How To Buy Your First Boat

If you’re here, then you’re undoubtedly interested in becoming a boat owner. Millions of Americans are proud boat owners all across the country, so why not join them? You can use a boat in so many ways, on a calm lake for some leisurely cruising in the sunshine or out on the open ocean for some deep sea fishing.

But buying a boat is a huge undertaking and it’s not something you want to do without some careful thought and planning. Blue Water Boats in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, is your local boat dealer. Here are some of our key suggestions for how to shop smart when it comes to buying your very first boat.

1. Shop Around

The best way to figure out the type of boat you should buy is to make it a point to look at as many boats as possible. Browse your local marina, your friendly local boat dealers like Blue Water Boats and any boat shows that come to town so you can get a good idea of what’s out there, along with ballpark prices and useful features. Whether you choose to buy new or used, it’s helpful to see a large selection of boats in many different styles so you can make notes on what features and amenities appeal to you and which styles of boat might be best for your plans.

2. Beware of the Internet

Be wary of purchasing your boat from the internet, as those good prices may actually be too good to be true. You might think you’ve found the boat of your dreams, only to discover that it’s stolen, lacks paperwork, has hidden damage or some other terrible malady that you don’t want to make your own responsibility. The internet is a great place to window-shop, so look all you like! Just be very cautious when it comes to laying down your cash for a used boat that might not be what it seems.

3. Budget Accordingly

Your next task is to make a budget. Unless you’re extremely fortunate and money is of no object, you’re going to have to figure out how much you can afford to spend so you don’t put yourself heavily into debt. Look at your income and savings after you’ve found some prices for boats that interest you to determine what you can spend. Don’t forget that you can always look into used boats or financing options to get what you need.

When making your budget, don’t forget about secondary and tertiary costs like maintenance and upkeep fees, registration, licensing, insurance and fuel costs. You’ll also need to budget for storage or a marina slip if you don’t have a place to keep your boat at home.

4. Take a Safety Course

The successful completion of a boat safety course is required by many states for new boaters, but not all of them. Even if your state doesn’t require it, though, it’s a smart thing to do. Here in New Jersey, you must complete a course that is approved by the New Jersey State Police before you can obtain a license to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft. A course can teach you how to safely and responsibly operate your boat, as well as what various signs and symbols mean.

5. Get the Right Accessories

There are several different accessories that you should have on hand if you own a boat. The most important one is a boat trailer. You’re going to need a way to haul your boat from home or storage to a marina or boat launch. Even if you store your boat at a local marina, you may still wish to take it elsewhere on trips, and if you move to another state, you’ll definitely need a way to safely transport your boat!

Other accessories you’ll want to get include life jackets and a throwable life ring, both of which are more correctly categorized as personal flotation devices (PFDs). A GPS unit, an emergency radio, a tool kit, a first-aid kit and signal flares are also good items to keep on your boat. Finally, invest in a good-quality waterproof boat cover to keep your investment clean and secure and free of pests.

We hope this guide has proven useful in terms of what you should think about when shopping for your first boat. Ready to tour some models? Visit our dealership in Cape May Court House today to view our wide selection of new and used boats for sale in many styles. Blue Water Boats proudly serves all of our New Jersey customers.