If you’re thinking about buying your first boat, you’ve come to the right place. Because there is a great variety of boats to suit each person’s budget and activity, there are certain aspects you should consider before making a sensible decision. You want your dream boat to fulfil your family’s wishes and requirements, so take your time and consider the following top tips.
Consider the purpose of your boat
Before deciding on the boat you want to purchase, the first thing you should do is to think about its purpose. What will you use your boat for? Will you sail longer distances? There is a myriad of boats, from low profile wake boats to fly-fishing boats and more. Thus, analyse your performance criteria before deciding on a particular purchase.
Consider the size of the boat
This will depend on the number of people that will be sailing with you, the waters you want to sail on – whether they are flat or choppy – the activities you wish to organise on your boat, and if you are planning to trailer the boat or not. If you’re a beginner, you should know that certain boats are increasingly more difficult to handle than others – you might want to steer clear of those particular models. We recommend you to balance the aspects concerning recreation and those regarding function. This way, you can make the best decision.
Storage space
When buying a boat, it’s important to think about the place you’ll be storing it – whether it’s your backyard, a trailer or the marina, taking a tape measurement when browsing for the perfect boat for your family is fundamental. This will prevent any further disappointments from occurring. For instance, you should know that Australia surely offers secure moorings for boats, if you’re considering storing it at a marina.
Your budget
Similar to cars, boat shopping is meant to suit various needs and finances. Thus, there certainly is a boat out there that is perfect for your budget as well. In this view, you should think of keeping an eye out for possible boat sales, perhaps you’ll get an unexpected discount you shouldn't miss out on. Plus, at the moment, the boat market provides a wide range of boats that encompass various needs and great features at more affordable costs. Remember to buy only from a reputable boat dealer; you don’t want to end up purchasing a stolen boat.
Get acquainted with the safety requirements in Australia
In Australia, if you wish to purchase your private boat, you have to present a boating licence that implies having attended a mandatory course. For your sailing experience to be utterly satisfying, you have to be safe out there on the sea, as many dangerous outcomes can occur. In this view, various interactive courses can aid you to get the necessary information concerning boating. You should talk about these safety requirements with your boat dealer as well, to make sure your knowledge on the subject is satisfactory.