Baffled by boat buying?

Boat buying is a dream for many - and headache for many more. We're generally much less familiar with boats than cars and it can be hard to know what to look for and which type of boat to choose. If you're going to be boat hunting - here are some starting points to keep in mind:

1. Type of boat: what do you want to use your boat for? Are you taking the family deep sea fishing or looking to sail the Whitsundays? Are you taking day trips or looking to enjoy life at sea as you head to New Zealand? Different styles of boats are suitable for different water activities and you'll want to select a vessel that will live up to your boating expectations.
   
   
   
   
   
   



2. New or used: while a gleaming new vessel is likely to be at the forefront of most purchasers' minds - it's worth considering buying a used boat as your first vessel purchase. Used boats that have been well maintained can be a sound investment.
   
   
   
   
   
   



3. Condition of the boat: do your own initial inspection of the vessel looking for any signs of water seeping in through the windows, soft spots on floors and any other visible damage. As you would get your car inspected by a mechanic before you purchase - so you should get your vessel checked out by the nautical equivalent. Have your boat inspected by a qualified marine surveyor to check for any structural damage, electrical problems and to ensure the vessel is in good operating condition.
   
   
   
   
   
   



4. Financing: boat financing can make your purchase more affordable. Boat finance can be secured against the craft for lower monthly payments.
   
   
   



5. Boat check: just as you wouldn't buy a car without a car history report, you should make sure you know the history of your boat. A REVS check can be run against the unique Hull Identification Number (HIN) it can be run against a car's Vehicle Identification number, to assure you that your potential purchase has a clear title and is debt free.
   
   
   

Deciding to buy a boat is a substantial purchasing decision that should be considered with care. Boat ownership can become a burden but many will find the joy of owning a hobby craft is well worth the inconvenience. Many people opt to boat share with their mates so the cost of purchase and maintenance are shared around - and you can all have some fun!