Types Of Boats Available

There are many boats out there on the market, with
something for everyone.  If you are new to boating,
selecting the right boat can be hard.  There are
boats for every purpose on the water, all you have
to do is find the one for you.

To help you in your quest, we'll go over the several
types of boats available.  This way, you'll know
the differences when you head out to buy one of
your own.

1.  Vessel
The vessel is the most common name for a boat, as
it's the description used or capable of being used
on the water.  Basically, it's another name used for
a boat or anything capable of being on the water.

2.  Power boat
A power boat is any boat or vessel that's propelled
by machinery.  Fishing boats are great examples,
as they are powered by motors or engines.

3.  Houseboat
A houseboat is fitted for use as a living vessel or
for leisurely cruising.  Normally, a houseboat will
include living accomodations such as sleeping
quarters, kitchen facilities, and even a full bath.
The cruising models are normally propelled by
power.

4.  Sailboat
A sailboat is any boat that's under sail along with
no mechanical means of propulsion.  The modern
sailboats range from one person boats to luxury
yachts that can accomodate several people.  They
are divided into three basic types:
    1.  Daysailer - This is a small boat that's
designed for comfortable sailing without sleeping
accomodations.  It offers a roomy cockpit and can
also contain an outboard auxillary engine as well.
    2.  Cruiser - Cruisers are medium sized or
large boats that contain a cabin with sleeping
quarters, toilet, food area, and usually an auxillary
engine that's built inside.
    3.  Racer - Racers are boats built for speed
and ease of handling - normally at the expense of
comfort. 

5.  Zodiac
The Zodiac brand of high performance aluminum boats
are some of the most popular in the entire boating
industry.  These boats are constructed with a
conventional rigid hull with increased buoyancy and
stability.  The deep V hulls offered by these boats
are made to take any weather.  They are well known
for their prowess and are used all over the world
for commercial search and rescue operations.

6.  Catamaran
These boats come with twin hulls.  They provide
safety, comfort, speed, and stability that's
unmatched by single hulled boats.  Popular with
boating, they offer you a new twist to hitting

Types Of Boat Sellers

Below, you'll find many people who sell boats, and
how to go about dealing with them:

Private sellers looking to upgrade
These sellers are those who have outgrown their current
boat and are looking to buy something bigger.  Normally,
they are knowledgeable and take care of their boats.
They are also less than likely to give you a
great deal, as they need the money for their next
boat.  They are also likely to strip the boat of
electronics and accessories, as they need them for
their next boat.

Private sellers wanting out
These types of sellers decide to sell their boat
because they don't use it much.  Even though it may
sound great because the boat may have sat for a long
time, this is actually a bad thing.  When a boat
sits for a long period of time, the boots can crack,
batteries can dry up, and many other things can happen.

Sellers who want out may not have maintained their
boat well, as they didn't have a passion for it.  You
can get a good deal with these sellers, although
you should be prepared to make some repairs after
you make the purchase.

Forced sales
Sometimes, you are able to find an experienced boater
who is selling due to an injury or disability.  Many
times, these boats come well equipped and have been
very maintained.  These boats sell quick, as you can
normally get a great deal because the seller needs the
money.

Private sellers who aren't serious
These types of sellers aren't serious about their
boats, as they are trying to get a high price so
they can buy a lower priced boat.  They normally
don't care if they sell the boat.  If they can't get
a high price, they will normally keep the boat.  They
should be avoided, as they can be very frustrating to
deal with.

Dealers
Dealers of used boats normally get their boats on
trade or consignment.  They know how to make the
boat attractive, although most times they don't know
the history of the boat too well.  Dealers are more
middle men, as they have a profit margin that has
to be met. 

Brokers
These sellers normally don't waste time with smaller
boats, as reputable brokers can easily put together
high dollar sells.  They aren't really the ones to
help you, as they aren't likely to help you get a
great price on a boat.

When you decide to buy your boat, always proceed with
caution and really think about who you plan to buy
the boat from.  This can help you get the best
possible price, avoid headaches, and help you get
what you want.  There are many sellers available, all
you have to do is compare prices and see what each
one has to offer you and your family.

Towing And Trailering

A trailer can add a new dimension to the sense of
freedom associated with boating.  Once you have a
trailer, you're pretty much free to boat anywhere
you decide, lakes, rivers, or inlets.  A trailer
allows you to explore your area, and is also the
most affordable way to store your boat.

Starting out
If you've never owned or trailer or trailered a boat
before, there are several things you should know
and consider.  The first thing is the towing capacity
of your truck, car, or SUV.  If you don't know, you
can easily find the information in your owner's
manual.

Normally, small cars or family sedans aren't suitable
for towing, although small boats may not be a problem,
if you have the proper towing equipment installed on
the car.  Most standard trucks or SUV's can tow
boats up to 25 feet, although you'll need to check
the owner's manual to be sure.

Weighing in
In your boat's owners manual, you'll find the dry
weight of your boat.  The dry weight is the weight
of the boat without fuel or gear.  Always make sure
you assess your vehicle's towing capacity, and add
a few hundred pounds to the dry weight to cover
these types of extras.

Muscle and power
As the weight, length, and beam of a boat increases,
so does the power needed to retrieve and launch it.
Smaller boats may be easier for one person to handle,
although larger boats will require more than one
person.  If you need extra help, don't be afraid to
ask for it - as trailer boaters are always ready to
give you a hand if you need it.

Storing Your Boat

One of the keys to owning a boat is the question of
where to keep it when you aren't using it.  Your
budget, convenience, and availability are all keys
that should be talked about. 

Trailering
There's no less expensive way to store a boat than
on a trailer in your driveway or yard.  A trailer
offers you the advantages of taking your boat into
different areas of water, taking your boat out
whenver you like, or just saving fees on your winter
storage.  Before you look into a trailer, make sure
that your vehicle has the towing capacity for your
boat and the equipment you need.

Rack storage
For smaller boats, a great alternative to storage is
rack storage, or dry stacks.  Typical rack storage
facilities will keep your boat in a covered shed
filled with plenty of room.  Simply call the facility
before you want to use the boat and they will
retrieve it for you.  When you are finished boating,
simply bring it back, tie it up, and they will
return it to the storage area for you.

Marina advantage
If your a boat owner craving convenience, a marina
slip is just what you need.  Simply drive your family
to the marina, get in the boat, and go.  Rates will
vary from state to state, although most offer you
several other perks as well.

Buying your slip
In some areas, you can actually buy a permanent slip
at a marina.  This can be great to have in high
demand areas, as it guarantees you a slip at the
marina whenever you need to store your boat.  The
purchased slip is a long term asset, and is good
for as long as you own a boat.

Reasons To Buy A Boat

Many studies have shown, and many people already know
that being with friends and family, relaxing in the
outdoors and being close to nature are the best reasons
to buy a boat and spend time on the water.  Your family
doesn't need to spend a forture or travel to a theme
park to have an experience that everyone will enjoy.

Boating is family
If you've ever felt that your family is going in
different directions, a boat can help to bring things
back together.  When you spend time with your family
on a boat, it's all quality time.  No matter if you're
fishing, tubing, swimming, or just cruising, your
doing it together - as a family.

There are no distractions on the water, so you can
focus your attention on each other.  You can share
stories, laugh, have conversations, or reconnect and
create all new memories together.  To put it in simple
terms, a boat will make life much better.

Boating helps you relax
Being on a boat makes it easy to relax.  There are no
faxes, computers, or interruptions on a boat.  You
have the open water, fresh air, the warm sun, and
adventure that you won't be able to find anywhere else.

With a boat, a great getwaway is all but a weekend
away.  You may be a few miles from home in reality,
although you'll feel like your a million miles away.

Having fun
On a boat, the fun will never stop.  There are always
things to do, places to see, fish to catch, and new
memories to create.  Buying a boat is easy to do,
even if you are on a budget.  If your ready to start a
new journey in life - a boat is something you and your
family simply must have.

New Or Used Boat

Similiar to cars, there are a few pros and cons to
new and used boats.  Even though there are hundreds
of used boats available, you should look at the newer
ones first.

New boats
With new boats, you'll know each and every piece of
history with the boat and the motor.  If something
happens to go wrong, you'll have a warranty to fall
back on, so you don't have to focus on restoring or
repairing your new boat.  This way, you can get out
in the water immediately.

When you finance a new boat, you can usually get a
much better interest rate as well.  By shopping new
you'll also get a better idea as to which type of
boat is best for you and your family.  Just like a
car, the depreciation value is the highest in the
first season of use. 

Used boats
Used boats can be a great option, especially for
those who don't know what they want to do with the
boat, or those with tight budgets.  Even though you
may be planning to buy a new boat, it's always a
good idea to shop new ones first. 

Attending boat shows are a great way to see the
boats that are out there, helping you to get an idea
of what you want.  You can look at the many used
boats that are there, then narrow your list down as
to what type of used boat you prefer.

Whether you plan to shop for your used boat online,
through the newspaper, or by visiting one of the local
boat dealerships, make sure you get a marine survey
of the boat before you make the purchase.  A marine
survey may be a bit expensive, although it's money
well spent.

Often times, structural defects or mechanical
problems with used boats that weren't cared for
properly will be quite difficult to detect.  A marine
survey is similiar to a home inspection, as the
surveyor will inspect every inch of the boat, from
the engine to the electrical system and the hull to
the steering wheel.

Depending on the results you receive, you can use the
results to get a lower price, or just stop the deal
altogether if the results are that bad.  The marine
survey is the smartest way to buy a used boat, as
it can save you a lot of time, headache, and even
money - which makes it well worth it.

Inspecting Your New Boat

The viewing, or inspecting your boat is a very
important part of the buying process.  Inspecting
will allow you to see what you are buying before
you pay any money.

You may want to use a surveyor to do this, as they
will perform a very detailed inspection of the
boat you are interested in.  You can be present
if you like, as this will give you the chance to
ask questions if you like.

Although using a surveyor is the best way to do
an inspection, you can do it yourself if you are
experienced and confident enough.  There are many
parts of the boat to inspect, which makes it
nearly impossible for beginners.

If you inspect yourself, make sure you look at
the bottom of the hull, the interior, the control
cables, electrical system, pumps, and be sure
that everything is in working order.  If the boat
has been well maintained, you shouldn't have a
problem looking everything over. 

The engine should also be checked, as it is very
important to the boat.  If you don't know a lot
about boat engines or engines in general, you
should get a mechanic to look over it for you.  You
may want to do this anyway, as the engine can
be very tough to inspect.

If everything is up to par, it's time to take a
test drive.  Before you fire up the engine, check
to see if it's already warm.  If the engine has
trouble starting or smokes when cold, the seller
could have warmed up the engine prior to you
arriving to disguise any problems.

Check for oil leaks as well, checking the bilges
at the start and end of the test drive.  When
moving around, see how the boat performs. You
should experiment with hitting the waves from
different angles, looking for any type of roll
or pitch.

Make sure you also test that all the instruments
are working correctly, then run the engine for a
period of time to see if it overheats. 

If you are buying a sail boat, put the sails up
and see how the boat performs under wind pressure
alone.  Also, make sure you examine the mast and
how the boat rigs under load.

If the boat you are planning to buy doesn't pass
any of your tests, don't rule it out just yet. 
If you are willing to put both time and money into
making things work, you can use any problems as
bargaining tools to try and get a lower price on
the boat.