You’ve made the decision to buy a boat and are asking, “Now what?” In this two-part series, we’ll take a hard look at considerations when purchasing a boat, then examine popular options for getting a watercraft. We talked with Bill Irwin, Vice President/ Sales & Marketing at Irwin Marine in Laconia, New Hampshire and retired executive/boating enthusiast Bob Madaio to get their thoughts and advice on getting on the water.
Both agreed step one is attending a boating safety class. Some states (like New Hampshire) require a boating certificate (in New Hampshire everyone 16-years-old and older who operates a motorboat over 25 horsepower on New Hampshire waters must have a boating education certificate). These classes teach basic water safety including the “rules of the road” for boating. These classes are offered frequently and can be located on each state’s website.
“Once they’ve been to school, they need to decide what they want to do with the boat,” Madaio said. “Do they want to fish, fish and family, or overnight? One person or family? Do they need to tow a skier or tuber?”
Madaio’s experience with boating was easily offered, “A 22- or 25-foot-long boat is big for a first time buyer.”
Irwin jumped in, “It’s often a good idea to rent a boat first. Renting a boat gets you out on the water very cost effectively. You also get the option of trying different boats (paddle, sail, power) without having to finance a purchase.”
When buying a boat, it’s important to consider how the boat will be used and where it will be used. “In New England, we have two boating seasons. One is with the boat in the water, and the second is when the boat is in winter storage,” cautioned Irwin. “Buyers need to think about where the boat will be kept in the summer (rack or slip or slip/valet) as well as winter storage. Some trailer their boat and the trailer also requires storage.”
A preowned boat is something to be approached thoughtfully. Madaio said, “Power boats have hour meters (rather than odometers) and you want to consider a boat with low hours and a single owner. You want to have the engine checked by a knowledgeable technician who can access and review the engine computer.”
“Boat manufacturers generally don’t have a ‘certified preowned’ checklist list like a car,” shared Irwin, “So when we take in a boat, we have our certified technicians go over it.”
Boat hulls are often made of aluminum (lightweight), fiberglass or wood. “Our technicians check floorboards for rot and check the transom (rear of the boat). On larger boats, we recommend an independent marine survey. We thoroughly check the mechanical systems.”
Both Irwin and Madaio caution against buying a boat off the side of a road. You need to get a boat in the water and run it. You need to know a boat before buying it.
While some people like to “tinker” on their boats, many are busy and are looking for a reliable summer boat. This leads to purchasing a new boat.
There are many brands of boats and motors. Some large companies have boat and motor divisions. Buying a boat/motor combination where you intend to boat was recommended by our experts. Madaio said, “You need a dealer with a great sales and service combination or boating will disappoint.”
Madaio recommends a first time power boat buyer stay with a craft that is under 22 feet, and with a “middle” engine. “Underpowering will disappoint, and overpowering can be dangerous with an inexperienced operator,” he said.
When purchasing a new boat, make sure you obtain any required safety gear as well as items to protect your investment. These include life vests for everyone on the boat, lines (rope) for the bow and stern (front and back), fenders to prevent damage when docked, etc. Madaio also recommends a GPS on any open waters for marking location. He also recommends carrying a set of tools and spare propeller for any propeller-driven boat.
However, the boat you’re considering may not even have a propeller; what then? Our experts have you covered as we break down some common boat types and what’s important about them.
Popular Boat Types To Get On The Water
Imagine a glorious summer day. The sun is high in the sky, and it’s hot. Many run to the beach on these days to be near the water. Why not go on the water in a watercraft?
“People are busy. They want to make a boat purchase for lifestyle, recreation and FUN,” says Bill Irwin. “Buyers have many options for getting on the water. We see many families start with a canoe or outboard and upgrade through the years as their families grow.”
Some of the more common boat options, especially for those new to boat ownership, include:
Paddling Boats
Paddling is a simple and cost effective way to get on the water. Canoes and kayaks are always popular and are available in one- or two-person models. There are also paddleboards, and according to Irwin “paddleboarding is a craze.”. With paddleboarding you stand on something akin to a surfboard and use what is basically a long canoe paddle to move along the water. Transporting a paddleboard is as easy as securing it to a car roof rack. The top fitness benefit is a great arm workout.
Sail Boats
Sailing often appeals to people wanting a speedier experience without the noise of a motor. A common entry level sailboat is the Sunfish, a one or two-person beach-launched boat with a simple sailing rig. Sunfish have been around for 65 years and are both fun to use and learn how to sail with. The name originates from the original manufacturer but is commonly used today to refer to board-style sailboats. For those wanting competition, there is the International Sunfish Class Association catering to racers worldwide on the one design boat.
A Sunfish is a good choice for smaller lakes. Larger lakes and oceans require larger sailboats often having fixed keels (the large weight under the boat) and can have very sophisticated sail configurations. Larger sailboats often have an engine for docking or movement on windless days.
Power Boats
Power boats have a variety of propulsion techniques. On power boats, propulsion is generally provided by either a “jet” (a stream of water sucked into the boat through an impeller and “jetted” out the rear) or a propeller. The jet can be turned side-to-side by the operator, giving the direction. On propeller-driven boats, direction is determined by how the propeller is facing or, on some boats, by water rushing past a rudder.
Engines on power boats are generally either “outboard” (the motor is bolted to the rear of the boat) or “inboard.” Outboards are built to do one thing: move a boat. Inboard engines are car engines modified for sea duty and are located internal to the boat. An inboard-outboard (IO) is a car motor with a maneuverable external lower unit (like on an outboard).
“Outboards are often good choices for salt water as an IO may not be as tolerant of the salt environment. Jet boats are somewhat safer without an exposed propeller,” said Irwin.
Common power boats include:
- Personal watercraft – A personal watercraft is another great way to get on the water. Irwin said, “They are easy to trailer and only need about 18 inches of water to operate. Capacity varies by model but can hold up to three adults.” Be prepared to get wet. Part of the attraction is being close to the water. And some are quite powerful – with more horsepower than a car!
- Bow rider – A bow rider is a great choice to get on the water and enjoy water sports. You can pull a tube or skier with ease. With a bow rider, the entire top side of the boat is open.
- Cuddy cabin – Families with children up to seven-years-old often choose a cuddy cabin, similar to a bow rider and with the bow (or front) of the boat enclosed. “It’s a great way to get young children out of the sun, it’s safe, and the children will often use it as a playground,” said Irwin. “As boats grow in size, you get more sophistication with the cabin and they can include a galley (kitchen) and toilet/shower.”
- Pontoon – Pontoon, or deck boats, are traditionally composed of a flat deck mounted on top of two aluminum tubes. Newer pontoon boats often have three tubes. This craft is a great option for those wanting to be on the water and not in the water!
Be Sure To Keep Things Safe On They Water
Regardless of boat type, there’s one last word of advice from our experts who have spent their lives near water and manning all manner of vessels. Both agree that boats and alcohol do not mix, so be sure to stay sharp when operating any watercraft.
Do you have tips to share about first-time boat ownership? Please share in the comments below. For information on financing a boat purchase, click here.
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