Tips for Buying Your First Boat

Boating can be a fun and rewarding experience, if you take the time to choose the boat that is right for you. Here are some boat-buying tips from the experts:

  1. Go out on someone else’s boat several times before you buy your own. Make sure the activity really fits your interests.
  2. Be aware of the full cost and time commitments of owning a boat. In addition to the original costs, you will have to pay for insurance, fuel and oil, a trailer, storage, maintenance and repairs, setting up a tow vehicle, life jackets, licenses and permits, etc.
  3. Decide what your main boating activities will be (fishing, skiing, tubing, cruising) and how many people will be in the boat.
  4. Buy from a reputable, honest dealer who provides good service. A good dealer can help you choose a boat that’s appropriate for your needs and interests and help you with questions, parts, repairs and winterization.
  5. Don’t buy too much boat your first time. Get a small, economical, sound, easy-to-get-around, easy-to-handle boat you can learn in.
  6. Consider going “partners” with a friend who has more boating experience and may already own a boat.
  7. When you find the boat that’s right for you, see TFCU for a great loan. Get boat loan information.
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