Buying a boat is an important decision, and it’s also one of the most exciting purchases you’ll ever make in your life. If you’re a first-time boat buyer, or even if you’ve done it before, it’s nice to have all the information you possibly can. Knowing what to expect and planning the entire process can ensure that you end up with exactly the right boat for your lifestyle. Prepare to take to the open waters with this boat buying guide.

Which Type of Boat Should I Buy?

Most people go into the process already having some general idea of the type of boat they like. Still, it’s important to rank your priorities so you can make sure you’re getting the right vessel to suit your needs. Think about things like the following:

• Capacity – Will you primarily be using the boat by yourself or with a few friends, or do you intend to host larger gatherings?
• Towing and Storage – Where will you keep your boat, and how will you transport it?
• Normal Use – If you plan to take your boat out to sea, you’ll likely need a larger vessel with a deeper hull. Smaller vessels make more sense for sticking near the shore or exploring shallow waters.

Should I Buy a New or Used Boat?

Once you know which type of boat you want, you have to decide between buying new or used. Newer boats are easier to customize, haven’t been misused by a previous owner, and normally come with a warranty. Pre-owned boats are less expensive, which allows you to get more bang for your buck. They’ve also been tested out by someone else, which means that minor issues may have already been addressed.

We know this can be a difficult decision to make, that’s why our experienced sales team is here to assist you. We will give you our honest opinion on what type of boat would be a good fit for you, depending on what kind of lifestyle you want, and your specific needs. We live the Nautical Ventures lifestyle, and we want you to be a part of it.

How Do I Finance a Boat?

Financing a boat can be intimidating, but it will be much easier when you know what to look for. Consider your lending options like banks, credit unions, and marine lending experts. Keep in mind that your boat financing options may be different for new and used boats, too. Finally, carefully look over the terms to make sure you understand what you’re committing to. Choose between a secured or unsecured loan, and make sure the monthly payments won’t put an unnecessary financial burden on you.

At Nautical Ventures, we want to make the process of buying a boat as easy as possible for you. We offer financing through our partnered banks, so you can rely on our experienced team to give you the best deal on your boat. We give you personalized service, which means that we focus on your specific situation, that way we can make sure we offer you the deal that you are looking for.

How Do I Take Care of Boat Insurance, Registration, and Taxes?

Even after you secure a loan (if necessary), there’s a little bit more paperwork to deal with before you’re ready to go for the first cruise in your new boat. It’s a good idea to get insurance to protect your investment, and you’ll also have to register the boat. Finally, you’ll have to make sure you have enough money left over to pay taxes on your new boat. Make sure you work with trustworthy boat experts who can help you capitalize on any and all possible deductions.

After the Purchase – How Do I Care for My Boat?

Once you’ve purchased your boat, protect the value of your investment by keeping it in great condition. Taking good care of your boat helps the resale value stays high, and it will also ensure that your boat continues to run as well as possible.

Some boat vendors in South Florida even offer services to help care for your boat. At Nautical Ventures Marine Center, we offer a hurricane protection plan all year long, in addition to the dry or wet slips. That way, you can make sure you are taking care of your investment.

Where Can I Buy a Boat?

Now that you’ve done your preparation, buying a boat is still a big decision. Here at Nautical Ventures, we pride ourselves on being the most reliable boat vendor in South Florida. 

Our team will help you navigate the entire process to make sure you end up in a vessel that makes you happy. Contact us today to learn more.

We have several locations to help with all your boating questions and needs. Call one of our boating experts today! 

DANIA BEACH: 954-926-5250
 
FORT LAUDERDALE: 954-962-8702
 
PALM BEACH: 561-612-7076
 
TAMPA BAY: 727-939-8900
 
SARASOTA: 941-355-5500