It is possible to get the perfect boat without having to spend all of your money! You can find a variety of ways to save money, from buying used boats to financing with less expensive terms. There are also many ways to cut other costs once you have your boats such as using public marinas and planning trips around weather forecasts. This article discusses it all!
Getting A Loan
Getting a loan to purchase your boat can be very difficult if you don’t have the best credit. Some banks won’t even give loans out unless you have a credit score of at least 680! If this is your situation, do not worry. When it comes time to finance your new vessel many lenders will work with individuals with lower or bad credit. You just need to make sure to find the lowest boat loan rates for your purchase. No matter what sort of payment terms you’re looking for, from short-term rental options to longer amortized loans, you should be able to find a lender that meets your needs and wants no matter how good or bad your credit is.
Finding The Right Boat For You
You must get the right type of boat when on a budget because you don’t want to spend your money on something that you won’t get any enjoyment out of. For example, if you’re looking to get a cruiser for weekends and day trips then it probably doesn’t make sense to get a sailboat unless you’re planning to live off the grid while cruising. If speed is your main concern when it comes to boat ownership, then having a larger vessel with big engines may be your best bet. Knowing what type of boats are the most popular in the area where you plan on purchasing will give you a better idea of what makes sense and what doesn’t.
Bargain Hunting
It’s not just used car lots where everything has been marked up and sold back at huge discounts! You can find great deals on all types of new and used boats, from sailboats to speedboats. Many boaters want a newer vessel or a larger one without a huge price tag, so they’re willing to negotiate with you if you’re looking for a good deal.
Buying A Used Boat
Did you know that most pre-owned boats lose around 50% of their value once they’ve been purchased? If someone is selling an older boat for $10,000 then the actual value of it is $20,000! You can find great deals at auctions and online by checking out classified sites such as Craig’s List. Once again, spending some time in your local area looking for used vessels will give you more opportunities and better prices than buying something out of state would!
Public Marinas And Mooring Fields
If you’re planning on boating in your local area then it’s well worth your time to check out the amenities offered at public marinas and private boat clubs. You may be able to dock your vessel for free or at a fraction of what you’d pay if it was docked at home. If you live near the coast, give this option some serious thought as many benefits come with public mooring fields and marinas such as restroom facilities and security systems to name just a few!
Boat Insurance
There are ways to save money on boat insurance even if you have a larger vessel! Things such as your age and the type of engine will determine the price so do some homework before you sign on the dotted line. Use public marinas when it’s practical, be extra careful when out at sea, and live life to its fullest while being knowledgeable about boat maintenance. You’ll find that following these tips can go a long way towards making sure that your vessel is properly insured while also saving some cash in the process!
Boat Maintenance
There’s nothing more annoying than spending $10,000 on a new boat only to have it break down the first time you take it out because of poor maintenance! It can be difficult if you’re not mechanically inclined but there are many things that the average boater can do by themselves.
For example, changing oil and filters, checking water pumps, adding fuel treatment, flushing coolant systems, and testing batteries. You can save a lot of money by learning how to do these tasks yourself or at least understanding what they entail before committing to buying a used vessel. What’s even better is if you’re familiar with boats already, you can find a good used one that just needs one or two repairs. Then, if you know how to handle these repairs, you can do it yourself and save even more money.
There are opportunities to save money when buying a boat even if you’re on a budget. Understanding your needs and the price range you want to stay within will help limit the possibilities and give you more time to find that vessel that fits both criteria!