Buying a Boat: Part Four

Once you have thoroughly inspected everything—from the outboard motor oil to the hull—it is time to determine a fair price. The BUC and NADA books are reliable resources for pricing information but it is still a good idea to consult some local marine experts for a second or third opinion. Now that you’ve picked out the boat you want to purchase and have determined a target price, it’s up to you to close the deal.

Before we conclude our series on purchasing a watercraft, I want to emphasize the necessity of looking long and hard before you leap. Unlike a car, there are few practical reasons why the average consumer needs a boat—it is simply a source of entertainment. And between finance payments, insurance, registration, repairs, etc, the monthly costs are going to be considerable.