Buying a boat for yourself can be a long-cherished dream for many people. However, buying and maintaining a watercraft is a daunting task. The first thing to do when you have made up your mind about purchasing a vessel for yourself is to look for a boat listing.
So if you are interested in buying a vessel for yourself, you can find here Riva Boat Listings for buying a classic vintage vessel.
However, if you are confused about whether you should buy a boat or not and the things that you should look for when buying a new boat, you can read this article to know more.
What All Do You Need To Know Before You Buy A Vessel
Buy A Vessel That Fits Your Budget
When buying a boat, you must stick to your budget. Remember, when you buy a vessel, you should be prepared to pay for the annual repair and maintenance work as well.
It is a good idea to keep aside ten percent of the purchasing cost for annual repair works. Apart from this, you will also have to set aside some amount of money for insurance.
The cost of the insurance coverage will vary depending on the place where you wish to use your vessel. If you wish to set sail in places that have rough weather or are very prone to accidents, then the insurance premium charged will be high. But if you are planning to use your vessels in seas that are quite safe, then the cost of insurance will not be a big burden.
Choose Between A Brand New Model Or One That Is Restored
Boats can be broadly classified into two types. First are the ones that are brand new, and second are the ones that are restored.
If you are a fan of classic vintage models, then you will have to go to a listing that offers restored boats. Classic vessels look elegant and do not have a definite price range. Each classic model has its own history, and the price is determined by the collector of the vintage vessel.
But if you buy a restored vessel, be prepared to shell out a good amount of money as maintenance charges. However, an old vessel that is not a classic will typically cost less than a brand-new one.
Decide On The Size That You Want For Your Boat
Boats can be of varying sizes, from a small dinghy to a giant vessel. The size of the vessel will depend on many factors, like whether you want to take the vessel on high seas or operate in local water bodies.
Again the size will depend upon the purpose for which you want to use the vessel. A boat for a single person’s adventure and travel is different from one which is used to organize mega parties.
Go For A Sea Trial
When you buy a car, you go for a test drive. Likewise, when you buy a boat, you must go for a sea trial. A sea trial will tell you how useful a vessel is.
A sea trial checks the speed and maneuverability of a vessel. Moreover, it also helps to assess the safety equipment in a boat and whether they are in a good enough state to protect those on board.
Depending on the purpose for which you intend to buy the boat, the sea trail may include steps where additional weight is added to the boat to check how much weight it can bear safely.
Check For The Title And Registration When Buying A Vessel
Whenever you buy a new vessel from a private party, insist that they show you a registration card and title with their name and address on it.
Make sure that the registration number matches with the HIN or hull identification number, as the make and model of that particular vessel that you wish to purchase.
Check For Servicing Records Or Maintenance Records
If you have decided to go for a second-hand vessel rather than a brand-new one, then servicing records or maintenance records are of vital importance. A maintenance record will give you a gist of all the problems that the boat has faced in its lifetime. So the next time the boat encounters a problem, you know where exactly to look for.
Asking for past servicing reports also has another distinct advantage in that it gives you an idea of whether the past owners have been diligent about servicing the boat or not. If they have proper servicing records that have been updated from time to time, then you can rest assured that the past wonders take good care of the boat.
Check Out The Number Of Hours For Which The Boat Has Sailed
If you check the number of hours the engine of the boat has been operational, you will get an idea of how much the watercraft is worth. There is a simple device known as the hour meter that can help you get an idea of how long the engine has been used.
However, it is not very difficult to manipulate the hour meter to give false readings, so if you have any doubt about the working condition of the engine, you can hire an expert to physically inspect the engine to know about its condition before you make a purchase.
Check For Signs Of Damage Or Accidents On The Body
It is always a good idea to do a thorough physical examination of the body of the vessel to spot signs of physical damage like cracks, scratches, etc. If there is some severe physical damage, then it is better to avoid buying that particular vessel.
Conclusion
Buying a new boat has major financial implications. Hence it makes complete sense to buy a vessel after conducting a thorough check and seeking expert opinion. Asking the past owner for details of registration and maintenance records will further ensure that you are not paying more than what the boat is worth.