A guide to buying your first boat

Shortly, you’ll be catching a feed with the family, wakeboarding with your mates or maybe even hoisting a few sails. But before you part with your hard-earned money and hit the water, there are a few things to keep in mind. So you don’t have to stress too much, The Captain has put together this helpful guide to lead you through each step in buying your first boat.

Step one for buying your first boat is simple — choose your ride. So, what kind of boating do you want to do? Will you be cruising, fishing, sailing, wakeboarding, waterskiing or hunting for sunken treasure? 

Next, think about how many people you plan on taking out and what size boat you’ll need. Do you plan on taking it offshore? Do you want a monohull or a multihull? Fibreglass or aluminium? Inboard or outboard engine?

Here’s a list of different boat types to help get the inspiration flowing:

Dinghy — a good way of getting to the mothership

Tinnie — everyone should do their unofficial apprenticeship in these hardy gems

Side console — an alternative to the console

Centre console — 360-degree fishability and visibility

Centre cab — a compromise between cabin space and walk-around

Runabout — a classic allrounder

Bowrider — room for the kids up front

Wake boat — if you’re seriously into water sports, specifically wakeboarding

Ski boat — family fun awaits

Race boat — strap in for high-octane action

Bass boat — a low-profile boat to stalk fish

Hardtop — keep the weather out and the family warm

Flybridge — the ideal spot to view the game-fishing action

Yacht — sail away, no fuel tickets required

Pontoon — inshore party animal

Catamaran — stability and efficiency

Motor yacht — take your home with you

Super motor yacht — take your mansion with you

There’s no single best choice for what kind of boat to get, because it all comes down to personal preference and how you plan on using it. If you’re having a hard time narrowing down your choices, consider heading to a boat show. You’ll be able to jump aboard everything from a tinnie to a super yacht and speak to people in the industry to ask them questions. But in the absence of a boat show, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Tinnies tend to be lighter, which is great for towing and means you can also get a bigger boat. They are also very durable when running up on the beach or riverbank. However, tinnies can be noisier and don’t usually have the same ride quality as fibreglass boats. They also can suffer electrolysis if not properly maintained. 
• Fibreglass or GRP (glass reinforced plastic) boats tend to ride softer and faster due to their smoother lines and relative heavy weight. However, that weight comes at a cost. It’ll take more horsepower to push through the water, and a glass finish isn’t as rugged as alloy and can chip and fade if not looked after properly. 
• Multihull vessels such as catamarans have relatively more floorspace than monohulls, and tend to be more stable, which is why you see them in sea rescue applications. On the downside, they can be heavy and often require multiple engines, increasing running costs. 
• Outboard engines are popular because they allow the lower unit of the motor to be kept clear of the water for trailering or when not in use. They also allow more cockpit space within the vessel.

Once you’ve picked the type of boat, it’s time to decide on a budget and whether you’re going to go new or second-hand. In most cases, a boat will immediately lose value the moment it sails off the showroom floor. In some circumstances, this can be a small price to pay compared to buying a second-hand boat that has issues, so just be sure to do your research. 

When buying new from a boat dealer, the BMT (boat, motor and trailer) will come with warranties, a full rundown on how everything works, and you’ll always have someone to call if you’ve got any questions or problems.

But if you’ve got a bit of experience with boats and are a bit handy on the tools, then you could score a gem second-hand. To help identify potential problems, consider hiring a shipwright (a person who knows about boat construction). A good shipwright will be able to tell you whether the boat’s hull is in good shape, if there are any potential issues with the stringers/transom and if any repairs are needed.

If you do decide to buy second-hand, ask the owner to supply the boat’s HIN (hull identification number) so you can check the online database to make sure it’s (a) owned by the seller, and (b) no finance companies have a claim to it. Like a second-hand car purchase, you should always ask to see the motor’s service history and receipts for any work allegedly done. Additionally, make sure the boat is registered to the relevant state authority and that the seller has the transfer papers ready to sign over to you. You may also want to consider boat insurance before you set sail.

With the due diligence out of the way, it’s time to have some fun. A crucial part of buying a boat is the sea trial — just like test-driving a car. Obviously, a boat test is a little more involved, so only ask the owner or dealer to take you for a sea trial if you’re very serious about the purchase. Along with getting a feel for the boat, this is also a good time to make sure everything works as stated by the seller. Ensure all the electronics and pumps are operational and that the motor starts easily. If the boat is designed for offshore use, take it into some swell to make sure it performs correctly, as even a poorly designed boat will run nicely on flat water. Drive the boat slow and drive it fast; drive it into the sea and down the sea. After 20 minutes, you should have a fair idea how the hull performs in the water and how well the motor runs. The sea trial is also a great opportunity to get the seller to give you a rundown on the boat’s systems and features.

Buying a boat requires patience and research. It’s important not to rush into a purchase or make one based on impulse. Many things can lead you astray when shopping for a boat — it may be tempting to buy something because someone else will beat you to it or the price seems right. But it's best to take some time before making the big decision — and only pull the trigger on the purchase when all your ducks are in a row. It’s also smart to keep in mind that boats are expensive toys, even after the initial purchase. Factor in ongoing wallet-busters such as storage/berthing/mooring costs, regular maintenance, fuel, registration and insurance.