What do I need to buy a boat?

Question

I dont have a boat liscense or anything but I want to buy a boat, something less than 20 feet if size matters here. I am just looking for a list of what I have to do before I can buy a boat. I have a vehicle that will be able to tow a boat and trailer. All info will help alot! Thanks.

Answer 1

im not sure where you live i live in wisconsin and all you need here is to be 16 or older if under 16 you need a boaters safty class

Answer 2

First go out with a friend who has a boat and try running his or her boat.  Have them give you a few lessons on running a boat and docking a boat.  Have them show you how to put the boat on and off the trailer.  Get a feel for boating.  See if you like it as a regular thing.  Shop around for the type of boat you are interested in, for example a cruising boat, a fishing boat a family type boat.  Then go to a few Boat Shows and look around at the new boats and get an idea on style and accessories.  Then shop for the boat you want. Check out the different types of engines, outboard, inboard, Inboard/Outdrive, jet propulsion, etc.  One engine or two? Take a Boater's Safety Course near you and decide if you still want a boat.  If you do, buy one.  Good Luck.  You will need liability insurance, it's cheap.

Answer 3

$$$

The two happiest days in a boat owners life:

1. The day he buys it.

2. The day he sells it.

Answer 4

Yacht is not only a means of transport, it's more about lifestyle and iconography. Probably seeing your friends sailing and spending some time cruising by their side may be quite an incentive for buying a boat. After all on a boat you can reach the unreachable places: islands, lakes, rivers, bays and oceans. You can participate and try your luck in fishing tournaments, races and other cruising activities.

Before buying a boat determine your boating interests. Are you into commercial or sport fishing, do you do wakeboarding or waterskiing? Would you prefer a motor yacht or a sail inspires you with its everlasting romance? Whether you want to live aboard or just go sailing for the weekend? Will you take part in cruises or boat races? Do you know how to handle a boat and ABCs of navigation? Is it necessary that you attend boating courses?

Also consider how much time and money you are willing to spend on boat loan, insurance, fuel, marina slip and maintenance.

The types of boats are counted by dozens: motor yachts, sailboats, sport fisherman's, cruisers, catamarans, mega yachts, houseboats, runabouts, classic yachts and others. One of the most important characteristics of a boat is hull material. Most hulls are made of fiberglass or wood, though smaller motor yachts and rowing-boats may have aluminum hulls.

If you are a beginner you might consider attending a basic boating course of the US Power Squadrons. Start with a small boat up to 24 ft. long. Cruising on a boat like that you will acquire all necessary experience and technique. Before buying a larger boat carefully choose the manufacturer or dealer. It can be quite a challenging task and to facilitate its accomplishment you could visit a regional boat show. This will help you learn more about the boating industry, get in touch with experienced boat dealers and boat manufacturers. At a show you can also 'try' the yacht: climb aboard, sit at the controls, check out the legroom, the controls convenience, visibility from all positions, you can check the storage space and engine access as well as each boat's accommodations (salon, galley, head compartment, staterooms and cockpit). Be sure to check the overall quality of fittings, hardware, handrails, windshields as well as wood joinery and deck surfaces.

After comparing several boats and getting to know your local boating infrastructure you're ready for buying yourself a new boat. We have an extensive list of boat builders for you to check out. Most boat manufacturers produce both mass-produced and custom crafted boats in their own field (as a rule each boatbuilder specializes in a particular type of boats). Whatever your choice is, it's of utmost importance that you take your boat - or a sistership - for an on-water test drive and see it underway. A boat is a purchase of a lifetime so you must make sure that it satisfies you in every possible way.

Answer 5

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DMV OFFICE, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO ANSWER ANY AND ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS AND AT THE SAME TIME YOU WILL BE GETTING THE CORRECT ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION.

ALSO REMEMBER THAT THE TWO BEST DAYS CONCERNING A BOAT ARE THE DAY YOU GET IT AND THE DAY YOU SELL IT.

Answer 6

Technically, the only thing you _need_ to _buy_ a boat is money.

Now to legally and conveniently operate that boat, you'll need:

1. Boating Safety Course (put on by the Coast Guard Auxillary) if you are in Ohio.  Everywhere else, you should still at least know what the rules are, such as overtaking, bouys, etc.

2. Tow vehicle, which you mentioned you have.

3.  Insurance.

4. Legally required safety equipment.  One life jacket for each passenger.  The type depends on the water you are on--lake, vs off-shore.  A throwable flotation device, distress signals, something to bail water with, fire extinquisher.

5.  Usefull and safety equipment: anchor, lines (aka rope), fenders/bumpers, oars.

The exact safety gear will depend on the length of your boat.  i.e., fire extinguisher type, life jacket type, distress signal type, etc.

Answer 7

I also live in Wisconsin and you dont need a liscense to drive a boat. I guess it all depends on your budget. My first boat was $900 and reliable. The boat I have now cost me 3 grand it looks great and is reliable. Just make sure the trailor and tires are in good shape. Also you want to hear and see the motor start and run before buying. My boat is 16' and I tow it with my mini van. Anything bigger you will need a truck.

Answer 8

Before you buy a boat get with a friend that has one and have him/her teach you the proper procedures. Get into a Coast Guard approved class too.

Answer 9

From a non-boat owner who's heard alot about it, I'd say the following :

1 - Money

2- More money

3- Even MORE money

4- Time, lots of it,  to spend cleaning and repairing the boat.

Tongue in cheek, really, but sounds like you have the tow vehicle, you just need a good boat, tags, insurance, proper life-saving gear on board, etc. That should do it. You can add the refreshments later, if you can still afford them. :D

- The Gremlin Guy -