Buying a boat is more than just a purchase; it is a long-term investment that some boat owners are not prepared for. Before making this big decision, it is best to do your research and understand the costs related to boat ownership.

Insurance
 
Just like with any other vehicle, boat insurance is a must. It is a good idea to shop around before making your purchase in order to get an idea of how much your insurance policy may cost. In most cases when you are financing your boat, you will be required to obtain insurance before you are approved.
 
Gas Costs
 
Not only does your boat require gas, but so does your tow vehicle as well. In addition, keep in mind that upgraded engine options will burn more gas, in turn costing you more when it comes to gas. With gas prices constantly on the rise, this can be one of the more costly expenses to owning a boat.
 
Storage
 
During those harsh winter months, many boat owners may require the use of a storage unit. These can be pretty pricey, all depending on your location and the type of unit you wish to rent. These costs can be cut by storing your boat in your garage or on your property, but may not always be the best option.
 
Maintenance And Service
 
Proper maintenance should never be overlooked. With this being said, there are several expenses related to doing so properly. Not only do you need to maintain the exterior and interior of your boat, but you will also need to winterize your boat at the end of each season. Most importantly, proper engine maintenance is critical, especially due to the constant wear and tear associated with the starting and stopping while pulling skiers and wakeboarders.
 
Accessories
 
Whether you are looking to add a wakeboard tower, ballast system, or a wakeboard rack, who doesn’t want the best accessories for their inboard boat? Since watersports can be expensive hobbies, it is imperative to consider what types of accessories and features you desire for use on your boat before investing in your a boat.
 
Buying a boat is a big deal. Many times boat owners can reduce these costs by purchasing a used boat, instead of a new one.

Visit OnlyInboards to see our used inboard boat marketplace, as well as our large selection on inboard specific accessories.

When deciding to purchase a used inboard boat, it is imperative to ensure that every part of that boat has been thoroughly inspected before signing on the dotted line. By inquiring about service records, storage and usage history, as well as an accidents the boat may have been involved in can help to ensure you are making a smart decision. Most importantly, it is imperative to not forget about the most important part of the boat…the engine.

Here are a few helpful steps on how to properly inspect an inboard boat’s engine:
 
1. First visually inspect the boat motor. Take note of any obvious signs of wear and tear, as well as welding spots, which can indicate past issues with the engine. In addition, check to see if any head gaskets are painted. If not, this could be an indicator that the motor was apart at some point in time.
 
2. It is essential to run a compression test. By using a compression gauge, this will show if all cylinders are operating within normal ranges.
 
3. Take the boat out on the water and perform a test run. When starting the engine, you should listen for a few key things. Note things like how fast it kicks in or any knocking or cranking noises. Do not forget to note things like the RPM and water pressure when doing your test drive.
 
4. After your test run, drain a small amount of grease from the lower unit of the motor onto a tray. Observe if grease, water, or both come out. If only water comes out, then it is likely there will be a potential issue down the road with the engine. If the liquid appears to have a milk consistency to it, this likely means that water is mixed in with the grease.
 
5. The last important step in inspecting the engine is checking the oil. Not only should you check the color and density, but also check the oil levels as well. Inquire about oil change history as well to ensure that proper care has been provided.
 
If for any reason the owner refuses any of the above steps to be performed, it is a good sign that this is not the right boat for you.
 
OnlyInboards is the Internet’s largest and most reliable inboard specific boat marketplace. Visit us to view our large selection of used boats, as well as our top of the line accessories.

Buying a boat can be a fun and exciting experience, however, it is important to consider all of the pros and cons, as well as what your budget is when making this big decision. Prevent buyer’s remorse by avoiding these common buying mistakes.

Failing to understand your needs. It is imperative to decide first and foremost what you will be using your boat for. Whether you are looking for a boat for water sports, fishing, or both, you must consider how many people will it need to hold, and what types of activities it will be used for.
 
Buying too quickly. It is important to not make your decision too quickly. It is imperative to shop around and explore your options. By jumping into the first boat you see, you may not only be losing out on saving money by finding a better deal, but also missing out on a boat that mat better fit your needs or wants.
 
Buying from the wrong place. With all the available options out there, it is important to but a used boat from a reputable source, like OnlyInboards. Not only will they be able to help you ensure you are getting the best deal, but they are professionals in the industry and can be a great resource tool for your buying needs.
 
Not doing your research. When you have made a decision or are narrowing down your search, it is essential to perform a thorough check into your “potential” boat. Make yourself knowledgeable about it’s history, including any repairs and service history, as well as the owner history or accident reports. A detailed history can easily be done by simply obtaining the Hull Identification Number (HIN), which is typically found on the insurance paperwork or the title and registration and run it through a background check database. By doing this before you purchase your boat can save you time, money, and potential problems in the future.
 
As always, it is also important to know the rules and regulations in regards to boating in your state, especially when it comes to licensing and safety requirements.
 
Contact OnlyInboards, the Internet’s largest inboard specific website, to view our additional boating resources and tools, and to view our selection of used boats and accessories.