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New Boat or Used Boat
Buying a new boat or used boats is almost like buying a new or used car. Lots of similarities and pros and cons to buying. Because there are so many boats available start out by looking at new ones first.
New boats
With a new boat you know the history of the boat and motor. There is no history so that makes it easy. If something goes bad or fails you will have the warranty to pay for repairs, just like with new cars. You can get on the water right away as you don't have to do any work or repairing on a new boat.
You can usually get a better interest rate when you finance a new boat instead of used. By looking a new boats first you will get a good idea of what's best for you and your family. Something to be aware of is that just like a new car, boats depreciate the most during the first year.
Used boats
For those who aren't sure what they want to do with a boat a used boat is the way to go. Particularly true if money is tight. Even if you are planning on buying a used boat still look at the new ones first as you will learn a lot.
Going to boat shows is a good way to see whats out there and helps you get an idea of what you want. There will be many new and used boats there to look at and help narrow your list down to what type of boat you really want.
No matter if you look for your used boat in the newspaper, online or thru one of your local boat dealerships make sure you get a marine survey. This is a bit expensive but if you are buying a very high priced craft it's well worth it. For a smaller fishing or cruising boat for local lakes it isn't as high a priority but make sure you do check it out well.
A marine survey is a lot like a home inspection as the surveyor will inspect every part of the boat, from the engine, electrical system, hull to the steering wheel. Many times defects or structural problems and maintenance problems with boats that weren't taken good care of can be hard to detect.
If the results of the survey are bad you can use it to get a better deal or you can just walk away if it's truly bad. A marine survey is the smart way to buy a used boat as it can save you a lot of time, headaches and money which will make it well worth it in the end. If a used boat scares you and you can buy a new boat get the new one.
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