Buying A Fishing Boat Is Easy And Affordable

Going fishing from a boat could be a great way for any family to bond. It gives you access to those special fishing spots that can't be reached by land. This is a great way as well to save money and take your family on a vacation every weekend!

Many people are surprised by how affordable it is to buy a fishing boat. However there are so many options available, so for a first-time buyer, the prospect of buying such a boat could be challenging. To help simplify the process, here are a few tips for first-time buyers from the experts at the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF).

Ask yourself how you plan to use the boat. Although fishing may be your primary activity, are there other things your family might want to do, such as water-skiing or cruising? Think of the number of people who may eventually be using the boat.

Where do you plan to fish? Is it the lake nearby or possibly a river, or do you want to fish in a large body of water like an ocean? If your boating needs include overnight trips, your boat can't do without its own head, or toilet, as well as a cabin and galley.

How much do you plan to spend? The price of the boat itself is just one thing, but you'll want to be more concerned with the cost of maintenance, gasoline and docking at a marina in some cases. But don't panic if your budget seems to be multiplying exponentially. For less than two thousand dollars you can get a basic rowboat complete with trolling motor. If you take your boat along in a trailer and use it only in the day time, this too can save you money.

Brand new or second hand? If your budget is tight, a used boat is a good alternative. Make sure that if you buy a new boat, it has the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) seal of certification.

Financing. You can finance your boat and get extended terms, thus ensuring a low monthly amount due. Get in touch with a National Marine Bankers Association (NMBA) lender, or visit Discover Boating.com for more tips and a handy loan calculator.

Test your boat first. To get the feel of boating, you can take the family out and rent a boat from the marina. This allows you to gauge whether this would be something you and your family could enjoy. Fishing from a boat, though, has proven to be enjoyable for many families - hopefully you and your family would feel the same way.