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Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Boat

Mar. 29 2024 Buying Guide By Portland Marine & Electronics

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Owning a boat is extremely rewarding in many ways because this allows you to spend time amidst nature, enjoy with your family, and participate in watersports adventures. However, you’re probably already aware that boat ownership is a big responsibility you shouldn’t take lightly. So, how do you determine if you’re ready for a boat? Well, there are plenty of questions you can ask yourself to figure that out—here are a few to get you started!

1. Can I Afford a Worst-Case Scenario?

Many buyers think only about the great times they’ll have with their boats and assume that nothing bad will ever happen. However, it pays to be a little more pessimistic, especially when purchasing a used boat, because you never know what problems you could have. Poor maintenance and missing parts crucial to your vessel’s operation can cost you thousands of dollars to repair. So, commit to ownership only if you’re ready for emergencies.

2. Do I Have Money For Maintenance?

A boat’s annual maintenance expense is approximately 10% of its value when it is new. You must have that money available to keep your boat in good condition and functioning smoothly season after season. Depending on your vessel’s specific brand and model, this cost can increase or decrease, so determine whether you are ready for this overhead and committed to owning a boat.

3. Will This Boat Suit My Future Needs?

Don’t just think about what you want to do with your boat now, but consider what type of vessel you might need in a few years and how your usage might change. For example, if you’re buying a family-friendly boat for your partner and pre-teens, remember that they may age out of wanting to go out with you, and all those fun features won’t be helpful. To avoid this, purchase a model that can meet your family’s needs for at least five to ten years.

Are you ready to go shopping for boats? Visit Portland Marine & Electronics to explore our impressive collection of boats for sale and let us help you select the perfect model for your budget and needs. We proudly serve Clackamas & Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, so swing by today!