Now is the time of year when you’re going to get the best deal on a used boat. Folks are packing up their boats for the season, and many are trying to sell off their old boats in hopes of buying a new one at a winter boat show. Before you write that check or call your boat insurance agent, however, you need to make sure you thoroughly inspect the boat.

Inspecting a used boat isn’t like inspecting a used car. There are not tires to kick, and many of the problems may not be apparent. You might even consider hiring an inspector to take a look at the boat before you sign.

Still, if you think you’re up to the task of doing it yourself, here are the things you need to take a look at:

• Start with the hull. You’re looking for any obvious damage or leaking. Make sure to check the underneath of the boat, of course. You’re not going to be able to tell whether a boat has a leak with the naked eye, so you’re looking more for things like blatant holes or any sign of rot at this point.
• Check the steering and cables. You want to make sure that there isn’t any binding when the wheel is turned.
• Test the electrical controls and pumps. You’ll want to make sure that the controls and lights are all working, as well as your bilge pump, baitwell and fish pumps.
• Carefully inspect the floor. Look under any carpet. In particular, you’re watching for soft spots. Floors are an extremely expensive replacement. If there’s a problem here, it’s a good sign that the former owner didn’t keep up on his care and maintenance.
• Look at the engine. If you’re not an expert at how the engine is built or should sound, you really might think about getting a mechanic to look at it. You’ll want to make sure that you start the engine from cold. If the engine is warm before you start it, it could be that the owner is trying to make it seem to be an easier starter than what it is.
• Take it for a drive. Get it out on the water, and see how it fares. Don’t buy a boat without being able to take it for a spin. This gives you a chance to see how it performs, as well as identify any major leaks.

We firmly believe there’s a boat for everybody. As long as you enjoy being out on the water, there is a boat that’s perfect for you. When deciding which kind of boat to buy, you should consider what your reasons are for wanting a boat in the first place. No two people are exactly the same, and we all have different preferences as far as what kind of boats to buy, as well as what kind of boat insurance and boating accessories. Here are some of the different kinds of boats and what kind of person they would be right for:

• Canoe: If you enjoy physical exercise and want to share some time out on the water with one or two other people, a canoe might be your speed. If you don’t mind traveling fairly slowly, that is. Canoes, of course, are propelled by oars (read: your muscles) and the water’s current, if any. They are best on rivers, though some people do take canoes out on lakes or even the ocean’s coastal waters.

• Kayak: The experience is a lot like a canoe, except you’ll be going solo. With the right training, these small water craft are safe to paddle out into the ocean, lakes, or rivers. The original kayaks, built by the Inuit, were used in the frigid north Pacific ocean and used for hunting seals.

• Fishing Boat: There are actually many different kinds of fishing boats. If you’re a fisherman, your main concerns when purchasing a boat include what kind of fish you’re going after and where. Different boats do better in different environment, and you’ll be looking for different things if you are going after salmon on the Great Lakes than if you are going after bass on Toledo Bend.

• Ski Boat: If you want to water ski, your best bet is to buy a boat with a powerful motor. Some fishing boats can be used, and most speed boats are fine.

• Speed Boat: If you just want to spend the day going balls to the wall on the open water, but a speedboat with the biggest motor you can. Be aware that the boat insurance can be a little expensive on these speed demons.

• Pontoon Boat: These boats are great multi-purpose boats, and can be used for a party on the water, for fishing, or just for sunning yourself on the deck. The boats are very easy to handle, and are a fantastic beginner’s boat.

• Sail Boat: If sailing is your thing, there’s nothing else that will do. Find the size that’s right for you, and sail away.

1. Tips to buying a boat – Here is a list of things to watch for when buying your first boat.
2. FAQ on buying a boat – Here are a few questions you should consider when buying a boat.
3. Boater Education – Use this helpful information to learn about all things boating related.
4. Wooden Boats – This explains building, buying and owning a wooden boat.
5. Blog for all boat owners – Before you buy a boat, here are tips for boating, sailing and buying your new boat.
6. Buying your first bass boat – Here is a list of information on buying your first bass boat.
7. Buying your new boat – Discover the ups and downs of buying your boat.
8. Buyers tips – Research these questions to ask yourself before buying a boat.
9. First time buyer tips – Uncover the do’s and don’ts of first time boat buyers.
10. What do you really want in a boat – Finding out what it is you really want when you buy your first boat.
11. Buying a used boat – What questions to ask when buying a used boat.
12. Buying a houseboat – All the information you need if you are considering a houseboat.
13. Tips on buying a bass boat – These are helpful hints on dealers who sale the bass boats.
14. Guide to out of state purchase – If you are considering purchasing your boat out of state, refer to this article for helpful tips.
15. Bass boat information – Here they discuss boats , trailers and motors when buying a bass boat.
16. Is a pontoon boat right for you – Compare pontoon boats and discover if this is the right boat for your boating needs.
17. Finding the boat that fits you – A consumers guide to finding the right boat for you.
18. Cost of owning a boat – Here one can find what is involved in owning a boat.
19. Advice on buying a boat from an individual – These are a few things you should know before purchasing your boat from a individual.
20. What you should know before buying a boat – Things to look at when buying a boat
21. Choosing the right boat for you – Discuss things like horse power, motors and designs that are right for you.
22. Ski Boat – Here is what to know if you are looking at buying a ski boat.
23. Bass Boat – Find out if a bass boat is the right boat for you.
24. Buying a boat on the internet – Look over these tips when buying a boat off the internet.
25. Best time to purchase boat – Here you can get tips on when is the best time to purchase your bass boat.
26. Sailboats – Discover tips on buying and learning to sail a sailboat.
27. There is a boat for everyone – Here is some help finding the right boat for anyone. Tips on buying the right hull, engine, new or used.
28. American Boating Association – Learn about boat safety, insurance needed and other tips for your boating adventures.
29. Your Boat’s blog – Information about buying a boat and the maintenance involved.
30. Reviews on inflatable boats – Learn all about the different types of inflatable boats that are available.
31. Buying your first boat – Here is a page to help you discover what your type of boat may be.
32. Buyers advice on your new boat – Information on the size, type, and should you go new or used when buying a boat.
33. Where to start – Planning on your budget, what you want to do with the boat and where to store the boat.
34. Advice on Sailboats – Should you decide to go with a sailboat, how long will your cruises be and other questions to assist you.
35. Buying a sailboat – This will help you to determine what size boat and what are your needs in a boat.
36. Used boat guide – Here are a few things to remember when considering a used boat.
37. Initial questions – Questions you should ask, tools you need and examination to perform on the engine of a used boat you are considering buying.
38. First time boat buyer – Here are a few thoughts to consider when buying your first boat.
39. Matching the right boat to owner – different types of hull shapes as well as questions to ask yourself when looking to buy a boat.
40. The Right Boat – towing vehicles, secondhand boats and buying aluminum or fiberglass.
41. Types of boats – Yachts, houseboats, fishing boats or ski boats. Learn about all different types of boats to help in the search for the right boat for you.
42. Checklist – A checklist for anyone looking to buy a boat.
43. Living on a boat – One person’s story of their life on their boat.
44. Get the most boat for your money – Tips on buying your boat and questions to think about when researching the different boat types.
45. Buying a ski boat – What you should know when buying a ski boat. Tips to consider while boat shopping.

There are some specific questions you should ask the retailer before you commit to buying the boat, as well, to make sure that it’s the right boat for you:

What is the manufacturer’s status and reputation?

You want to choose a boat manufacturer that’s still in business. Over the past several years, many have gone under. You want to make sure you buy a boat from a company that’s weathered the economic storm, because you’ll need them to be around to honor the details of your warranty.

Is a pre-purchase survey available?

If the boat hasn’t already had a pre-purchase survey done, you should consider getting one or asking for one. In some cases, your boat insurance company may require it before you will be covered. You can hire someone to do a survey for about $10 per foot, and the survey will be worth every dime. In many cases, you can convince the seller to pay for the survey. Even if you don’t wind up buying the boat, the seller can use it when others look at buying the boat.

Can I take it out for a test drive?

Most of the time, a boat vendor will allow you to take a short test drive. In many cases, someone from the store will need to ride with you. You wouldn’t buy a new car without driving it a little bit, you shouldn’t consider buying a boat that you haven’t driven, either.

What’s covered by the warranty, and what is the support procedure?

You should know what is and isn’t covered by the warranty. From day one, you might have to get support from a secondary manufacturer if something breaks. If your GPS stops working, for example, you may have to talk to the GPS manufacturer rather than the boat manufacturer.

Photo via daveparker

So, you take the same approach as many people do with a car. Sure, you could buy a new basic minivan for $25,000. But, for that same $25,000, you could buy a three- or four-year old loaded Escalade. Now, which of those two vehicles is going to turn more heads (and provide you with more creature comforts)?

Yes, used boats are less expensive. Yes, you can get more boat for the money. Your loan payment will be lower, and so will your boat insurance costs. You also don’t have to soak up that depreciation loss that comes and hits so hard in the first year or two. The same benefits to buying a used car do hold out when buying a used boat.

However, there are some advantages to buying a new boat that don’t necessarily translate to the automobile world. For example, new boats:

• Provide the latest in technology, design and architecture. The rate at which boating technology has moved in the past few years has been higher than that of the automotive world, and buying a new boat gives you access to the best features.
• Contain new MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) systems. Boats don’t have the kind of design durability that comes from a car. Even the best boats won’t give you the kinds of hours that you can get from an automobile. Things break and wear out more frequently on a boat, in part because it’s moving through water, as opposed to air. New systems mean fewer breakdowns.
• Provide greater peace of mind. Sure, you’re willing to risk that the “rusty but trusty” Ford pickup you bought will leave you stranded. But are you willing to risk that your used boat will sink to the bottom of the lake? There’s a heck of a lot more at stake with a used boat than there is with a used car. When your car throws a rod, you can walk to a gas station. When your boat’s motor blows, you’ve got to row to shore – if that’s even possible.

Photo via daveparker

Try out boating first
You should really try out boating for a bit before you rush out and snag some boat insurance for that new boat you just parked in your driveway.  Find someone who will take you out on the water and let you try boating.  You need to do this more than once as well.

Learn how to put the boat in the water.  Learn how to take it out.  Learn all that you can.  You just might find that on the third or fourth trip to the lake that this is way more work than you had originally anticipated.

Decide your boating activities
You should figure out what kind of activities you will do most with your boat.  Pontoon boats might be great for parties, but they are not so awesome for pulling a tube and kids.  Spend some time thinking over what you will most likely do with your time on the lake and buy a boat geared towards that activity.  This will also come into play when you are deciding what to include on that boat insurance.

Know all the costs associated with boating
There is a lot more to buying a boat than just the cost of the boat itself.  You will need to buy boat insurance.  You’ll also need a trailer to transport that boat around.  These are just the major items.

Don’t forget that you will now have maintenance for that boat.  Oil changes will be taking place on more than just the car now.  There is food.  Oh yeah, you know you are going to spend the first months partying on the lake.  There is food costs with that.  Your fuel costs will increase for both the truck pulling the boat, and the boat itself.  Keep all these little items in mind when you are pricing that boat out.

Don’t buy a yacht as your first boat
Do not rush out and buy the biggest boat you can.  Bigger boats require more skill to navigate and handle.  It may not be fun buying a smaller boat to start, but everyone will thank you for it.  You will be able to easily learn the rules of the lake while you get your boat handling skills in check.  Once you have these skills down, then go out and upgrade to a slightly bigger boat.

Buying a boat is an exciting ordeal.  Save yourself a bit of coin and do your research early.  This will save you a whole lot of pain and agony in the long run.  Make sure you get that boat insurance as well.  You wouldn’t want that investment in fun to cost you more than you originally thought.

Photo via theogeo

If you’re creative, dedicated and devoted, however, you can afford your dream boat. It’s just a question of how long it takes you. Here are some ways you can work toward your dream:

1. Sell your plasma. It depends on a number of factors, of course, not the least of which is the area you live in. Many folks may be able to get as much as $90 every six weeks by selling their plasma. Over time, this will add up. You’re talking about around $820 in a year, assuming you invest your plasma money and make a paltry five percent interest. It might take you 15 or 20 years, but what are a couple of decades when your dream boat is at stake?
2. Save your change. Setting aside all of the change you take in over the course of a year should yield a couple hundred bucks. While that’s not enough to buy a boat, it also will add up over time. If you combine that with other tactics, it can greatly shorten the time it takes to buy your boat.
3. Build your own. There are plenty of people out there selling boat plans. Some of those boat plans are even legitimate. Yes, you still need to buy all of your materials and have a certain degree of skill working with your hands, but if you can pull it off you may be able to build your dream boat for half of what it would cost to buy it outright.
4. Don’t settle in the meantime. This is where many folks fail. They buy a smaller boat to get them by while they save for their dream craft. This just postpones your dream. Don’t mortgage your future for today’s pleasure.
5. Use your equity. Take out a home equity loan, which can often have a lower interest rate than a boat loan. Make sure to get boat insurance, of course, because if that boat gets destroyed you’ll still be paying on the loan.

Photo via Paolo Antonio Gonella

Here are the major things you need to look at when you’re considering a new boat:

Overall Appearance

Start by giving the boat a quick once-over. What stands out? Does the hull seem to be in fair shape, at first glance? Are there major scrapes or scars on the boat that could become a problem down the road? Does the boat show evidence of constant care, or does it look like the current owner’s been a bit sloppy? If he hasn’t kept up on keeping his boat looking good, he’s probably been a bit sloppy when it comes to maintenance, too.

The Rudder

You should also take a look at the rudder, and make sure it’s in good shape. Water can often permeate a rudder. This happens either via groundings or via cracks in the rudder’s gel coat. When that happens, the foam core inside the rudder can freeze and then thaw, causing there to be cracks in the rudder’s fiberglass. This, in turn, will create structural problems in the rudder, and it should be repaired right away. If the rudder uses mild steel, that internal moisture can cause rust and will need to be addressed, too.

The Deck

Next, take a look at the deck. You’re bound to see some spider cracks, for sure. However, if you have cracks with short parallel lines in areas that are cored, it can indicate that you have a wet core. You should also check your deck for areas where it’s become soft. This happens when water’s been absorbed. Drop a heavy object, such as a screwdriver, from about an inch over the deck. If the screwdriver doesn’t bounce, then your deck probably is in need of repair.

Motor and Systems

You’re not a boat mechanic, most likely. You’re not going to be able to immediately identify mechanical problems with the boat’s motor. Still, you can listen for odd noises or watch for smoke or be aware of strange smells. If you’re not sure whether there might be a problem, you can always have the boat inspected by a professional.

Photo via Paul Keller

Let me rephrase that. If you live in a place where the water freezes over into ice for half the year, winter sucks.

You make an investment in a nice recreational watercraft or boat. You rent marina space, and you take good care of the vehicle. You even make sure that your boat insurance is paid up at all times. Yet you’re stuck at home, huddled around a fireplace, waiting for the lake to thaw.

Well, it’s time to get up off your warm duff and get back out on the water. An ice boat is exactly what you need to get on the water during the winter months.

What’s an ice boat? Well, an ice boat is a purpose-built framework that’s pretty similar overall to a sail boat. Instead of a hull, however, this boat has runners, skis or skates. It’s designed to sail over ice rather than through water.

Ice boating even has its own specialized terms. Sailing and racing an ice boat is known as “ice yachting.” Ice that’s good enough to be sailed upon is called “hard water” (as opposed to the “soft water” you spend your summers on).

Ice boats are typically single-seaters. There are some models that have more seats, but they’re much less common. Some ice boats can even have a motorcycle-style side car attached in order to bring along a passenger.

Ice boats aren’t a new concept, either. They’ve been used since the 1800s for both practical purposes like transporting stuff across the ice, as well as recreationally for racing. The original ice boats were as long as 50 feet in some cases.

There are Ice boating clubs, too. While you won’t find them in Florida or North Carolina, there are a ton in Michigan, Wisconsin and, for our neighbors to the North, in Ontario and Alberta.

The Northwest Ice Yacht Association is one of the oldest of these groups. They feature an annual regatta, which has been going on for more than a century.

So, if you can’t wait for the spring thaw, try something new. Talk to your boat dealer about an ice boat. Maybe you can rent one for a weekend to start. It’s not for everyone, but you might just find you’re hooked.

Photo via Joe Shlabotnik

The Innespace Dolphin

This “boat” is probably the coolest design of the list.  It is pretty much exactly what it sounds like.  With a literal cockpit, this thing can dive underwater, breach, and even do barrel rolls with you inside.  It’s not good for much else, but what else could you need, really?  Just watch the video if you haven’t already seen this thing:

The Personal Hydrofoil

Pretty much the exact opposite of the Dolphin, this personal watercraft gives you the feeling of flight as it raises you up out of the water.  The long shaft puts the propeller and fins deep in the water and as the boat gains momentum it “floats” in the air.  Another one-dimensional boat that looks like insane fun for anyone.  Just wear a helmet.

Worlds fastest Amphibious Car

We could have filled this list with a number of amphibious cars, but most of them are decent cars that make terrible boats…kinda like that futon you had in college.  This car, however, turns into a boat you can race around the lake with pride.  Can you say: chick magnet?  James Bond: eat your heart out.

Water Bird – A (WTF) waterbike…

This is the strangest watercraft on the list by far.  The design is minimal and the motion… awkward.  Definitely a different twist on the human propelled watercraft, my only question is:  What happens when you stop in the middle of the lake?  A li’l help?

Porta-Boat

Who doesn’t want a fold-able boat?  OK, I probably wouldn’t carry anything valuable in this thing, but the versatility of a boat that folds to 4″ is something anyone who doesn’t own a hitch & trailer could use.  Also, this thing looks pretty indestructible… I bet none of the others can float while full of water.

Dippies – Disappearing Propeller Boats

Ok, I know what your thinking: these are pretty much only cool to your grandparents.  They stopped making them in the 50′s for crying out loud!!  But for totally different reasons than the Dolphin, these boats are awesome.  They have a nostalgic-practical-romantic feeling that makes them a classic.  They certainly don’t make them like this anymore, and IMHO, that’s something that should change.

Worlds Largest Pedal Boat

This boat is an instant head turner.  The over-sized wheels make the pedal boat look more like personal paddle-wheeler.  A bit less than practical, this thing looks like it’s more fun than it probably is.  Still, if you saw it pedaling down the lake, your reaction would be to  say one thing: COOL!

Nauticraft Pedal Boats

Pedal boats are a dime a dozen.  There’s a number of unique designs, but none so sleek and sexy as this one from Nauticraft.  Watching the video, too, it looks as though the design is a huge advantage for speed and efficiency for these things.  Especially considering .000001 knots is about as fast as most pedal boats go.

The Craig Cat

I want one.  Plain and simple.  There’s nothing really remarkable about the design that hasn’t been done before, but then again, there’s nothing quite like them.  They look like a lot of fun, truly versatile, and just: COOL.  This could be my next boat purchase…

The Hyde Drift Boat

Drift boats are pretty lame…unless you enjoy river fishing. (I do, but that’s not why this made the list)  Watch the video below to find what looks like the most versatile boat design ever.  Every boat manufacturer should take a hint here.  Movable seats, compartments, shelfs, fishing chairs, and a number of other customizable amenities give this boat almost unlimited layout possibilities.  If only it were more than just a drift boat…