Buying a boat is exhilarating!
It really is kind of like entering a new relationship. You see something you like, you get excited, and immediately you start imagining all the good times ahead.
But just like a new relationship, buying a boat takes time.
You are going to see some beautiful boats. Some of them are going to make you want to say, “This is the one!” before you have even thought everything through.
Don’t rush.
Take your time, think practically, and ask yourself the right questions before jumping in.
Here are a few things I think every future boat owner should consider.
1. Is It Roomy Enough?
One thing I learned with boating is that you cannot just focus on the length of the boat.
Pay attention to the width too.
A longer boat may sound impressive, but if it is narrow, it may not be as comfortable as you think, especially when you start adding people.
Width gives you room to move around, sit comfortably, entertain, and enjoy the boat without everyone feeling like they are on top of each other.
If you know you like having guests, this is something I would definitely pay attention to.
2. Will It Work for Your Family?
Think about your family as it is now, but also think about how you actually spend your time together.
How many kids do you have?
Are they small children, teenagers, or adults?
Do your adult children have children of their own?
What about your friend group? Are you usually the one hosting everybody?
It is easy to fall in love with how a boat looks, but make sure it can actually accommodate the people you plan to enjoy it with.
3. Do You Want Outdoor Space?
This one is important to me.
One of the things I love about our houseboat is having different outdoor areas where I can sit, relax, and enjoy the lake without always having to sit out on the dock at the marina.
If outdoor seating matters to you, pay attention to it when you are looking.
Is there a front deck?
A back deck?
An upper deck?
Enough room for chairs?
Can you sit outside comfortably without everybody being squeezed together?
You may not think about it at first, but once you start spending full weekends at the lake, those outdoor spaces can become some of your favorite parts of the boat.
4. Does Power or Speed Matter to You?
Do not assume every boat is going to move the way you expect it to.
If speed and power matter to you, pay attention to the engine setup.
Look at the engine size, how many engines the boat has, and how many hours are on them.
Some boats have one engine. Some have two or more.
Ask questions.
If you are purchasing a used boat, I would also want to know how the boat has been maintained and whether service records are available.
If your dream is to fly across the water, make sure you are not buying a boat designed for a slow Sunday cruise.
5. Know Your Budget — and Remember the Boat Is Only the Beginning
Have a budget in mind before you start shopping, and try your best to stick to it.
Because here is the part people sometimes forget:
The spending does not stop when you buy the boat.
Depending on your situation, you may also have:
- Insurance
- Registration
- Marina or dock fees
- Utilities
- Fuel
- Maintenance
- Repairs
- Winterization or storage
- Towing expenses
Do your research before you purchase.
If you plan on keeping the boat at a marina, call the marina and ask about their fees before you commit to anything.
The goal is to go into this relationship knowing what you are getting into.
Be excited — but also be a smart consumer.
6. How Far Are You Willing to Travel for the Right Boat?
Yes, traveling to another state to buy a boat is absolutely a thing.
When we started looking, we went to a couple of different states.
Sometimes the boat that fits your needs and your budget is not sitting at the marina down the street.
But if you are willing to travel, remember to factor in what happens after you purchase it.
If the boat needs to be transported to your lake or marina, get an estimate for towing or transport before you make the deal.
That extra cost can make a big difference in your final budget.
7. Do You Know Someone Who Already Owns a Boat?
Use your resources!
If you have a friend who already owns a boat, that can work in your favor.
Boaters hear things.
We know who is talking about upgrading.
We see For Sale signs around the marina.
We hear when somebody is thinking about selling before the boat ever makes it to an online listing.
We have actually helped two friends connect with boats this way.
One friend wanted to sell, and one of our dock neighbors was looking to upgrade. We connected them, and the deal was made.
Another friend was completely new to boat life, and we were able to connect them with another dock neighbor who was selling his boat.
Sometimes your best boat search tool is another boater.
8. What Do You Actually Want the Boat For?
Before you buy anything, ask yourself:
Why do I want a boat?
That answer should help guide almost every other decision.
Do you want to:
- Do water sports?
- Cruise the lake?
- Fish?
- Spend weekends at the marina?
- Entertain family and friends?
- Use it like a floating vacation home?
- Mostly relax at the dock?
There is no wrong answer.
But knowing your reason will help you choose a boat that fits your lifestyle instead of simply choosing one that looks good.
9. Do You Even Need a Boat That Runs?
Now this may sound crazy to somebody who is brand new to boating, but hear me out.
Not everybody buys a boat because they want to cruise around the lake all day.
Some people simply love being at the marina.
They want a place to spend the weekend, relax by the water, entertain, and enjoy the boating community.
Our first houseboat did not run.
And we were perfectly fine with that.
We had a pontoon boat if we wanted to get out on the water, but honestly, a lot of our enjoyment came from simply being at the marina.
Even if you do not have another boat, you are going to meet people.
And trust me, boat people cruise together.
You may be surprised how many people are perfectly happy to say, “Come on, we’re going for a ride.”
A non-running boat can also cost considerably less, so depending on what you want from boat life, it may be an option worth considering.
10. What If You Buy It and Decide You Don’t Like It?
Nobody likes to think about this part when they are excited about buying a boat.
But it can happen.
Maybe your needs change.
Maybe the boat is too small.
Maybe you realize you want something faster.
Maybe you want a different style of boat.
Or maybe boat life just is not what you thought it would be.
That does not mean you are stuck forever.
Boats are bought and sold every day.
If you decide it is time to move on, you can list it through boating websites, local marina groups, Facebook Marketplace, boating Facebook groups, and social media.
You may even find your buyer right there at your marina.
Do not let the fear of “What if I change my mind?” stop you from making a thoughtful decision.
Take Your Time
Buying a boat should be exciting.
Enjoy looking.
Walk through different boats.
Ask questions.
Sit down in them.
Picture your family onboard.
Think about how you really want to use it.
And most importantly, do not let excitement make the decision for you.
The prettiest boat is not always the right boat.
The right boat is the one that works for your budget, your family, and the kind of boat life you want to create.
And once you find that one...
Welcome to boat life. ⚓
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