Selecting a Boat That's Right For You

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jerry_Chiappetta,_Jr._]Jerry Chiappetta, Jr. 
With so many different makes, models and styles of boats available it can really make your head spin like Linda Blair! It's very easy to end up spending a lot of unnecessary time and money traveling to see boats that look attractive in style and price, but are really not the boats that are right for your needs. The very first step to get started in the right direction is to know exactly what type of boating you plan on doing and how you realistically plan on using the boat. Ask yourself these questions...
Are you more interested in a powerboat or in a sailboat? If you live in a shallow water area, remember that sailboats require more depth to operate.
Where exactly do you plan on doing most of your boating adventures?
Do you intend on taking short weekend trips and spending just a night or two on the boat?
When you head out to go boating, how many people do you plan on taking with you each time?
Do you intend to do lots of long range boating spending weeks at a time on your boat?
Are you planning on simply entertaining friends and family for some day boating sightseeing adventures?
Do you need a boat that you can water ski or wake board behind and if so, how many people to you plan on taking with you?
Do you feel that you will be using the boat primarily for offshore deep sea fishing?
Would you prefer a boat that enables you to cruise and fish?
Are you planning to primarily do backwater saltwater or fresh water fishing in more shallow waters?
How are you planning to store your boat? (Inside Dry Rack Storage - In the Water at a Dock - On a Boat Lift - On a Trailer)
Do you need a trailer with your boat? If so, the beam of the boat is something to consider so contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles regarding boat trailer requirements.
If you're considering smaller boats in the 18' to 24' size range, many people would like a Cuddy Cabin to get out of the sun or rain. However, if you plan on boating in Florida for example, unless you have a generator with air conditioning a Cuddy Cabin boat is not really that practical especially in states with extremely hot Summer months. You can plug in 12 volt isolating fans and open the cabin hatch(s), but it still can get pretty darn hot in the cabin. In addition, having a small Cuddy Cabin will limit the number of passengers you can take with you on the boat since you lose a large part of the outside seating areas compared to a Bow Riders or a Deck Boat. If having a privacy head is the only reason for your considering a Cuddy Cabin, it's important to know that many small Bow Rider models have a locking privacy head and locking dry storage area compartments as well.
Once you know exactly how you plan on using the boat, you're half way there! The next step is to decide on a budget that you would like to keep within and be sure to realize that there will be State Sales Tax added to your purchase and you will need to insure the boat as well. Having a Certified Marine Surveyor inspect the boat before closing is something that we always suggest to our clients. In addition, if you are financing the boat, most finance companies will require a Certified Marine Survey Inspection on the vessel and the time to have the inspection conducted is before closing on the boat, not after.
It's real easy to spend a lot of time and money going after boats because they appear to have a good value...but instead have known issues with particular makes and models that you may not be aware of. The next step is to find a licensed and bonded yacht and ship broker to get professional sound advise as to what boat or yacht would best suit your exact needs. Don't be afraid to ask to view the Yacht and Ship Broker's license and if one can not be provided to you, simply find another broker to work for you. The Broker's commission is paid by the seller, not the buyer so having a broker with their Yacht Broker Credentials on line for you to view is your best bet.
We'll see you out on the water!
Jerry Chiappetta, Jr., President / Employing Yacht & Ship Broker
GOLDEN GATE BOAT SALES.com
1720 Golden Gate Boulevard East
Naples, Florida 34120 USA
Phone: 239-430-BOAT(2628)
Website: http://www.goldengateboatsales.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Selecting-a-Boat-Thats-Right-For-You&id=6614434] Selecting a Boat That's Right For You