Photo by Thomas Millot on Unsplash
Every fisherman dreams of owning his personal boat. When you own a boat, you don’t have to limit yourself to the confines of a lake or pond; instead, you may sail the seas in quest of fish anytime you want. Hence, going out to get your first fishing boat can be a thrilling experience for you.
However, it is also highly intimidating, and you may quickly become
confused while making such a significant buy. So we have gathered a few
tips which will make the overall experience a lot smoother.
What Type of Boat Do You Need
You are in the market for a fishing boat, but you need to know that there are quite a few variations of fishing boats for sale. Let’s see what they are:
Freshwater Fishing Boats
When fishing on a lake or pond, you can select from a variety of boats. However, if you want to catch a certain type of fish, you should look at boats that are specifically designed for that reason. Here are a few examples of the popular kinds:
Cuddy Cabin Boats
By getting this type of boat you are protected from the elements as they have a cabin upfront. The deck will be cramped for fishing space as the cabin will limit your deck space. However, if you are fishing in a larger body of water, consider going for this boat type.
Bass Boats
Bass boats usually can normally accommodate two people at a time and have lowered sides so that the wind can be reduced. Go for this option if you are particularly fishing for bass.
Side Console Boats
If you have a larger group of fishermen, about six or so, then going for this type of boat will be wise. The sides of this boat are higher and no matter what the elements are, you will be able to fish with this boat.
Saltwater Fishing Boats
There are a few types of boats available for you when you are going fishing in the ocean:
Bay Boats
If backwater fishing is your thing, go for the bay boat. The bay boat is sleek and slender, yet not fancy, and you will easily be able to fish on the bay with this boat.
Convertibles
If you are going offshore fishing, get a convertible boat. No matter what water type you are in, these boats will provide you with the speed you require as well as the space you need. These boats may be more costly, but they are an appropriate and popular choice for most full-time fishermen.
Center Console Boats
These boats are very popular with fishermen as they are created with fishing in mind. These boats have a high power capacity making them perfect for the open seas. So if that is what you are requiring for your fishing expedition, then centre console boats are what you should go for.
Keep Your Budget In Mind
It’s best to have a predefined budget and search within those parameters when buying a fishing boat. You need to know just how much money you have been approved for in case you require financing for your purchase.
You need to explore if you want to add on any loaded features, just as when you are shopping for a car. Bear in mind, you will have to set aside additional money for the regular maintenance that your boat will require. So be informed of those costs beforehand.
If you have a larger boat, you will require more fuel. Keep in mind that once you buy your boat, you have to insure and register it. So keep this in mind while shopping for a certain type of boat, since some boat models may require more money for registration and insurance.
Then there is the issue of storing your boat. You will have to pay to put it in someone else’s property or storage if you don’t have the resources to store it on your own.
Check The Current Value
You need to check the blue book value of a boat once you have decided on which one to get. This way you will be better prepared to negotiate a price.
Make sure to take into account the cost of an inspection or a trade-in with that cost. You can check local guidelines to determine the value of the boat. Just be sure to check all the considerations that come into play while you are determining the value of the boat.
Warranty
The boat that you will purchase is supposed to have a warranty associated with it. Make an effort to find out how long the warranty is extended and what items or conditions are covered in the warranty.
If you are going for a new boat, you will still get the same things included in the warranty, but the period of the warranty may vary. When purchasing a used boat, you have the facility to buy an extended warranty that the boat dealer will provide.
Go For An Inspection
In case you are opting to buy a used boat, an inspection of the boat before making any deals is a wise idea. You need to talk to the dealer extensively and find out all historical information regarding the boat such as how it has been used and what type of water it has been on.
It’s best to bring a knowledgeable friend or an experienced inspector along if you are not confident of going alone. The whole point of the inspection is to make your investment worth it in the long term.
Summing up
Buying a new fishing boat is exciting, but it’s also a time when many people make snap decisions. Because this is a substantial investment, you should go through a procedure when buying your first fishing boat. Follow the above tips to ensure that you are maintaining the required steps to buy your boat.
So don’t rush into it, rather take your time and do your research well before you make a deal to buy your first fishing boat.