ASIA FINE YACHTS
"striving to fulfill every dream"
Consumer Boat Buying Guide
Homes and cars represent some of the most expensive single-item purchases individuals make during their lifetimes, but spending doesn't always cease at the shoreline. Boats add to the cost of living for water sports enthusiasts, who eagerly take-on the cost of ownership. And though boat buying is born of passion for the open water, a prudent approach makes the most of recreational budgets and ensures affordability.
As you prepare to take the plunge, due diligence guarantees a smooth transition to boat ownership. From choosing the best boat for your needs to securing reasonable financing, weigh your options carefully before making commitments.
When To Buy?
Like other consumer goods, boats come to market on a well-defined cycle. As a result, prices ebb and flow along with buyer demand. Holding to established economic supply principles, the best time to buy a boat is during periods of diminished demand. End of season clearance sales, for example, help dealers clear space for next-year's models, so promotions run during off-peak times often lead to deep discounts.
Late fall and winter months are particularly good times for most buyers to lock-in favorable pricing, but there is also a regional component at-play, influencing the cost of watercraft. On the West Coast of the United States, for example, boating is a year-round pastime, so the cost curve is not as clearly defined as it is in seasonal regions. On the other hand, spring and early-summer buyers will pay a premium in the Midwest or Northeast, where winter weather prohibits recreational boating during much of the year.
Boat shows are excellent resources for would-be buyers. The events facilitate side-by-side comparisons and furnish opportunities to gather information about various models. They are also selling occasions for dealers and manufacturers, so the shows can be good places for well-prepared buyers to land the best deals. Caution must be maintained, however, lest an impulse decision result in an ill-advised purchase.
Ancillary Expenses Push Boating Costs Higher
Much like an automobile purchase, the sticker price of a boat is just the beginning, in terms of total cost. As you set the stage for a purchase, it is important to consider the following aspects of boat ownership – each with its own price tag.
- Docking Fees – Depending upon where your boat will be stored or moored, annual fees may apply. Before buying a boat, research the cost of docks and storage facilities in your area. The cost is less significant for those seeking boats to store at home and trailer to and from the water, but even boat launch fees add-up during a busy boating season.
- Trailer – Moving a boat relies on a functional trailer – ideally paired for a precise fit. In some cases, trailers are negotiated within the overall price of a boat, but other buyers secure them ala carte. Skimping on trailer quality and upkeep places your leisure enjoyment on the line, opening the door to breakdowns and damage to your craft. As a result, a sturdy trailer is an essential budget entry for anyone preparing to buy a watercraft.
- License and Safety – Like cars, boats incur registration fees. Rates vary by location and most call for annual or bi-annual renewal. In addition to the cost of licensing, boat owners face safety mandates dictating the type and number of floatation devices required for safe operation. Lighting is also regulated, ensuring safe nighttime water travel. While some of these features are included within the purchase price of a boat, add-ons will often lead to additional expense for owners.
- Insurance – Year-round insurance coverage is advisable, even if your boat is to be stored during the off-season. For the best rates, inquire with your automobile carrier, to maximize discounts. In addition to property coverage, boat insurance provides protection similar to auto policies covering bodily harm to passengers. On average, expect to pay around 1.5% – 2% of the value of your boat.
- Crew – Depending upon the size of your boat, captain and crew may be required to operate it. If your boating dreams are yacht-sized, evaluate the cost of full-time mates, cooks and other needed personnel before committing to a purchase. First-rate staff may be more expensive than anticipated, influencing a down-sizing approach that enables you to pilot your own craft.
- Service and Maintenance – Like other machines, boat motors require regular service to function at peak performance levels. Annual tune-ups keep motors lubricated, preventing premature wear on internal components. For those unable to perform routine tasks, service centers offer annual packages, which can be custom oriented to include storage, cleaning, motor maintenance and other needed protocols.
Financing Options For Boat Buyers
Like other major discretionary buys, funding a boat purchase often requires financial resources beyond cash on hand. Banks, credit unions and other traditional lenders furnish payment options for boat buyers, who rely on various forms of financing to get the job done. People with cash savings may choose to put the boat on a credit card to secure points. Buyers with a strong credit score might consider a personal loan. Homeowners with significant equity might consider a home equity loan. Boat buyers also turn to dedicated financing from maritime lenders, specializing in marine craft credit.
Buyers with good credit references tap collateral loans to pay for boats, in much the same way cars are funded. Once approved, funds are issued and the boat itself serves as collateral for the loan. Failure to make timely payments can result in repossession, allowing lenders to seize and sell boats to recoup their losses.
Another form of funding with versatile applications uses the equity in your home to guarantee repayment. Home equity loans and lines of credit can be used for various purchases, including recreational watercraft. In order to initiate equity credit, most lenders require a current appraisal. In addition, home equity lines carry closing costs similar to conventional mortgages. Because the loans are backed by real property, however, interest rates are lower than those associated with other forms of funding.
Personal loans can also be applied to boat purchases, furnishing fast access to needed cash. Interest rates on unsecured personal loans are higher than equity and collateral financing, but well-qualified applicants quickly fund boat buys using this straightforward alternative. Marine lending presents another option for buyers with solid credit. Geared exclusively toward boat shoppers, marine loan specialists understand the language and financing requirements unique to watercraft recreation. Dealers and private maritime lenders furnish dedicated boat loans, which typically do not offer low interest rates. Without pre-payment penalties, however, accelerated payback helps mitigate the high cost of marine loans.
Trouble-free ownership starts with selecting the right boat for your recreational needs. Once chosen, timing and research help yield the best pricing and finance terms for your dream watercraft. And though boat shopping is driven by enthusiasm for water sports and leisure marine activities, accounting for related expenses ensures a workable budget and rewarding maritime experience.
wanna talk boats?
SPEAK TO AN EXPERT
We are here to help you fit the right yacht into your lifestyle!
We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website, and analyze website traffic. By clicking Accept you consent to our use of cookies. Read about how we use cookies.
Your Cookie Settings
We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website, and analyze website traffic. Read about how we use cookies.
Cookie Categories
Essential
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our websites. You cannot refuse these cookies without impacting how our websites function. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings, as described under the heading "Managing cookies" in the Privacy and Cookies Policy.
Analytics
These cookies collect information that is used in aggregate form to help us understand how our websites are being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are.