5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Boat

Summer is here, and you might want to make the most of the warm weather and embark on marine excursions with your buddies. Whether you intend to go on fishing trips, socialize with friends, or take the kids on educational tours, you will want to have a sturdy and reliable vessel for your adventures. However, boats are big-ticket investments, and you will want to buy a model that supports your specific marine activities.

As your local marine experts, we at Club Royale want to protect your investment and help you buy the perfect vessel for your recreational pursuits. Our knowledgeable team has gathered a few questions you will want to ask yourself when buying a boat, so keep reading this guide to learn more. 

1. What Type of Boat Should I Buy?

The first thing to do when buying a boat is to determine your needs. This means you will want to select the type of boat that matches your marine lifestyle. Think about the ideal size, the activities you intend to participate in, like fishing, cruising, water skiing, or something else, and whether you will need to sleep aboard your vessel. You might also want to consider the trailering capacity of your car or pickup truck, as you will need to transport your boat to your favorite body of water.

2. Will This Boat Suffice My Requirements in the Future?

Boats can continue to perform for years when maintained thoroughly and regularly. We often recommend that our customers make a purchase keeping in mind the changing needs of their families. Ideally, you will want to invest in a vessel that can cater to your family’s needs for at least the next five to ten years. If you have young kids in the family, you might want to get a model that supports watersports activities for young children and teens. However, if you think your kids may soon age out of wanting to go out with you, the better option will be to invest in a model that suits the kind of activities you prefer.

3. Should I Opt for a New Boat or a Used Model?

Next, you will want to determine whether a new boat or a used model will be ideal for you.

Crunch a few numbers to see whether you can get your preferred brand-new model without making too many financial adjustments. If that’s not feasible, you might want to buy a used model instead.

4. How Much Should I Set Aside for Maintenance?

Generally speaking, the annual maintenance cost is approximately 10% of the value of the boat when it is new. Depending on what fixes you need to do on your model, and if it includes a part replacement, this amount can increase or decrease.

5. What Storage Options Do I Have?

You will need to store your boat in a safe area when you aren't actively using it. Consider whether you should keep your vessel in your garage or rent a marina slip. Looking for an option outside means factoring in the fees and transportation costs.

We hope you find this guide handy when selecting a boat for your adventures. If you need more advice or want to peruse our latest collection of vessels, visit Club Royale in Waterford, MI. We are happy to serve Rochester, so stop by today.