subject: Long Island Used Boats 101 [print this page] In case you are among the few new Long Islanders who have lately found the joy of boating and are also looking to purchase the first boat, there are lots of things you need to learn. The process that goes into purchasing the first boat could be more challenging than you may expect.
People shopping for their first boat are often overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of models they could pick from. Apart from this, it's also important to understand that boats are regulated by the US Coast Guard. Due to the rules and restrictions set in place, it is important to think about is the reason for your boat. Are you going to use it for fishing weekends with the kids or a couple of friends from work? Or are you using it for relaxation and water sports? Determine what your main purpose for getting a boat is. This is actually the first of several crucial steps you have to take before purchasing your watercraft.
A first time boat owner like you should look into getting a used boat. Apart from the fact that it's going to be a lot cheaper, the most obvious advantage is that its previous owners have already tried and tested the boat. You can use that information to determine the reliability of a particular model. Used boat sales are rising for this reason reason alone. New boaters don't have the expertise required to discern between which models are good and which aren't.
Once you've gotten out and are considering your choices, remember the following checklist:
1. Review the appearance of the used boat. Most Long Island used boats are in excellent condition, but there are some cases that are different. When it comes to appearance, intuition should be able to tell you whether a boat remains seaworthy or not.
2. Just just because a boat appears to be in good shape doesn't mean it is. In case you are not familiar with the mechanics of a boat, it's advisable to have an experienced marine mechanic join you. If you can't do this, don't worry, all you have to do is a bit of research. You've already arrived at the decision of buying a boat; so you ought to be knowledgeable enough.
3. Take it out for a test drive! This might be one of the most important things to do. You can't correctly tell a boat's condition until you've seen it out in the water. Make use of this time to test how the boat steers and shifts, and basically how it runs.
4. Ask for a maintenance report. Know what repairs have been made and what issues need to be dealt with.
These are merely some things to bear in mind before buying a Long Island used boat. Never take your future boat's condition as a given. Remember that although there are benefits, there are risks associated with purchasing a Long Island used boat. Examine the boat carefully and choose the right boat for the right reasons.
