Boat Buying Guide
A boat is your ticket to family fun, lifelong memories, and marine adventures. But with so many different boats for sale, how do you know which model to get?
Here at Thayer's Marine, we strive to make your life easier. That's why we created the following boat buying guide. If you have any questions or want to shop boats for sale, head over to our marine dealership. We are based in Norwich, Connecticut, and proudly serve those in Springfield, Massachusetts as well.
How Will You Use The Boat?
There are several categories of boats on the market. Different model types are made for different uses. Decide how you will use the boat, which affects the features you need.
Maybe you want to host large groups. Seek out models with spacious layouts and comfortable seating. Or maybe you want to tow watersports enthusiasts. Look for models that can hit high speeds and create large wakes. Articulate the activities the boat needs to handle, then determine the features that best support those activities.
What Boat Size Do You Want?
Boats can be compact, massive, and anywhere in-between. Think about how much space you want, which will be affected by:
the number of people who will be joining voyages
the amount of cargo you want to bring on board
your boating experience level and comfort zone
the roughness of the waters (larger models have improved stability and can better handle choppy waters)
What Hull Shape Suits Your Needs?
One common hull shape is a wide and flat design. This allows the boat to skillfully navigate shallow waterways. The flat hull can cruise over obstacles, such as fallen logs or boulders, without getting stuck or damaged.
Another popular hull option is a V-shaped design. This helps the boat cut through rough waters while staying stable. The choppier the waterways, the more you will want a V-shaped hull.
What Features Do You Want?
Boats can come with a range of feature options. Extra amenities do increase the price, but they also improve the boating experience. Think about which features are most beneficial to your lifestyle.
For example, maybe you want to use your boat for fishing. You could get a livewell to keep catches fresh, a rod holder to keep your pole secure, and a rod locker to store your pole.
How Much Do You Want To Spend?
Visit a boat dealership and you'll find a range of model asking prices. It's easy to fall in love with a model that costs more than you should spend. It's also easy to unnecessarily pass on features that you can afford. That's why it's helpful to make a budget.
When you create a budget, you determine exactly how much you can realistically spend. That way, you get the highest quality option that you can afford. No overspending or underspending happening here!
As you set a price limit, remember to account for the costs beyond the boat's asking price. You may need to pay registration costs, insurance fees, and taxes. You may also need to buy boating equipment, such as a boat trailer, life jackets, and buoys, Don't forget about ownership expenses, such as gas, maintenance, and storage fees.
If you want to make your budget stretch further, think about getting a used boat. These models will be impacted by depreciation, which drastically lowers their price. The largest dip in value usually happens in the first year or so. You can find like-new models that are significantly more affordable than their new counterparts.
Ready to shop boats for sale? Check out the selection at Thayer's Marine. Our expert staff can answer questions, give advice, and make the shopping process easy. We are a boat dealership located in Norwich, Connecticut. We also proudly serve those in Springfield, Massachusetts.