Buying a boat is not like your everyday purchase; it is a significant investment. And we are not just talking about the buying cost. The maintenance and operating costs alone can run your thousands of dollars with regular use. So, doing some research of your own won’t hurt. It pays to check out the distinct types of boats on sale and consider some first-time buyer tips to make the purchase worth the money.

Points to consider while shopping for boats on sale
Simply reading the brochure and knowing everything there is to know about the brand and boat is not enough. Pay careful attention to these points:

Type of boat
Do you need something for fishing, cruising, or simply sailing across open waters? Consider what type of boat suits your purpose best, and then compare the best brand, sizes, and models.

New or used
Once you have made a choice, the next step is to consider both new and repo boats for sale. New boats, no doubt, won’t leave much room for negotiation, but you can always haggle the price down for repossessed and used boats.

Where to buy
Compare listings online but consider your options once you decide to buy one. You can purchase directly from the shipping yard, a broker, or a previous owner. You could also check out options available at a boat exhibition at the marina.

Take a trial before closing the deal
Sea trials are the ultimate deciding factor. Before signing over at least $20,000 grand for a decent boat, take it out for a spin. Don’t forget to have it inspected by a professional before taking it out of the marina.

Popular and affordable boats on sale to buy this year

Fishing boats
All-purpose fishing boats are one of the more affordable boats on sale if you want something sturdier than a multipurpose dinghy you see around the harbor. If you love venturing out into the calm waters and want to spend time scouting for the catch of the day, be ready to spend around $10,000 to $20,000 for a quality vessel. For this price, you get the essential engine components and amenities on board, including the outboard motor, a live well, a trailer, and a driver console for control and maneuvering. If you have a slightly bigger budget, consider investing in decent aluminum body fishing boats that are perfect for freshwater and marina cruising. Some models even feature a fully purposed casting deck, so more people can be accommodated at the back while you enjoy an excellent, long fishing expedition at the front.

Bowriders
Bowriders are suitable for first-time buyers mainly because these boats come with all the necessary amenities and luxuries for the price of a premium full-size SUV. Bowriders can pick up speed on open waters but provide a comfortable ride due to their hull design. The classic V shape cuts through the water powered by stern drive jet propulsion or outboard motors. It’s best suited for active towable watersports using a banana float or donut float or for day cruising far away from the shore and the marina. These boats are the second-best option compared to more premium cuddy cabins or luxurious yachts that triple or even quadruple the budget. Some entry-level bowriders come with basic amenities for under $20,000. But the larger and more powerful motor ones are surely the better option for a one-time investment if you are really into boats.

Pontoon boats
If you are looking for a party on the high seas vessel that fits your budget, consider buying cheap Pontoon boats. These rectangular boats are designed to accommodate at least 6-8 people comfortably and offer the perfect combination of luxury and sea cruising. Some Pontoon boats, designed for a larger crowd, have L-shaped seating arrangements on both sides. These usually come with multiple outboard motors controlled by a single operator console. There is a dedicated display, instrument panel, and navigation system. You can cruise with friends and family or explore fishing activities with space available for all the amenities and gear. You can easily buy cheap boats with the Pontoon design and layout for under $30,000.

Sailing boats
Sailing boats are generally pursued as a hobby or as a competitive sport. Back in 1896, sailing was even declared a modern Olympic sport. In fact, it is one of the most popular forms of boating that has been around for centuries. But be careful when shopping for sailing boats on sale since there are many popular models that amateurs and professionals love to use. We are talking about twin hull catamarans, fast cruisers, day sailors, motor sailors, ketches, and even trimarans, just to name a few. Sailboats are one of the few exceptions that rely on wind power mainly to propel and navigate the high seas. And handling even a basic set of sails can take two people while learning to operate in the beginning. Professional sailors have trained and practiced for years and prefer to buy customized sailboats suitable for their use.