5 Recreational Boat Shopping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Summer is creeping up on us. While we no longer get three months off like we did when we were in school, this season does open the door to fun activities. Summer is the time for camping, hiking, and boating.

If this is the year you want to finally invest in a boat, we couldn’t be more excited for you. Imagine warm afternoons on the boat swimming, fishing, waterskiing, inner-tubing, and more.

But before you run to the nearest boat dealer, there are some recreational boat shopping mistakes we need to talk about. Keep reading for the top five things you should avoid when buying a new boat.

1. Not Figuring Out Your Budget

First, it’s absolutely vital that you know how much money you can comfortably afford to spend on a new boat. Spending too much on a boat could put you between a rock and hard place financially. Recent studies show that 64% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and you don’t need to become one of them.

If you don’t have money set aside for a boat, get preapproved to determine your loan eligibility. This way, you can avoid making one of the worst recreational boat shopping mistakes – trying to buy a boat outside of your means.

2. Not Knowing What Type of Boat to Buy

There is a wide variety of different boat styles. What type of recreational boat do you want?

Make your decision based on the types of activities you want to enjoy on the water. There are pontoon boats, speed boats, fishing boats, houseboats, yachts, sailboats, and more. Check out Lifestyle Marine to find new and pre-owned boats of all kinds from a reliable recreational boat provider.

3. Not Thinking About Features and Amenities

When looking at your options for boats, you also need to consider the different types of recreational boat features. For example:

• Sound systems
• Attachments for different water sports
• Wave generators
• Onboard fridge and bar
• Interior space
• Overhead protection
• Types of motors
• Seating and tanning areas
• And more

Once again, think about the lifestyle you want to have while cruising on your boat. This will help you identify the most important features for your needs.

4. Thinking Small

Buying a boat that’s too small is one of the most common recreational boat shopping mistakes. People often try to save money by purchasing a smaller boat. However, they quickly realize that they don’t have enough room for passengers, fishing gear, life jackets, food, drinks, recreational equipment, etc.

While comparing boat prices, take a moment to consider potential passengers and gear. Will the boat be big enough?

5. Not Doing Your Homework

Finally, let’s talk about getting licensed, and finding insurance. You need to learn more about what it takes to legally operate a boat in your state (and others if you plan to travel).

Additionally, there are certain laws about contaminating bodies of water. In some areas, your boat will be inspected to make sure you’re not carrying anything from previous bodies of water than can inflict harm to other bodies of water.

Want to Avoid Common Recreational Boat Shopping Mistakes?

If you’re new to boating, it’s easy to fall victim to recreational boat shopping mistakes. Follow our guide to make all the right decisions and avoid disaster.

And if you’re looking for more lifestyle advice or recreational tips, we’re here for you. Check out some of our other blog articles before you go to find what you need.