People are always on the lookout for the best boat out there.
Thus, they never stop to think about everything they need to know before purchasing what is likely the most significant investment ever.
There is a lot to think about when buying a fishing boat. There are different sizes, colours, options, and tons of accessories you can add to your ship. Nowadays, you will also find inflatable fishing boats in the market.
With so many options online and in-store, this can be exhilarating but confusing, so if you’re looking to buy a fishing boat, here are seven things that should be on your mind.
There are several material options for fishing boats
There are several material options for fishing boats, including aluminium, steel, fibreglass, and more. Each material has its pros and cons.
Aluminium
This is the most commonly used material in fishing boats due to its strength, lightweight, and corrosion resistance.
Aluminium fishing boats are available in two forms — all aluminium and aluminium with foam core composite construction (FCC). The all-aluminium boat has an outer skin made from extruded or formed aluminium sheets or panels joined together by rivets or other fasteners.
The FCC boat has an outer skin plus several layers of foam sandwiched between them. The foam core provides insulation against heat transfer, sound dampening, stiffness, and rigidity.
However, aluminium does have its disadvantages. It is more prone to corrosion and damage from impacts with rocks and other debris on the water’s surface. This can cause leaks and holes in the hull, making it harder for the boat to stay afloat.
Steel
This is the most common material used in boat construction and the cheapest.
But it’s heavy, and steel isn’t as durable as other materials.
If you’re going to fish in saltwater, you’ll want to keep your boat out of the water when it’s not in use, or else you’ll need to pay for regular maintenance to keep the metal from rusting.
But, steel-hulled boats are also prone to electrolysis if they’re not properly maintained.
The metal inside a steel hull can become magnetised by stray electrical currents from nearby sources like power lines or other boats’ batteries.
This makes the hull vulnerable to rusting and corrosion.
Fibreglass
It’s lightweight but still durable enough to handle rough seas. It’s also easy to repair if you get damaged while on the water.
Fibreglass boats can be made with either monolithic construction or sandwich construction.
Monolithic boats are usually less expensive but aren’t as strong as sandwich boats.
Sandwich construction uses an outer layer of foam and an inner layer of fibreglass fabric bonded together with resin. This makes them lighter and stronger than monolithic hulls.
Wood
Wood is an old-fashioned but still popular material for boat building.
Unfortunately, it’s also the most expensive, but you can expect your boat to last a long time if you take good care of it.
Wood boats are typically built with cedar or pine wood and treated with varnishes and linings. The wood is also often stained or painted to give it a more modern look.
Wooden fishing boats are generally small, but you can use some on open water.
They can also be very stylish, like the classic Chris-Craft runabout, which is available as a kit for amateur builders.
Purpose
The first question you should ask yourself is why you want to buy a boat. Are you going to be catching fish, or are you also going out on the water?
If you are looking for a recreational fishing boat, then there are many different options available for you to choose from.
But if you plan on using your boat for work purposes, you must include specific features to be safe and effective at its job.
The size of your boat will determine how far you can go out into the water and how many people can come along with you on your adventure.
So you should also consider the size and ask if you want the flexibility of having multiple people on board or do you want something that can accommodate just one person.
If you plan to fish alone, you must buy a smaller vessel to accommodate your needs.
However, if you plan on transporting people or cargo aside from the fish you have caught from one place to another, it’s best to get a larger vessel with more space for passengers and cargo.
Know your budget
Not all boats are created equal. While some boats may be cheaper, they may not meet your needs or provide the flexibility you need to get out on the water as often as possible.
This can be difficult for some people because they are unsure what to expect with the purchase price. The best way to determine this is by visiting various dealerships and looking at their inventory online.
You can also ask a friend or family member who has recently bought a boat what they paid for theirs, so you can get a good idea of what you should expect to pay.
The most important thing is to ensure that you have enough money saved up so that you don’t have to compromise on what type of boat you want just because it isn’t within your budget.
New vs. Used
Buying a new boat can be expensive, but it’s also a great way to get precisely what you want.
When you buy a new boat, you get the benefit of being able to customize it so that it fits your needs perfectly. You can also rest assured that the ship is fully functional and ready for use right after purchase.
However, buying used boats can also be a great option—saving you a ton of money.
It’s important to know that buying used doesn’t mean buying second-hand. For example, when you buy a boat from someone else, it’s not necessarily old or damaged—it could just be a model that wasn’t right for the previous owner.
Buying a used boat can be risky if you don’t know what kind of condition it’s in or what maintenance it needs.
You’ll also want to ask the previous owner about any issues with the boat and ensure they fix these problems before deciding whether or not to buy it.
If you’re buying from someone who knows their stuff, you’ll be able to get valuable information about how well they maintained over time.
So, if you’re buying from an individual seller rather than an actual dealership, then make sure that person has a clear title for the boat. So there are no disputes later on down the line about ownership rights after the sale.
Don’t skimp on safety
Safety should be your first consideration when buying a new fishing boat. You’re going to use this boat to earn a living, and you want to make sure that it’s up to the task—and that you can be safe while on board.
Regarding safety, there are three main things to keep in mind: the hull of the boat, the engine, and the life vests.
The hull is where you will spend most of your time —it’s where you’ll spend most of your fishing time. So you want to ensure that it’s sturdy enough for whatever water conditions you encounter.
For example, if you’re going out into rough waters or rocky terrain, look for a model with reinforced steel construction or extra-thick fibreglass layers.
The engine is another essential part of your boat’s safety features. Look for a model that has an automatic kill switch—this will shut off the engine if there’s an accident and prevent further damage (or worse).
It would be best if you also looked for an alarm system that alerts everyone on board when something goes wrong with any part of the engine or fuel system; this will help prevent problems.
Finally, make sure that all safety equipment is in good working order. This includes life vests, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment that comes standard on most models.
Proper maintenance and upkeep
If you bought a boat, you want to be able to use it for as long as possible. With proper maintenance and upkeep, your boat will last for many years and continue to provide the joy of fishing for years to come.
The first step in maintaining your boat is regular cleaning. Use soap and water to clean all surfaces, including the deck and hull. Pay special attention to areas that tend to get dirty quickly, such as the anchor line or where you clean the fish.
After cleaning, make sure all parts are adequately lubricated. Oil moving parts such as hinges, pulleys, and gears before storing them away for the winter months.
If any part starts feeling sticky or stiff after being stored for several months without use, then it’s probably time for an oil change on that particular piece of equipment before using it again next season.
Finally, make sure that you’re storing it properly. If you don’t have a garage or a place where you can keep it wet, it’s best to put it on a trailer and store it in an outdoor space to protect it from sun damage.
If you have a garage, ensure that this space has enough ventilation so moisture doesn’t build up inside the boat hull. In addition, it would be best to keep your boat covered when not in use so that dirt, dust, and other contaminants won’t get into its interior surfaces.
Final Thoughts
When looking for a fishing boat, it can be tempting to go with the first one that catches your eye. But don’t be fooled: there are a lot of factors to consider, and not all boats are created equal.
The last thing you want to do is spend a lot of money on a fishing boat that doesn’t live up to your expectations. Think about what fishing adventures you have in mind—or will have in the future—and what kind of boat will meet those needs.
Make sure it’s well-built and sturdy enough to withstand the elements and whatever kind of adventure you’re likely to come across on the water.
A good fishing boat is an investment in your family’s free time—and a great way to keep that time fun and exciting.
