Over the years, boating has increasingly become a popular leisure activity. It is estimated that around 87 million Americans participate in recreational boating. Boats not only allow you to explore the open water but also offer a great retreat where you can enjoy yourself with family and friends.
However, for new buyers finding the right place to start is the biggest challenge. Since its entry in the marine industry, Polaris Industries, an organization that registered over $ 5.5 billion in sales in 2017, has become well known for its excellent boats.
This article will provide you with some of the information you need as you search for Polaris dealers near you.
1. Intended Use and Size
There are many different activities that you can enjoy on the water. They range from fishing, racing, sailing, or even hosting people. There are boats designed and optimized to perform specific functions. The main boat categories to consider are:
- Water sport boats- These are designed for racing and sports fans and are equipped with powerful engines.
- Fishing boats- Designed for fishing purposes and the engines are not necessarily powerful.
- Cruise boats- These are the vessels for people who want to relax and enjoy themselves.
Other popular categories include ski boats, sailboats, and pontoon boats.
Therefore, your first step should be to determining what you want to on the water. This will help you identify the specific type of boats to consider.
Though the intended use significantly affects the size of the boat, you should also consider how many passengers you will have on board. If family and friends are a motivation for buying a lake boat, then it will have to be bigger than a two-person speed boat.
If the boat is intended for overnight excursions, it will have to be even larger to accommodate additional amenities including the galley, cabin, and the storage space for supplies.
2. New or Pre-Owned
The price range for boats varies significantly. Whereas some boats for sale may cost thousands of dollars, you may have to part with millions to own a superyacht.
If you have the financial capability, you can always buy a new boat from one of the many Polaris dealers near you. One of the main advantages of doing this is that they come with a warranty that covers malfunctions and repairs.
However, there are plenty of used boats for sale in excellent condition if you cannot afford a new boat. Boats depreciate a lot in the first season of use. Therefore choosing to buy a used boat can save you lots of money. But, you must ensure it is in peak condition.
3. What Budget Is Your Budget For Recurring Expenses?
In addition to the purchase price, your boat will have other recurring expenses. It is essential to know how much you will afford to spend on the boat going forward. These costs will include
- Gasoline
- Insurance
- Winter storage
- Cleaning
- Dry-docking
- Moorage
- Towing
Before making the purchase, find out the type of costs to expect from each particular boat and compare with your budget.
Boat Inspection Checklist
Once you’ve found your dream boat from one of the many reputable Polaris dealers, you must inspect it before buying. Have a friend who knows their way around boats to help you or better yet, hire a professional.
Effective boat inspection involves
- Walking around the boat to check for cracks or any other types of damage.
- Check for leaks, algae, and corrosion, especially near the fuel lines, outboard cowling, tank, and the sterndrive.
- Check that all wiring is sealed correctly.
- Use a gauging paste to check for water in the oil and fuel.
- Take a test ride and get to feel how the boat performs on water.
In Conclusion
The rigors of everyday life can, at times, become tiring and stressful. Boats are the perfect way to relax and unwind, especially during the weekends and during holidays. Visit Polaris dealers near you where you can find some of the best kept used boats for sale in Michigan.
