If you’re one of the millions of people who enjoy recreational boating, you may have considered buying a boat of your own. Your kids would love it and you could have a great time entertaining your friends on board or taking fishing trips in comfort and even luxury. Whether you’re considering new or used boats for sale, there are some things to keep in mind when making a choice.
Boats for sale: where to start
If you’re thinking of buying a boat, you’re right on trend. Boat ownership is rising, and sales of boats, marine products and services increased by 3% in 2016 to reach a total of $37 billion. This trend is projected to continue all the way to the end of 2018. When looking at boats for sale, keep in mind that it’s very different from buying a car. The boat manufacturing industry is not regulated in the same way that car manufacturing is, and you will find a wide range of styles, customization and warranties.
This is why it’s actually a good idea to begin by establishing a good relationship with a boat dealer whom you can trust. Boat dealers are usually the best source of information about boat sales. They can tell you which models people are buying, what features they choose to add, and even how to decode different manufacturers’ warranties. If you’re looking at used boats for sale, a relationship of trust with your dealer will help you make the right choice.
Deciding to buy a boat
Buying a boat is not really a luxury buy. In fact, 72% of people who buy boats typically have family incomes of less than $100,000 a year. So recreational boating and boat ownership are very middle class phenomena. And it’s not surprising, given that almost all, or nearly 95% of all Americans live less than an hour’s drew away from navigable water bodies.
Most privately owned boats are small, with 95% being less than 26 feet in length. This includes powerboats, personal watercraft and sailboats, that can be towed by a car or truck to nearby lakes and rivers or to the sea. This may help you narrow down your choices when you start looking at new and used boats for sale.
What kind of boat should you buy?
The first choice you will face is between pontoon boats and powerboats. Pontoon boats are typically family boats. They’re stable, roomy and steady enough to serve a platforms for fishing and diving. They’re also ideal for waterskiing. They can also be outfitted as fishing boats, with room for rods and equipment and platforms for fishing.
Pontoon boats used to be considered slow, but new designs and materials have given them a turn of speed. Their large size, which holds many passengers in comfort, makes them ideal for family and entertaining as well. In fact, they can be customized with all kinds of luxury features like leather seating, stereo, bars and even onboard barbecue.
Buying a boat is a major decision, and one that your family will approve of. Finding a trusted dealership who can advise about the best new and used boats for sale is the first step. If you’re looking for a family boat, or a large, roomy craft with room for entertaining, a pontoon boat may be your best choice.
