Boating can be a fun and rewarding experience, if you take the time to choose the boat that is right for you. Here are some boat-buying tips from the experts:
- Go out on someone else’s boat several times before you buy your own. Make sure the activity really fits your interests.
- Be aware of the full cost and time commitments of owning a boat. In addition to the original costs, you will have to pay for insurance, fuel and oil, a trailer, storage, maintenance and repairs, setting up a tow vehicle, life jackets, licenses and permits, etc.
- Decide what your main boating activities will be (fishing, skiing, tubing, cruising) and how many people will be in the boat.
- Buy from a reputable, honest dealer who provides good service. A good dealer can help you choose a boat that’s appropriate for your needs and interests and help you with questions, parts, repairs and winterization.
- Don’t buy too much boat your first time. Get a small, economical, sound, easy-to-get-around, easy-to-handle boat you can learn in.
- Consider going “partners” with a friend who has more boating experience and may already own a boat.
- When you find the boat that’s right for you, see TFCU for a great loan. Get boat loan information.