What do I look for when Buying a Boat?
Not sure what to look for when buying a boat? This simple guide for first boat buyers will give you ideas and confidence before you even step foot in the showroom!
1. Consider what you want your boat to do!
While boats are versatile and no two days on the water are the same, will you mostly be using your boat for fishing, cruising or water sports? Depending on the activity, you may be better choosing certain features over others. Are you dreaming of overnight trips? A boat with a cabin for you to sleep in will be a must. Planning on fishing in open waters? A larger boat with a top that can shelter you from the elements will be handy. Is towing skiers or wakeboarders on the agenda? A boat with an A-frame for wakeboarding and a hull shape that produces a satisfactory wake may be best. Planning to take a big crew out? Consider the boat’s capacity, seating and even storage.
2. The next step is to create a shortlist of your favourite boats that will meet your needs.
Start with some desktop research – at Hunts Marine we have a number of specialised articles that will give you a great head start including our tips on the best fishing boats, choosing a boat for water sports and what size boat you can drive without a licence. Can’t afford all the features you’re after? There are always simple ways you can upgrade your boat down the track and tips on making beginner’s boating a breeze! Once you know what type of boat you’re after, think about whether there’s a specific look you like, any brands you prefer and read reviews from experienced boaties!
3. The final step is to conduct a walk-around and sea test drive
A walk-around is more important for used boats, but it is a worthwhile step for new boats too. You want to get a feel for the boat and see how it functions in a real-world environment.
Getting a boat out on the water is the best way to learn its character so a sea-trial is, a must. There are all sorts of things you can find from this that you wouldn't be able to determine otherwise - whether the boat has enough power, how quick it is to plane, whether the electronics work in the field, how it handles, what the visibility is like from the driver's seat, and how the boat takes corners.
Considering a Used Boat? We offer a pre-purchase inspection!
Unlike buying a used car, when purchasing a used boat, what you see is what you get in terms of the boat and trailer condition. The engine and its components are different however and that is where we can help. We offer a simple cost-effective solution to give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
All boats must be bought to a Hunts Marine location. Hunts Marine does not provide any warranty, we will simply perform all the tests that we would normally carry out when trading or purchasing our own used boats and present the results to you in an open and honest report. This is what we do.
- Compression test engine and record readings
- Check steering condition and operation
- Load test battery and provide printed report
- Check engine computer history and provide download where possible
- Check gearbox for water entry
- Run and test motor checking control box and gear shift operation, trim and tilt operation, cooling system and operation of gauges.
Need some advice? With over 75 years of experience, Hunts Marine is a third generation, family-owned business with extensive experience in recreational boating – so we can help find the best boat for you! Give us a call on (02) 9546-1324 or get in touch with our team at Hunts Marine in Sydney, Wollongong or Batemans Bay.
