The Smart Boater: Choosing the best Long Island Used Boat
In case you are one of few new Long Islanders that have recently found the joy of boating and are thinking about purchasing your first boat, there are lots of things you need to learn. The process that goes into getting your first boat will be more hard than you may expect.
People shopping for their first boat are often overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of models they can choose from. Aside from this, it’s also essential to understand that boats are regulated by the US Coast Guard. Because of the rules and restrictions set in place, it is important to consider is the reason for your boat. Are you going to use it for fishing weekends with the kids or a handful of friends from work? Or are you using it for relaxation and water sports? Determine what your main purpose for buying a boat is. This is the first of several important steps you need to take before getting your boat.
A first time boat owner like you should consider purchasing a used boat. Aside from the fact that it’s going to be a whole lot less expensive, the most obvious benefit is that its previous owners have tried and tested the boat. You can use that information to determine the reliability of a specific model. Used boat sales are on the rise for this reason reason alone. New boaters don’t have the experience necessary to discern between which models are good and which are not.
Once you’ve gotten out and are looking into the options, remember the following checklist:
1. Review the appearance of the used boat. Most Long Island used boats are in superb condition, but there are a few cases that are different. With regards to appearance, intuition must be able to inform you whether a boat is still seaworthy or not.
2. Just because a boat seems to be in good condition doesn’t mean it is. In case you are not familiar with the mechanics of a boat, it’s better to have an experienced marine mechanic join you. If you can’t do that, don’t fret, all you need to do is a little research. You’ve already come to the decision of purchasing a boat; so you ought to be knowledgeable enough.
3. Take it out for a test drive! This might be one of the most important things to do. You can’t correctly tell a boat’s condition until you’ve seen it out in the water. Use this time to see how the boat steers and shifts, and essentially how it runs.
4. Ask for a maintenance report. Determine what repairs have been made and what problems have to be dealt with.
These are just a few things to be aware of before buying a Long Island used boat. Never take your future boat’s condition as a given. Keep in mind that although there are benefits, there are also pitfalls associated with purchasing a Long Island used boat. Examine the boat diligently and select the right boat for the right reasons.
Jonas Hobbs is a marine safety consultant who’s helped clients find the best long island used boats. For more information on how to locate the right boats, please read up on used boat sales.
Processing your request, Please wait....
