BOAT BUYING TIPS

Sometimes, we in the marine industry forget how confusing a first time boat puchase can be. So, here are some points to keep in mind when you're ready to invest in some great family fun. Before you head out the door, sit the family down to discuss what your priorities for a new boat are: Fishing? Skiing? Long distance cruising? Camping? Next, do you want a boat that you can trailer from place to place or dock in one area?

BUDGET It sure would be nice if we all could go out and buy the biggest, most luxurious vessel afloat - but, the reality is that we all have budgets. The important thing here is to make hard fast decisions before you hit the marina and keep that focus! It's all too easy to get carried away by the emotions that boats can generate. My advice here is not to dwell on how much a boat costs, but rather how much a month you can comfortably afford - and stick to it!

NEW OR PRE-OWNED?? The eternal question!! While there are no hard and fast rules on this one, there are some points that never vary: New boats come with all the factory warranties; used either 'as is' or very limited. New can be equipped just the way you like it; used - whatever is there. New - X Dollars for a 20 footer; Used - same dollars buy a bigger boat. So?? What's the answer? OK, Rule of Thumb: If you know that your 1st boat is going to be a stepping stone to a bigger one in a short time, lean towards used. If, on the other hand, you plan on keeping it, it's a no brainer - Buy New.

CASH OR FINANCE?? Unlike cars, boat financing is usually available for a longer period of time - thus payments can be kept lower. Further, if you are thinking 'Cruisers', the interest on the loan may be tax-deductible.

PRICING This is always a dicey subject. If you've been out there looking at boats at all, you know that you can see the same size in two different brands, and wonder why there can be such a price difference. The only advice I can give here is this: Price is determined by materials used and the quality of that material. Remember this!! There is no such thing as an unsafe boat!! All boats must pass Coast Guard requirments. So, if you hear a salesperson say that this or that boat is weak and will break up, tip your hat and say "See Ya". However, there IS such a thing as a higher quality, better riding boat. These are the things that you pay for.

A HOLE IN THE WATER? We've all heard this one! You know the one: A boat is a hole in the water where we pour all our money. Well, I'm here to tell you 'T'aint So'! In fact, if you do it right, the expense is minimal. So, what is 'doing it right'? First off, a new boat needs to be broken in properly - No "Hot-dogging" for the first 20 hours; Change fluids on a regular basis; Two coats of wax per year, and keep it covered between uses. HOLE # 2!! GAS IS WAY TOO EXPENSIVE!! Yes, we all know what has happened to fuel prices. But, here is an interesting statistic: The average boater uses 50 - 100 gallons a season. Not a bad price to pay for a summer of fun.

OUTBOARD OR STERNDRIVE?? Here's another 'hot potato'! Which one is better?? Are you ready for this? Neither is better than the other - they are just different. Well, Mr Know it All, you ask: Why should I buy one over the other? Good question - so, let's look at it. Outboards come in 2 flavors: 2 stroke and 4 stroke. Sterndrives are car engines mated to a stern drive unit and marinized for marine use. Outboards are lighter, rev higher and usually require less water depth. Sterndrives are usually less expensive, allow for higher freeboard at the stern of the boat and plane and run at lower RPM's. So, what should you get?? Well, some people buy Fords, and others, Chevys -- and THAT topic I won't touch.

OK - SO WHAT NOW? We have a saying around here that says:"Boating - The Family Thing To Do"; and it's one thing that we firmly believe in. There are not many things that fulfill the role of "let's do it together". If Dad wants to fish and Mom wants to sunbathe and the kids want to ski or swim, boating gives each one his due. So, What now??? I'll leave that answer up to you.

- John