Wisconsin is the ‘Land of 15,000 Lakes’, so it stands to reason that we here in the Badger State sure do love our boats. With winter finally winding down and boating season just weeks away, it can only mean one thing: It’s time for boat shows. Though some people visit boat shows to window shop, others go with one purpose in mind – to buy a new boat. If you are planning on purchasing a watercraft this season, make sure you are ready to select the boat that’s right for you.
Choosing a Boat
When it comes different types of watercraft, the numbers are staggering. It would be impossible for us to list all of them in one blog post – or even a series of blog posts. What we can do is narrow down the different types of boats into a few popular selections:
Fishing Boats
If you are hoping to spend most of your time fishing, consider a bass boat or a standard size fishing boat. Bass boats typically have quiet motors for sneaking up on fish and tend to fit two or three anglers. Fishing boats are bigger and designed to stand up to more stringent conditions in fresh or saltwater.
Personal Watercraft
These small watercrafts are designed for quick maneuverability and speed. They typically seat between one and three people and are small enough to be transported in pairs on a double trailer.
Ski Boats
A ski boat is built for speed and acceleration. These boats have specially shaped engines and propellers for creating ideal water conditions for water sports.
Sailboats
Sailboats are non-powered boats that rely on the wind and sails for navigation. Sailing is a highly involved sport that requires a learning curve, but it can be great fun for those willing to put in the time.
Pontoon Boats
These boats rest on aluminum tubes for buoyancy and can provide versatility for boat owners who want to do a little of everything. There are pontoons equipped with anglers chairs and live wells for fishing, as well as plenty of seating and enough horsepower to enjoy an afternoon of tubing with friends.
Boat Size
Whichever boat you decide on, just be sure to consider its size before purchasing. Smaller boats may seat fewer people, but they are also easier to maneuver and transport. Bigger boats, on the other hand may have the capacity you are looking for, but you may need to find alternative storage solutions if it will not fit in your home garage and your homeowners association will not allow it to be stored in visible sight.
Buying: What to Expect
If you find what you are looking for at the boat show, will you be ready to make the purchase? Many dealers offer on-the-spot financing, and there may be lenders at the boat show ready to give you a loan, too. However, it could pay to shop around for better financing terms before you arrive. Not only could this save you money, but it could also expedite the purchase process if you find the boat you are looking for.
Don’t Forget the Boat Insurance
Don’t move your boat until you have insurance that fully protects you on land and water. Homeowners insurance may provide very limited physical damages protection for certain types of losses only. Even then, the coverage is generally only available to small sailboats, inboard and i/o engines with less than 50hp, and outboard engines with less than 25hp.
Get a boat insurance policy from Pagel & Associates Insurance, as we’ll help you secure coverage for physical damages, bodily injury liability, property damage liability, special equipment, and more. To find out more about boat insurance and how an independent agent can help save you money, contact our office for your free quote today.
