There are many factors to consider when buying a boat online. When you decide to purchase goods online, you have to bear in mind those pictures can be deceiving. Online stores can display very stunning photos only to receive something different. There are frustrations in buying goods online, and so it is with buying boats online as well. Some websites are not legit, and that means that there is no guarantee for your money. So what do you have to do before and when making a purchase online? It is essential to take into consideration several factors when buying boats online. Some of the factors to put into consideration are discussed.
What Purpose Will The Boat Serve?
Are you wondering what type of boat to buy? Do you want to buy a boat and do not what type of boat it is? One thing you have to consider when buying a boat online is its purpose. There are various types of boats, and buying one will require you to know what purpose it will serve. Some boat categories include center console boats, cuddy cabins, houseboats, cabin cruiser boats, catamaran, bowrider, game boats, and many more. Below is an overview of boats that can guide you as an online buyer.
1. Fishing Boats
Not everybody will go for the fishing boat but the fishermen. Things to consider when buying a fishing boat online are many. For example, a fishing boat is designed in a sturdy way such that they are strong, stable, and durable. The boats are designed in different sizes and can be taken in rivers, lakes, or the sea. The boats need to be strong to endure the waves and the load such as the nets, fishing gear, and the catch. Despite being strong, the aluminum boats are not so heavy. A fishing boat has a front bow, trolling motor system, rod lockers, live wells, and outboard power. Fishing boats used on open water bodies such as the sea and the ocean are taller and stronger to withstand large currents and waves and the salty water.
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2. Bowrider Boats
Things to consider when buying a bowrider boat online are its specifications. The specifications include parts of a bowrider, which are the bow cockpit, helm, and cockpit, and they can accommodate more than eight people with its spacious arrangement. The bowrider is also known as the quintessential family boat. The boat utilizes sterndrive power but, there is an increased demand for outboard engines.
3. Deck Boats
Deck boats have an open deck as the name suggests. One thing you can consider when buying a deck boat online is the seat arrangement. Do you want a large sitting capacity or small. They have seat arrangements that can fit several people. These boats are used in recreational activities such as swimming and water sports. The beam of a deck boat is wider than that of a pontoon to ensure that it accommodates more people.
4. Catamaran Boats
Many boat-making industries make catamaran boats for various purposes such as fishing and cruising. A special aspect to consider when buying a deck boat online is whether you want it for fishing or cruising and then you can choose the one with the most suitable specifications for the purpose. The boat boasts double hulls, which are parallel, and equal in size, a shallower draft, less hull volume, and higher displacement.
5. Personal Watercraft (PWC) Boats
Personal watercraft boats are also known as water scooters or jet skis, and they are customized for adventure in the water. One factor you can consider when buying the boat online is whether you want a “sit down” or “stand-up” model. The PWC aids individuals in recreational activities and motorsports such as sports fishing and water-skiing. They enable the user to explore the waters with ease.
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6. Houseboats
Are you thinking of living on a boat, there are various things to consider when buying a boat you can live in online. This can be an exciting and fun adventure if you are that person who wants something out of the ordinary. The boat for this purpose is the houseboat. It comes equipped with modern amenities that ensure smooth living on the water. Some of the features that this boat boasts of are fine dining, exquisite entertainment, and exceptional sleeping arrangements.
7. Dinghy Boats
What comes into your mind when you hear of a dinghy boat? These are small inflatable boats and are made of rubber. The dinghy boats boast of rowlocks and cross thwarts that act as oars and seats respectively. They are also known as inflatables, rowboats, or sailboats, and they are either powered by oars, sails, or a small outboard engine. one thing to consider when buying a dinghy boat online is whether you have a massive vessel that the boat will accompany since they are used as companion boats to navigate narrow places and shallow waters.
Apart from the discussed boats, there are other types of boats, and they include: sedan bridge boats, lifeboats, trawler boats, banana boats, jet boats, wakeboard/ski boats, motor yachts, runabout boats, cabin cruiser, game boats, houseboats, and cuddy cabin boats. You have to know the purpose of the boat before purchasing one. There are boats for water sports, living in, cruising, saving lives, and guiding big vessels. It is simple to start your search online once you know what you want to do with your boat.
What Is Your Budget?
When buying a boat online or in a physical store, consider the budget. What are you willing to spend on the vessel? When considering the budget do not think of the initial cost alone, but the maintenance, winter storage, dry docking, cleaning, moorage, gasoline, and boat insurance. You might buy a boat without having a budget for the other requirements and end up making an uninformed decision which can be costly in the long run. Therefore, it is essential to have a budget for all the prerequisites of the boat.
Do You Want a New Or Pre-Owned Boat?
Another thing to consider is whether you are buying a new or pre-owned boat. There are online stores that specialize in only one of the two or both. Therefore, it is essential to know what you want beforehand. If money is not an issue for you, then buying a new boat is the decision, however, if you need a boat and do not have the cash to buy a new one, a pre-owned one will do. New watercraft are the best because they are not worn out on the sea and will come with a warranty. Pre-owned boats might malfunction after a short while and break down, and this can be very risky on water and damaging to the pocket. If you buy a new boat the warranty will cover any damages for a stipulated time.
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Size
Depending on the purpose of the boat, you will have to consider the size. Online stores will specialize according to size. There are online stores that deal with small boats and others in massive vessels. The size will affect your budget and determine several other factors such as the number of passengers the watercraft will accommodate, and the time spent on the vessel.
Do You Prefer Motor Or Sailboats?
Personal preferences affect the type of boat a person will buy a motor or sail. It will also be affected by the use of watercraft. Sailboats will ensure that you enjoy quiet on the water while some motorboats are somehow noisy. For fishing, go for the sailboats so that the noise of motors will not scare away the fish. It is easier to drive a motorboat since sailboats rely on the wind.
Is The Website Legit?
Not all online stores are legit, and you can lose your money without realizing it. Verify the legitimacy of the online shopping platform that you are engaging. If you are not assured of the legitimacy of the online store, do the window shopping and make a list of the boats you might want to view and compare with other legit online stores or physical shops.
What Are The Legal Issues Involved?
Many states have regulations that govern the ownership and use of large and small water vessels. Get yourself acquainted with the rules before you buy a boat. For example, you need to prove that you are competent in operating the watercraft and provide the required certifications. The regulations for old and new watercraft are different. Therefore, ensure that the online shop streamlines the certifications transfer process of pre-owned boats to keep out of trouble.
What Are The Inclusions?
What is included in the purchase? Always engage the seller on the things that will come with the boat upon purchase. The seller should give you a list of all the equipment that comes with the craft and ask whether the price is inclusive. However, you can be provided with the list and then decide to pay more for the extra equipment or go shopping for your equipment.
How Is The Inspection Of The Boat?
Always ensure that you buy a sea-worthy vessel. Many accidents happen inland and in the open sea. It is good to ensure that the watercraft you are buying is not damaged and will not place your life in danger. If the online store does not offer an opportunity for inspection, do not engage with them. When you are buying pre-owned vessels, it is crucial to do a survey beforehand. New watercraft need to undergo scrutiny to ensure that they do not risk lives. Online stores have warehouses that people can pick their boats from, and therefore you can go with an experienced marine surveyor to inspect your boat before completing the purchase.
