Boat Buying Guide

If you’re in the market for a new boat, you’ll have a plethora of options to pick from. Before you can do that, it’s important to think about a few key factors.

Size Matters

While the size of your boat may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you start browsing the market, it’s something you’ll want to think about. Two key factors should help you narrow down your options. First, how many passengers do you plan to bring along? Secondly, what type of water do you plan to go boating in?

Small boats are perfect when there will only be one or two other people with you. Some good choices include flat-bottom fishing vessels and smaller V-hull style boats. However, you want to keep in mind that if you try to bring more people along than the craft is equipped to handle, you’ll be putting yourself and your passengers in danger. Always figure out how large your boating party will be before choosing the size of your boat. Smaller vessels should stick to calm inland areas such as rivers and lakes.

Larger vessels are ideal when boating in the open ocean. After all, choppy waters and changing tides are challenging to navigate and you need a boat that you can rely on. The flat-bottom models we mentioned earlier can easily capsize in these conditions, and that's before factoring in other elements such as stormy weather and harsh winds. You’ll be better off with a deep-V hull boat that is big and durable enough to withstand the temperamental nature of the ocean. 

Think About Your Purpose

Once you’ve thought about what size boat is most suitable for your needs, you’ll need to think about how you plan to use your investment. This will play a significant role in the type of boat you choose. If you plan to enjoy leisurely afternoons while embarking on solo fishing trips, a small fishing boat will suffice.

However, if you’re planning to explore more challenging areas with additional passengers, you’ll want to consider a durable aluminum boat. These models provide you with superior stability on the water. This is extremely important if you’re going deep-sea fishing or planning long journeys. In this case, you may want to find a boat that has a cabin with shelter from the elements. The bigger you get, the more features you get. Some models even offer a head (bathroom), a galley (kitchen), and sleeping berths for maximum comfort.

If you have any questions about our boat buying guide, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!