After reading the Boat Trader, a few things will become obvious:
>Boats of the same size, make and year can vary in cost by 100%. There is not always a good reason for this.
>A newer small boat costs as much as a 10-year-old bigger boat.
>Some boats are not �seriously for sale.� The boats may be advertised, but their owners just want to see if they can get a high price so they can purchase a boat that is 3 feet longer. Click here to read about the various kinds of boat sellers.
>The �try� price is a gimmick. It means, �Try making an offer of this much.� It does not mean that you will actually be able to buy the boat for the advertised price. I found this so offensive that I would not even call on a boat with a �try� price.
>Overall, the used boat market is a wild place with pricing that is not immediately logical.
The type of boat that best meets your needs will have the following qualities:
>It�s affordable (including all of the additional expenses previously mentioned.)
>It�s big enough for the number of passengers you want to carry.
>It�s small enough for you to handle and trailer given your current skill set.
>Its design (draft, hull configuration, deck layout, power train) matches what you want to do with it.
>Its design is consistent with the conditions in geographic areas where you plan to cruise.
Some examples:
Center Console--Offshore ocean fishing
Bowrider--Water sports, fun day trips
Cuddy Cabin--Water sports, overnight trip. Better in the rain.
Jet Boat--Water sports in shallow water areas
Express Cruiser--Weekend trips, entertaining
Deck/Pontoon Boat--Day trips for large groups/limited waters ports
Trawler--Long distance cruising, live aboard
Sportfish--Serious offshore fishing and overnights
Flats Boat--Fishing in shallow water
Rigid Inflatable Boat--Shallow water play and transportation
Many first time recreational boaters enjoy 18-24 foot trailerable bowriders, deck boats, cuddy cabins, walk arounds and center consoles. Determine if you want an outboard engine or an inboard/outboard drive.
Check out the waterways where you live. What type of boat is most common? This type will have better resale in your particular area. Conversely, less common models may be a better bargain for the buyer. If you are willing to travel a few hundred miles, you may be able to buy a boat that�s popular in your area but not in the seller�s. This gives you both the price advantage and the �right model for my area� advantage.
A good way to find the right boat type is to rent several different models before you buy.
