Buying an boat?

Like many big purchases, there are things to con­sider when buying a fishing boat. Here are some important things to think about when shop­ping for your next fishing machine. Getting clear on your needs Gord Hincks of Hunter’s Bay Marine in Callander and Pete MacCormack of Pirate Cove Marina in Kemptville both like asking buyers to describe what they want to do with their new fishing boat and their goals. These “scoping out” conversations provide important details about the size of water­bodies the buyer plans to fish, target species, their fishing style, as well as person capacity require­ments, and interest in other water-based activities. “A local customer who’s mainly fishing the Rideau River may do fine with a 16-footer, like Lund’s Fury, Angler, or Rebel boats, but someone who fishes big water, like the St. Lawrence and plans to run from Mallorytown to Gananoque is going to need at least a 17-foot Deep-V,” MacCormack said. Along with boat length, think about hull design, construction, and beam width. Same with features like storage, layout, accessories, and add-ons. Stick to your budget Set a boat-buying budget early. Hincks says financ­ing a boat is more prevalent these days than cash purchases. He suggests running some numbers (e.g., down payment, term, interest rate) in an online loan payment calculator to learn what monthly payment options and, subsequently, what price range of boats fall within your budget. Consider the extras Budgeting also needs to include add-ons. Trolling motors, fish finders, and shallow-water anchors are popular, big-ticket items, but optional features (e.g., a stereo and speakers, sports top, bow cush­ions) can quickly add up. Boat “packages” also need careful consider­ation. Bundles are a great way to save money, pro­vided what’s included matches your needs. Ask about additional charges, like freight, and licens­ing when getting quotes and finalizing the initial paperwork. And don’t forget about good ol’ taxes. Think about annual boat-ownership costs, says MacCormack. Common expenses include insur­ance, maintenance, winterization, storage, and fuel for both the boat and towing vehicle. Points to ponder Waiting until fall to shop can sometimes land you a deal. Though, Hincks has seen it go the other way where limited inventory results in the buyer settling on a boat not up to par with their needs. “Can you tow it?” and, if applicable, “Will it fit in your garage?” are questions MacCormack poses to buyers shortlisting boat models. Ask friends who’ve