The boating and marine industry brought in approximately $42 billion in 2019 alone. The state leading the way with an almost $1.5 million gap was Florida.
Each year, Florida’s pristine waters and warm weather draw avid boaters from around the nation. You also don’t have to be rich to buy a boat. In fact, the same numbers that were pulled from 2019 also made note that over 60% of boat owners earned less than $100,000 in a year.
If you have an interest in buying a boat, then keep reading on to learn more about boat buying tips and tricks.
Boat Buying Guide
Are you looking into owning a boat? There are a few factors that you should consider. Arguably the most important aspect is can you afford it? There are many great boats out there for a reasonable price.
While you might only drop a few thousand on an older boat, you could end up spending thousands more on repairs. Some repairs are avoided through careful and thorough research.
You should ask about the engine hours and marine age before buying a boat – the marine age looks at how much time a boat has spent in saltwater.
However, there are also typical problems and maintenance that come from owning a boat. These costs need to be included each year with some people claiming that you should average out about 10% of the cost of purchase for annual boat maintenance.
Spend some time with professionals and companies in discussing what you are looking for in a boat. This ensures that you don’t waste your time looking at boats that will become null and void for you in a couple of years.
You want something that will last you for years to come, and that may mean putting more money down upfront for a larger or nicer boat.
Freshwater vs Saltwater
Along those lines – another major factor that goes into owning a boat is where you will use it.
Freshwater lakes are drastically different than open water boats. Fishing boats are going to be different than recreational boats, and the list goes on. Find out first what your primary boating focus is.
When you are looking at a boat store, you might find dozens of boats that look relatively the same. Freshwater boats can be used in saltwater, but boats specifically designed for that purpose have better materials to handle the corrosive effects of salt.
Saltwater boats are also designed for tougher weather conditions and incorporate mercathod systems.
Lastly, look at where you will be storing it. In the warm and temperate climate of Florida, you will likely not need an area for winter storage. You can opt for keeping it on a trailer or purchasing a slip fee.
The cost of storing it in a marina should be calculated into your overall budget.
Buy a Boat
If you want to buy a boat, then there are plenty of novice and expert boats out there that can fit you or your family’s needs. Florida is a perfect place to bask in the warm glow of the sun out on the ocean.
It is important that you know what you are getting into before buying a boat and that you have a trusted boat mechanic team to help you when things go awry. Contact us today and let us help you get set up with your next dream boat.
