Boat shows are fun for the entire family, even if you are just ‘window shopping.’ If you happen to be in the market for a brand new watercraft, however, a boat show is much more than entertainment – it’s research. In one place, you can explore inventory from multiple dealers, learn about new 2018 innovations and features, and perhaps even negotiate a deal. Of course, you’ll need to know exactly what you’re looking for, what your budget is, and other details before completing the sale. Continue reading to learn our tips for choosing the right boat to fit your needs.
Choosing a Boat Type
For most Arizonans, any time spent on a boat will be spent in one of the states beautiful lakes or rivers. There are several different types of boats that are optimal for freshwater use, although each has different strengths and purposes. For example, a bass boat is uniquely designed to meet the needs of an angler and a couple of friends, with live wells, quiet outboard motors, and the ability to drift into shallow waters. A runabout is a bit more family-friendly, as it can be used for cruising, tubing, and even skiing. Other popular boats include:
- Pontoons
- Sailboats
- Ski boats
- Personal watercraft
- And more
Boat Size
How big should your boat be? It’s easy to gravitate toward the oversized boat decked out with all the bells and whistles on the showroom floor, but do you really need that much space and seating? A bigger boat not only costs more upfront, but it also consumes more fuel and is more difficult to transport and pilot. Furthermore, large boats may not fit in your garage. If your homeowners association forbids storing a boat in visible sight, it’s possible that you will need to pay for an alternative solution at a storage facility or a marina.
Price and Maintenance
Equally important as deciding on the right watercraft is finding a boat that fits into your budget. Decide how much you want to spend, and then determine how you will pay for it. Unless you intend to pay cash or have a trade value equal to or greater than your new boat, chances are you’ll need to obtain financing to complete your purchase. Don’t be afraid to shop and compare loan rates from multiple lenders before the boat show. You may find more favorable terms than the in-house financing offered by the dealer, and it could also facilitate a faster sales transaction.
Of course, the price you pay for your boat is just the beginning. A brand new boat may come at a high price, but it is also likely to have a warranty that protects you against mechanical problems. Buying used, on the other hand, saves money on the upfront cost of the boat, but it could also leave you vulnerable to mechanical failures that are costly to repair.
Don’t Forget Boat Insurance
Finally, don’t forget to find insurance to protect your boat, your passengers, and your income against an unexpected loss. Homeowners insurance doesn’t do the job, as it typically only covers small sailboats, outboard motors less than 25hp, and inboard motors less than 50hp. Of those watercraft that are covered by homeowners insurance, the protection is highly limited and available for only certain types of loss events.
Instead, give us a call here at Smart Move Insurance to request your free boat insurance quote. We can shop and compare rates on policies that offer a wide range of coverage protection, including physical damages, medical payments, special equipment, emergency assistance, and liability.
