Boat Buyer's Guide:
Finding the Boat That Fits

Standing in a dealer's showroom or strolling the aisles at a boat show, with fully-loaded display boats at every turn, can be overwhelming if you are not prepared.

• Before you buy, make sure that the boat you're considering will serve your purposes. Where will you be boating? Some boats are designed for ocean use, while others are more suitable for a quiet lake.
• What are your family's interests? Do you want to water-ski, to fish, or simply go cruising?
• Will you be happy with a large boat kept in one homeport? Or, do you want the freedom to explore different boating areas with a small trailerable boat?
• Where will your boat be stored? Will you be allowed to park your trailered boat at home?
• Does your previous boating experience match the skills needed to operate the boat you want to buy?
• Finally, don't rush the buying process, especially if you're a novice boater. Boating entails much more than simply turning on the key and pulling away from the dock. It's a different environment and the more time and effort you put into the proper selection of a boat, the more you will get out of it.