Buying A Boat: Choosing The Right Boat

Choosing the Right Boat

Fishing, water sports, cruising, sailing or entertaining. Whatever your inclination, Boats Online are sure to have a boat to suit you.

However it isn't always easy to know exactly what boat to choose. It's easy to be overwhelmed by the enormous variety of boat types, models, sizes and more.

Not to worry, below we have a list of things to consider so you can buy your boat in confidence.

Type of boat

When choosing a boat the first and most important question to ask yourself is - what will you be using the boat for? Generally, boats are designed with a specific activity in mind whether you want to fish, ski, cruise, sail entertain or take long trips, just to name a few. Choosing the right boat means ensuring you get the best performance, comfort, safety and enjoyment you are looking for.

We recommend you start by making a list of the top three activities you wish to use the boat for, placing your number one preference at the top. Depending on the activities you list, you may find a boat that closely matches your desires. Or, you may find you need to compromise on an item to get the boat that makes your water activities easy and fun. To help you out, below is a list of the most common water activities and the boats which suit them:

• Fishing: Inboard Cruisers, Sedan Bridge, Sportsfishing Boats, Center Console, Fish and Ski, Flat Boats, Bass Boats, Fishing Boats, Multi-Hull Cruiser, Multi-Hull Power Boat, Closed Bow Runabouts, Walkaround, Bowriders, Cuddy Cabins
  
  
• Water Sports: Fishing Boats, Fish and Ski Boats, Bass Boats, Stern Drive Cruisers, Bowriders, Closed Bow Runabouts, Cuddy Cabins, Deck boats, Inboard Ski Boats, Inboard Wakeboard Boats, Jet Boats, Jet Skis
  
  
• Entertainment: Pontoon, Deck Boats, Motor Yachts, Inboard Cruiser
  
  
• Cruising: Cuddy Cabins, Motor Yachts, Sedan Bridge, Inboard Cruiser, Sportfishing Boats, Stern Drive Cruisers, Trawlers, Cruising Sailboats, Multi-Hull Cruising Sailboats

Your Budget

Your budget is likely to determine the type, size and additional features of your boat so it's good to know your limit early. New boats and pre-owned boats can be financed so you can take advantage of monthly payments. You can even organise Boat Finance Approval in advance so you know exactly how much money you have to spend and are ready when the right boat comes along. As with cars, pre-owned boats typically cost less than a similar new model and may come with additional features which have been added over the years.

Boat Size

This depends on a mixture of how many people you expect to take on the water, where you plan on boating and your budget. Every boat has a maximum carrying capacity that tells you how many people you can safely have on board and this should be a major factor in your decision. You'll also need to consider the amenities on board such as cooking, sleeping and bathroom facilities. And while a bigger boat may be ideal it's a good idea to ensure you have the boat handling skills to captain it.

Where to Boat

Consider whether your boat will be heading for the lake, river, estuary, harbour or ocean. While a sail boat may be great on the open waters, you'll have a hard time navigating it down a river and while a little runabout boat may be perfect for fishing in your local river or estuary it could be dangerous on the open seas. Boats have different sizes, hulls and equipment suited to where you will be taking your boat.

Engine Capacity

How much power your boat needs will depend once again on what you will be using it for. While water skiers will expect maximum power, fishing boats or cruisers may require less. Your engine will have a minimum and maximum capacity for you to work within. Engines can come in inboard, outboard or jet and can be diesel or petrol fuelled. Today's buyer can also choose from new-tech engines that are more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.

Storing Your Boat

Where do you plan on keeping your boat? If you're going to be towing your boat home, you'll need to consider the size of your boat for storage, as well as to ensure your car is capable of towing the load. Alternatively you could moor it locally or keep it at a marina where you can simply walk on and off. Australia has a massive coastline and secure moorings are available at many marinas within close proximity to launching facilities.

Make of Boat

All of the above leads you to what your boat will be made out of. The type of hull will usually be determined by where you will be taking the boat and where it will be stored. Also ride characteristics and weight are important characteristics for hull material. The hull can be made from aluminium, fibreglass, steel, timber/ply, composite, ferro, inflatable or plastic. You may also have a preference between single or multi hulled boats.

Talking to an Expert

When you have considered all of the above it's time to begin searching for your new boat. You can search online right now with Boats Online. We also recommend speaking to a Boat Broker / Boat Dealer who will be able to show you boats which meet your requirements. By dealing with a professional you can be confident you are getting sound advice to buy the boat which is right for you.