Factor in monthly marina fees or the cost of a dedicated storage unit if you aren't keeping it on a trailer [15, 27].
Ideal for those who enjoy the journey and want to learn technical mastery, with sizes like 25–27 feet being popular starting points [29, 30]. 2. Budgeting Beyond the Purchase Price buying my first boat
Enroll in a boating safety course to learn navigation rules and local regulations [24, 28]. Factor in monthly marina fees or the cost
Find a quiet area to practice docking and "picking up a buoy" (or a dropped cushion) to get a feel for the boat's momentum [29]. Budgeting Beyond the Purchase Price Enroll in a
The purchase price is just the entry fee to a "hole in the water where you throw money" [33]. Experts suggest having at least in your accounts and budgeting 10%–20% of the purchase price annually for maintenance [5.3, 5.8].
Look for "tin" (aluminum) boats, bass boats, or center consoles with open layouts and specialized gear like livewells [12, 35].
For larger or more expensive vessels, hire a professional marine surveyor to conduct a pre-purchase inspection [11, 26]. 4. Getting Started Safely Once you bring your boat home, the learning curve begins.