4 essential tips for first-time boat buyers
There is a big leap between deciding to buy a boat and towing one out of a showroom. The process of selecting the right craft can be a tricky one and if you're a first-time boat buyer, your initial foray into the boating world can be intimidating. There are dozens of different kinds of vessels to choose from, a boatload of new things to learn and a major choice to make.
To help first-time boat buyers get started, we've put together these handy tips.
When buying a boat through a dealer you can tap into a huge amount of information.
1. Consider what you want a boat for
The first thing you need to consider when buying a boat is what you want to use it for. There are a vast array of boats available and the right one for you will depend on the activities you enjoy. Think of it like shopping for a car - there is a big difference between a sports car and a 4x4 so you should choose the one that suits your preferences and hobbies.
If you think about whether you want to go fishing, try your hand at watersports, embark on day cruises or overnight expeditions, you'll be able to figure out what kind of watercraft will be suitable for you. Then you can narrow down the finer details and eventually make your decision.
To choose the right boat, consider what you want to use it for. 2. Try before you buy
Before you commit to buying a new boat, you should see how it handles out on the water. Test driving a boat will help you get a better idea of whether this is the right vessel for you.
Ask for a sea trial before you go ahead with a purchase. At Hunts Marine, we also have on-water days you can participate in, where you get to test-drive popular boat models and see all the features in action.
3. Sign up for training
There is a lot for first-time boat buyers to learn, from how to drive the boat itself, to understanding the wind, waves, tides and boat traffic.
If you're new to boating, it is always a good idea to get someone to show you the ropes, for safety and practicality. At Hunts we can provide in-depth tuition with any boat purchase if needed. Not only will we do one on one on-water training, but we can also show you how to launch and retrieve your boat on your own
Bear in mind that if you want to drive a boat at 10 knots or more, you will need a boat driver's licence. This involves completing a boat safety course, which includes a practical component.
4. Buy through an experienced dealer
If you buy a boat through a dealer, you can tap into a huge amount of information. Hunts Marine have been in the boat business for 70 years so our experienced team will be able to answer all your questions and guide you through the buying process, making sure you choose a vessel that is perfect for you.
When you purchase a boat through us, there is a handover process that normally takes around two hours. We will use this time to discuss the finer points of using your boat, and we also offer on-water tuition to teach you what you need to know. This is a chance for first-time boat buyers to learn from experts, so the purchase of your boat is a stress-free experience and you leave equipped with the knowledge you need to be confident taking your boat out on the water.
For help with selecting your first boat and all the training you need to use it, drop by and chat to our friendly team. We will make sure buying your first boat is smooth sailing all the way!
