Buying a Boat: Decisions, Decisions & Decisions

There are many power and sail boats to choose from. Some things to consider in your decision making include: 1. Where will I do most of my boating? On a local lake? Along the coast and in associated bays? On the ocean? For rivers and/or lakes a small boat or dinghy may be best. For coastal cruising a boat 20' to 30' long may be fine, but for blue water (ocean) boating you need a larger, sturdier and better equipped and therefore more expensive boat. 2. How will I use the boat? Day trips? Short or long cruises? Racing? Or a combination of uses? For day trips a dinghy or small cruiser may be fine. For longer cruises and/or off-shore passages you'll probably want a larger, sturdier and more comfortable boat. And for racing speed is the primary consideration. 3. Another consideration is the draft, i.e., the distance between the boat's waterline and the lowest point of the boat. For shallow waters you want a boat that draws little water whereas if you expect to boat only in deep waters draft is not an issue. 4. What are the preferences of my boating companions? For example some people may not like boats that heel, i.e., tilt, and so one would choose a multi-hulled sailboat over a monohull. 5. What is the displacement, i.e., weight of the boat? If you live inland as I do or if you expect to have the boat on a trailer to move it from place to place, you will want a boat your vehicle can tow and which you can set up and take down easily. These issues limit the size and weight of the boat you choose. 6. A new or used boat? A used boat will be cheaper than a new one, but it may not be in good condition. Having your prospective used boat surveyed, especially boats with complicated mechanical and electrical systems, is a good idea. 7. And the cost of the boat, equipment, dockage and insurance. What equipment do I need and which brands are the most reliable, best value, etc.? See my webstore at www.mountains-and-seas.com for quality gear at competitive prices. 8. Where will I keep the boat? At a local marina? In my backyard? Storage yard? Anchored on a river, lake, bay?