Buying your first boat is sure to be an experience like no other. Few purchases come with the same prestige and sense of fulfillment that a fine watercraft does. But if you’ve made it up to this point, you must also be worrying a bit about your decision. How will you be able to find the perfect first boat? How can you make sure that your purchase is worth it? And what are the things that you should expect when you go through the unique process of buying a sailboat or powerboat? For sure, it’s a lot to take in.
The following tips are compiled below for the benefit of first-time boat buyers. If you’re planning to buy a new boat and don’t know where to start, these should steer you in the right direction. This advice, which was gathered from boating experts, will make purchasing your first boat an easier and more pleasant experience.
Base Your Decision on Your Ideal Boating Experience
The first thing you need to decide on before you purchase a new boat is what kind of experience you want to use it for. As you’ll soon learn for yourself, there’s no single perfect boat for every application. Some models are best suited for short overnight cruises, while others are especially built for longer liveaboard journeys. There are boats that are constructed with leisure in mind, while others are designed for competitive racing or for serious game fishing excursions. Still, others are advertised as best for cruising at sea, while different types lend themselves best to lake or river cruising.
Thus, your first boat should align with the boating experience you want out of it. This is a decision that looks different for everyone, but it is something that should guide all first-time boat buyers. Rest assured, once you know the answer, you’ll be ready for the next two steps: finding a distributor and narrowing down your choices.
Get in Contact with a Reputable Distributor
Though you’re not obligated to shell out for the most expensive boat out there, you will definitely want something that merits the price. For a top-quality watercraft that’s worth your money, consider the world’s most trusted boating brands—and acquire them from a trusted distributor. Filipino boatmen are guaranteed both fine vessels and a smooth purchasing experience from Europa Yachts Philippines, the exclusive dealer of many of Europe’s best-known boatbuilders.
The last thing you’d want to encounter when buying your first boat is an unpredictable seller, or a seller with insufficient knowledge about the vessel. Purchasing from a source like Europa Yachts eliminates the likelihood of both. Your distributor will walk you through all the finer details of your boat of choice and oversee its acquisition from start to finish. This should make you more confident and at ease with your purchase.
Do a Survey on Different Boat Models, Types, and Available Amenities
Even if you have the assistance of a distributor, it would be good to do your own research about the different brands, models, and amenities. This will help you decide on whether to buy a sailboat or a powerboat, or a racing yacht or a more family-friendly catamaran. Your research will also help you find out if the boat you’re looking at has your desired equipment and facilities. You can see for yourself how many cabins it has, how many heads (showers) it has, how well-furnished the galley is, and so on.
For the most part, researching about boats is easy. You can start by reading feature articles or boat reviews online. You’ll also find a multitude of walkthrough videos that serve as virtual tours of boat models. You can even take it a step further by planning to attend a boating show. Not only will you be able to see your would-be first boat up close, you’ll also get the opportunity to interact with experts and other boating enthusiasts.
Draft an Inclusive Budget for Your New Boat
If you’ve settled on which model to buy, the next step is to draft a budget for your purchase. This, of course, starts with the cost of the boat itself. When you’re comparing prices, you may notice the same kind of boat or the same model being advertised at a different price point. Before deciding on the amount to spend, take this advice from veteran buyers: do a comparison not of apples versus oranges, but apples versus apples. That means find the reason behind the price differences and what will happen if you pay for the lower-priced option. Your distributor should be happy to explain and tell you whether the price markup is worth it, based on what you want from your boat.
Also, remember that your initial purchase isn’t the only cost you’ll have to account for as a boat owner. In the future, you will need to spend for upkeep, crew, fuel, berthing at a marina, and so on. Long before you buy your boat, you should allot part of your money to pay for these.
Allot Time for the Purchase
Lastly, before you buy a new boat, prepare yourself for the wait time. Unlike other luxury items, a boat isn’t something you can buy and then use right away. Many higher-end models have a waitlist and may take months, perhaps even a year, to arrive in your locality. That time is used to iron out all the logistics, as well as take care of any customizations you want for your boat.
As such, don’t plan any boating excursions so soon after you confirm your purchase. Hold off all trips until you’ve seen your new boat in the flesh. Once you see the level of craftsmanship, engineering, and design work put into your vessel, you will realize that the wait is worth it.
Surely, buying a new boat will be unlike any other transaction you’ve made in your life. But the experience you will unlock on it will be just as extraordinary. Get ready to feel the freedom, exclusivity, and bespoke luxury that only a new boat can afford!
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