There’s no getting around it: tow boats are pricey. Every year, ski boat manufacturers entice you with a slew of new features: reversible propellers, quick-fill ballast tanks, personal heaters, seat warmers, hybrid engines, and the list goes on. However, those excellent amenities come at a premium price, and for many people, it’s difficult to justify spending the money on a high-end boat.
So, what are the options? Is it true that watersports are only for the wealthy? Certainly not. When individuals purchase new towboats, the old ones are sold, exactly like cars. As a result, you may be able to find a previously loved ski boat for a fair price.
What Type Of Boat Should You Purchase?
When you first start looking for a ski boat, all of the technical words and boat kinds can be confusing — v-drive, direct drive, inboard/outboard, wake tabs, fat bags, and so on. Yes, the boat hunt seemed intimidating and useless at first. If you’re serious about watersports, however, there’s one piece of advise you should take: purchase an inboard towboat.
Inboard towboats are designed for wakeboarding and waterskiing, and they come with a slew of benefits. When budget constraints are present, however, the most compelling reason to purchase one is its dependability. Inboard boat engines are basically vehicle engines that have been adapted for use on the water. They’re simple to maintain, have widely available parts, and are simple to operate on. When money is tight, it’s crucial to think about the long-term repercussions of your investment. In the long term, an inboard ski boat with low maintenance requirements and rock-solid reliability saves money.
Making A Financial Plan
There are boats for nearly every budget, so creating a budget is entirely up to you and your bookkeeper. Even if you set a price limit, don’t forget to account for all of the hidden charges, such as insurance, taxes, licencing, and registration. If you’re thinking about buying an older boat, you’ll want to budget for minor repairs and part replacements.
Older Models Aren’t To Be Feared
An older model inboard is a wonderful option if your budget is limited. It’s odd to see a late-’80s model inboard selling for the same price as a late-’90s I/O runabout. These boats, on the other hand, retain their worth for a reason: they are a sound investment. Mastercraft, Ski Nautique, and Supra have built their names over decades, and their boats are sought after because they are well-made and mechanically sound. Don’t count out the tried-and-true antique schooners when looking for the perfect boat.
Know What To Look For
A fast Google search for “boats for sale” turns up dozens of boat-buying options. Boat Trader, eBay Motors, Craigslist, and Boats.com are all excellent places to start. While browsing online for a good used boat is a smart way to start, you can also obtain good results by shopping around in person. The goal is to get as many people looking for a boat as possible, so check in with local boat dealers from time to time and ask them to keep an eye out for you.
You can also leave your contact information with local marinas, and they will notify you if somebody decides to sell their ski boat. Purchase a yacht for a bargain if you obtain the inside scoop before it goes on the market. You never know when the proper boat will come along, but if you seek hard enough, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at a reasonable price.
Be Prepared To Bargain
Negotiation is an art form, requiring a skilful tango between buyer and seller to shave hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars off the ultimate sale price. As a result, it’s critical to seek for bargaining chips once you’ve located a yacht you want to buy. All of the small items that will need to be repaired can be used by a buyer to negotiate a cheaper price. So, before signing the paperwork, properly inspect the boat. Check for tears or splits in the seats, worn-out carpet, small chips in the fibreglass, or broken instruments with a fine-tooth comb as you inspect the boat. When you save money, those minor cosmetic issues become much simpler to deal with.
It’s crucial to study the history of the boat, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’ll want to know how many owners it’s had, maintenance history, parts that have been replaced, and if it’s been used in saltwater or freshwater, just as you would when buying a car. A towboat’s life may be shortened if it is exposed to saltwater for an extended period of time.
Always, always, always, always, always, always, always, always, always, always, always, always, always, always Trust your instincts, and if you get a whiff of lemon, get out of there. Waiting things out and getting a reliable boat is preferable to wasting time and money on a sinking ship.
