Boat Buying Guide
There are dozens of different factors to consider when shopping for a boat, including size, purpose, hull shape, features, and budget. Keeping track of all of them can be an absolute nightmare. Luckily, the experts at Tommy’s Boats have created this guide to help make the whole boat-buying process easier.
How Much Do You Want To Spend?
Start by making a budget. Once you have a set price limit, you can automatically eliminate any model that falls outside that range from consideration. A budget also helps you keep track of extra expenses like registration fees, insurance fees, taxes, fuel costs, maintenance, storage fees, and so on.
How Will You Use The Boat?
Boats come in several different categories and types, each with its own individual strengths and weaknesses. For example, pontoon boats are very stable and offer plenty of deck space, making them perfect for parties and other social events. Wake boats have all kinds of different special features meant to enhance the watersports experience, while fishing boats are equipped with extras like livewells and rod holders to make your next fishing trip that much more enjoyable. Think about how you plan to use your boat, and use that to decide which boat type is best for you.
What Boat Size Do You Want?
Size is another factor to consider. Larger boats can fit more people/cargo and are better at handling rough waters, but they also tend to be more expensive and difficult to store. In most cases, you’ll need to strike a balance between your needs and your budget.
What Hull Shape Suits Your Needs?
The hull shape is a surprisingly important factor to consider when purchasing a boat. If you plan to boat in mostly shallow waterways, a flat-bottom boat will be able to gracefully glide over obstacles without getting stuck. V-shaped hulls offer better stability in rough waters. These are just two of the more popular hull shapes, so feel free to do some additional research into what kind of hull might best suit your needs.
Shop our extensive inventory of boats at Tommy’s Boats. We operate 16 dealership locations throughout the United States, including four in California and three in Michigan. We also offer boat storage, financing, rentals, parts ordering, servicing, promotions, customization, brokerage, and trade-ins.
When it’s time to buy a new boat, visit a Tommy's Boats dealership near you to view our inventory of new and used boats for sale. Tommy’s Boats is proud to be your American boat dealership, serving California and Michigan.