4 November 2019
The 5 must-ask questions to consider before you buy a boat
Picture this: it’s a warm sunny day. You have a cooler of cold ones, your fishing gear set up and you’re looking forward to getting out on the water and having some quiet time. Or maybe it’s the last day of summer and you want to spend it with the family – frolicking in the cool water under a cloudless sky, then resting awhile, then diving in for some more splashing and fun. The only hitch: you have to rent a boat every time the urge to get out on the water strikes you. So you decide to buy a boat instead.
We think a boat is a great investment, and contrary to popular belief, one that isn’t as expensive as it sounds. Owning your boat gives you the freedom to indulge your love for the water, whenever you want, without having to plan your outings well ahead of time or paying expensive charter costs in addition to fuel and maintenance. But are you truly ready to buy?
Here are some of the questions you must ask yourself before you go ahead and get yourself a new boat?
1. What would you use the boat for?
This is the first and most important question you must ask yourself. Are you going to be using it as an alternate means of transport? Would you be using it to get from your yacht to shore and back? Would you be using it for weekends out on the water, alone or with family? Given the options that available today, understanding what you’re going to use the boat for will help you narrow down on the ideal boat for you.
2. How often would you use the boat?
Buying a boat cannot be an impulsive decision, it has to be thought through completely. You must have some idea of how many days a year would you be using the boat. If you are most likely to use a boat for less than 20 days a year, you might not be ready to take the plunge yet.
3. Where will you park/dock it?
Spending partial or all of your savings on a boat knowing where you would park or dock it will ultimately make a hole in your pocket. A smaller boats can be parked in your garage, while a bigger one would have to be docked at a marina. You must take these factors into consideration before you choose your boat.
4. What size of boat are you looking at?
Along with how often you would be using it, the next question you must ask yourself is what size of boat fits your needs and your pockets. The size of the boat can be determined by the number of people you think on average will be using the boat on the regular. At OCM, most of our customers favour the rather versatile 8.4M Amphibious that can be driven straight from one’s beachfront home into the water and back again. However, our experienced personnel can guide you on the size and design of a boat that best suits your needs and those of your family.
5. Do you want a new boat or a pre-owned one?
A second-hand boat can save you some money initially but can later cost you more thanks to the wear and tear. If you choose to go for a used boat, then it’s best you get it checked by a professional to understand what you’re getting for the price you’re paying. On the other hand, you can choose to buy a new boat as well. The advantages of a new boat over a used one are threefold: you can choose and customize the boat exactly to your specifications; you benefit from better design and tech that is sure to give your boat longer life; you don’t have to worry about unseen damage or pay to repair damage that already exists. In a nutshell, a new boat is not only the safer option but also guarantees you a smoother ride for a longer time.
Figuring out the answers to these questions can prevent you going overboard and splurging your savings on a boat. And once you have ticked all the boxes, you can consult our team of experts who specialize in customizing boats to suit your needs.
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