Yacht is not only a means of transport, it's more about lifestyle and iconography. Probably seeing your friends sailing and spending some time cruising by their side may be quite an incentive for buying a boat. After all on a boat you can reach the unreachable places: islands, lakes, rivers, bays and oceans. You can participate and try your luck in fishing tournaments, races and other cruising activities.
Before buying a boat determine your boating interests. Are you into commercial or sport fishing, do you do wakeboarding or waterskiing? Would you prefer a motor yacht or a sail inspires you with its everlasting romance? Whether you want to live aboard or just go sailing for the weekend? Will you take part in cruises or boat races? Do you know how to handle a boat and ABCs of navigation? Is it necessary that you attend boating courses?
Also consider how much time and money you are willing to spend on boat loan, insurance, fuel, marina slip and maintenance.
The types of boats are counted by dozens: motor yachts, sailboats, sport fisherman's, cruisers, catamarans, mega yachts, houseboats, runabouts, classic yachts and others. One of the most important characteristics of a boat is hull material. Most hulls are made of fiberglass or wood, though smaller motor yachts and rowing-boats may have aluminum hulls.
If you are a beginner you might consider attending a basic boating course of the US Power Squadrons. Start with a small boat up to 24 ft. long. Cruising on a boat like that you will acquire all necessary experience and technique. Before buying a larger boat carefully choose the manufacturer or dealer. It can be quite a challenging task and to facilitate its accomplishment you could visit a regional boat show. This will help you learn more about the boating industry, get in touch with experienced boat dealers and boat manufacturers. At a show you can also 'try' the yacht: climb aboard, sit at the controls, check out the legroom, the controls convenience, visibility from all positions, you can check the storage space and engine access as well as each boat's accommodations (salon, galley, head compartment, staterooms and cockpit). Be sure to check the overall quality of fittings, hardware, handrails, windshields as well as wood joinery and deck surfaces.
After comparing several boats and getting to know your local boating infrastructure you're ready for buying yourself a new boat. We have an extensive list of boat builders for you to check out. Most boat manufacturers produce both mass-produced and custom crafted boats in their own field (as a rule each boatbuilder specializes in a particular type of boats). Whatever your choice is, it's of utmost importance that you take your boat - or a sistership - for an on-water test drive and see it underway. A boat is a purchase of a lifetime so you must make sure that it satisfies you in every possible way. |
