would like
to see at least ten percent down. Zero down
payments do exist for those with good enough
credit. Normally, the down payment doesn't
significantly change the monthly payment for your
boat loan.

Choosing the right type of boat loan is a very
important part of the entire buying process. You
can start with a boat finance brokerage, which
will show you how each one of the available options
fit into your profile.

Doing this will give you the knowledge and ability
you need to find the loan that best fits you and
your budget. The, you can concentrate on the
important things - taking your new boat out on the
water.

Almost all boats are constructed on a production
basis, as this is the most efficient means of
production. There's only one set of molds and many
boats being built from the mold, reducing the cost
of tooling per boat. Normally, there are a limited
number of options to make assembly line production
more efficient in terms of cost.

Leaving the ranks of production boats, there are
several types of custom construction. There are
many boats built with a limited budget, which is
normally by amateurs. If you don't want to build
the boat yourself, the next level available is
what sailors call "semi custom" boats.

These semi customs are normally built by small or
mid sized shops out of one set of molds so the
hull and decks could end up being identical. The
builders will however, allow the owner to pick
out the interior and other options.

The true custom built boat, or one of a kind boat,
is specifically designed and built from scratch
for a single customer with an unlimited budget. A
true custom boat is a one on one project, and
can get very expensive before you know it.

Before you decide to go out and buy a custom boat,
you should give the used market another look. Those
who have built custom or even semi custom boats
in the past do put them on the market for sale at
some point or another.

This is a much less expensive way to go, simply
because you won't be paying a professional to design
the boat from scratch. You can find used boats that
offer one of kind features and options, all you have
to do is look around.

Normally, the prices for new boats will vary
depending on the size and make, although many dealers
and manufacturers will be willing to sell you
one for less than the cost of a new car payment.

Financing your boat
Financing your boat is just like financing a new
car. Similar to car and home loans, loans for
boats have became even easier and more flexible in
recent years. The terms will generally range from
two to 20 years. To get the most from financing,
you should compare rates online.

Outfitting
All new boats are offered with a variety of options
and accessories. When you are pricing boats, make
sure you factor in the costs of electronics,
accessories, and water toys - then buy what's
appropriate for your boat type and size.

Most modern marine electronics are very reliable,
loaded with features, and more affordable than ever
before. Today's accessories can make boat trips
more fun, safer, and easier than you ever thought
possible.

Operating costs
Boating isn't like driving, as you aren't using
gas all the time. If you fish or swim with your
boat, your actually not using the motor at all. If
you happen to own a sailboat, the motor is used
less.

Most boats today are less than 21 feet in length.
All of these boats don't require a lot of gas, with
most using less than 50 gallons of gas per season.

Maintenance
Simply washing down your boat and trailer with
fresh water after each use will keep them covered
between boat trips. If you don't have the time
to do it yourself, you can always hire a professional.

Insurance
The insurance for boats will vary by length and type.
Therefore, you should consult your insurance agent for
quotes, or simply shop online.