If the open water and its promise of fun is calling your name, you might be wondering how to go about buying your first boat. Buying a brand new boat has definite appeal, but there are a lot of things to consider, including after-sales service, extended warranties and, of course, the different deals currently available. Buying a used boat can also be a good option, particularly if your budget is limited and you want to capitalize on depreciated value. If this is the route you want to take, here are some of the things to keep in mind when making your choice.

Know what you want
First of all, you need a realistic vision of what kind of boat you want. Consider the different activities you and your family will want to use it for and draw up a clear idea of the type of boat you’ll need for that. Ask yourself whether you’ll be going fishing, water skiing, scuba diving, wakeboarding, pontoon boating, using personal watercraft or planning day trips or longer cruises. Some boats are more suitable for specific activities, while other boats can accommodate a broader range of fun. Thus, if your interests are varied, you don’t want a boat designed especially for a single purpose. In fact, if you’re looking to buy your first pleasure boat, it’s best to opt for a versatile craft, such as a 17- to 24-foot open deck boat. These models will help you keep your options open and allow you to make the most of water sports and leisure. What’s more, since these boats are always in high demand, they are relatively easy to resell.

Determine your basic criteria
Before running off to buy your boat, figure out which lake or river you intend to use most often. This will help you determine what kind of boat is most appropriate for your preferred body of water. For example, navigating wide rivers is very different to small lakes. Also, informed, responsible captains will make sure that the size of their boat (length and width) complies with safety guidelines and regulations.

Plus, since some Canadian lakes have maximum allowable limits on boat length and engine horsepower, you’re best off finding out ahead of time what special regulations are in effect in your area.

If your plan is to take your boat to different bodies of water, go to your auto dealer to see if your vehicle can handle towing a heavy load.

And finally, if you plan on docking your boat at a marina, it’s a good idea to see what kinds of spots are available.

Find your rare pearl
By now, you should have a better idea of what kind of boat you’re looking for. But just where do you go to find this rare pearl at a reasonable price? Make the internet your first stop. I recommend having a look at different boat dealer websites. You can also look under the “Used Boat s” tab on this website to browse for boats by make, length, year, model and price. If you’re looking for a specific brand, however, you will increase your chances of finding what you want by going with an authorized dealer.

If this is your first purchase, I recommend doing business with a yachtbroker, dealer or other recognized establishment, as they tend to offer good after-sales services. An industry professional will be able to offer you good advice and may even let you test drive the boat on the water. Dealers often include a warranty on their sales, in addition to financing and after-sales services such as annual maintenance, storage and even docking.

You can always take your research a step further by browsing websites that feature pre-owned boats sold by owner, including Boat Guide and Hebdo.net. There are also magazines that specialize in used boat sales. Check out the spring and summer editions for the best selection.

Yachtbrokers
Another option is to work with a yachtbroker who specializes in pleasure boats. He or she will help you find a boat that meets your needs and falls within your budget. Yachtbrokers are independent intermediaries who act as advisors, making the sale process and transaction a little easier. As professional agents who represent both the seller and buyer, their advice can be invaluable when buying a used boat.

The low-down on sales tax 
Boats sold privately from one individual to another are not subject to provincial or federal sales tax. At first, this may seem like a major advantage – especially if price is your most important consideration. However, keep in mind that private sellers often incorporate the depreciated value of these taxes into the sale price. And while you can sometimes get a good deal from a private sale, you rarely get a warranty or after-sales services. Thus, you will have to pay for any subsequent assessments out of your pocket.

Are some brands better than others?
Generally speaking, all the North American boat manufacturers that survived the turbulence from 2006-2009 make good quality boats. But that doesn’t mean that all boats are created equal! Boats made with higher-end materials will age better and maintain a greater value over time. It’s important to remember that regardless of which brand you choose, buying a used boat implies a certain level of risk. One of the key things to consider when buying should always be the condition of the boat at the time of sale.
What are the deciding factors when choosing a boat?
First, there’s the classic case of “love at first sight.” Yes, first impressions do count for a lot and will certainly figure among your criteria. If you get a good feeling from a boat, if you can picture yourself driving it, if its appearance and functionalities live up to your expectations, then you’re on your way to making a good choice.

Second, there’s the condition of the boat. Turn your novice eye to the state and quality of the fibreglass, hull, boat cover, carpeting, roof and sails. Then have a look at the dashboard, the functionality of the instruments and cleanliness of the cargo hold. If everything looks good to you, why not get an expert opinion? A boating professional will give you a more technical assessment of your future boat. He or she will pay special attention to the hull as well as the boat’s functions and security features. The inspection (dry dock and sometimes on the water) will come with a signed report that might be useful to you when insuring your boat. However, note that some boat assessments don’t include an in-depth look at the engine. If that’s the case, you may want to ask a recognized technician to inspect the engine and drive.

The third aspect to consider is quality for price. Don’t let yourself be blinded by the lowest price. Instead, look at the bigger picture, including the various perks and advantages that each boat offers. These include the overall quality of the boat, its maintenance history, warranties, after-sales services, equipment included, etc. The inspection report will already give you a good idea of the boat’s value. If you choose to refer to different assessment guide books, such a NADA, Blue Book Canada or ABOS, remember to take into account the basic assumptions behind each of these publications.

Once you’ve done all of the above, it’s time to sell your golf clubs and buy your first boat. See you on the water!