Investing in a boat is for many of us, a dream come true. First comes the intricate job of research through a massive array of ships for sale, some years old and some new, some costing a few hundred pounds and some a few million.

Choosing a Boat

The first step in buying a new boat is with all purchasing decisions, the cost. As a result, once a budget is set it is important to stick to it. Buyers must bear in mind that there are additional costs included in buying a boat such as the safety gear, clothing, electronics and perhaps even a boat trailer. There are also the ongoing costs regarded to boat ownership such as marina costs and maintenance. Therefore when choosing a boat it is advisable to study all the potential expenses to prevent the costs spiralling out of control.

Experienced boaters stand together in the opinion that the best time to buy a boat is during the off-season, which happens to coincide with the winter Boat Show season. They also recommend that Boat Shows are a great opportunity for boaters to find special deals and incentives on new boats, as well as to meet dealers and manufacturers. If you aren’t ready to buy a boat yet, just have fun and take it all in. Without a doubt any person serious about buying a boat should begin with attending a Boat Show.

Make the most of these tips to enhance your experience in boat-buying:

• Plan in advance before attending Boat Shows

Boat Shows are a great way to launch the boat buying adventure, and the best way to determine if you are getting a good deal at a Boat Show is to do your homework first. This can be somewhat laborious since dealers don’t typically have online tools where you can choose your ideal features and compare costs. However, there are many great brokerage websites that can help you with pricing information.

• Attend as Many Boat Shows as Possible

The primary winter Boat Show season is January through March, which experts all agree is the best time to buy. If you are a serious boat shopper, use the Boat Show season to your best advantage by attending the fall shows. Boat Shows are held across the nation and there is certain to be one near you. By attending as many Boat Shows as you can throughout the season, you will be building your knowledge of manufacturers, dealers and prices, helping you narrow the field of possible new boats.

• Use Boat Shows to Your Advantage

Boast Shows exist to supply you with all the latest gadgets and models you could ever dream of, so use that knowledge to your best advantage by comparing all the makes and models of new boats. The best feature of a Boat Show is having the opportunity to compare different models. Take a camera and notebook to remind you of key features concerning each boat that catches your eye. Write down what you liked or didn’t like about each model and your impressions of the boat. Grab brochures for the boats you like best, but take your own pictures since brochures often leave out images of many features you may consider important. Most importantly, write the price given at the show and the list price of the boat so you can compare prices between different Boat Shows and dealers.

• Use Boat Shows to Shop For a Dealer

While you shop for a boat, shop for a dealer. Record your impressions of the sales people as you tour the boats. When you buy a boat from a dealer, it can be a long and rewarding relationship or a prolonged and messy one. Boat Shows are a good time t o make contacts and determine the best dealers to work with in the long haul. Finally, don’t be afraid to talk price even if you know you aren’t ready to buy. This can give you a more accurate price for a boat you may be interested in, and how much the dealer is willing to work with you.

• Don’t Buy on Impulse

Unless you have thoroughly done your homework and are certain you are getting the best deal, do not buy a boat on your first visit. Try to attend the Boat Show on the 1st day so that you have time to think about a possible purchase. Some veteran boat buyers recommend waiting until the final hours at the end of the show. It may be possible to get a better deal at that point because dealers are trying to recoup their show costs. To find out more, read Buying a Boat at a Boat Show vs. A Dealer.

• Insure your boat

After finishing the hard decision-making process you’ll start a new phase which will involve taking care of your new valuable vessel. Here we give you some advice in regards to the insurance of your new property.

• Warrants and final decisions

Is it necessary to buy boat insurance?

Boat insurance is not actually a legal requirement in the United Kingdom but there may be occasions where you will need to provide evidence of insurance; whether for marine finance, or to satisfy a marina, harbour or waterways authority for example. If you have invested thousands of pounds in a boat it’s also smart to protect that purchase. And even in today’s world with the level of compensation awards we suggest insuring your boat, however large or small.

What details to take into account while choosing a warrant?

When arranging boat insurance, make sure any declarations you make are correct as they will be the basis of a legally binding contract between you and the insurer. Also check that the boat insurance will meet your requirements. When choosing an insurance company, make sure they are fully authorised by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). It is also likely to help if they are members of the British Marine Federation as this indicates that they are specialists who may be better able to understand your needs and requirements.