GPS Systems and Discount Marine Electronics
'How to Select the Right Boat for You'
by Kerry S. Mason
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Here are some ways to begin the process of settling on the boat
that will take you places:
Attend in-the-water boat shows. There are enormous annual boat
shows in large coastal cities that cater to the boat- and
equipment-buying public. These shows are amazing, fun, and, for
me, a little overwhelming after a while. Boat manufacturers bring
"models" for in-the-water showcasing, and touring these vessels
can be extremely interesting.
Many yacht brokers have periodic in-the-water "open houses" of
boats that they have for sale. Keep an eye on local boating
newspapers and magazines for events like this in your area. But
beware! The boats in brokerage shows may have a louder siren song
than the glitzy models in the large boat shows. Many will already
be fitted out. You may fall head over heels for a boat before
your well-thought-out plans had you purchasing one!
Do lots of reading. Become familiar with the boat models that
have desired characteristics through magazine articles, books,
and anything else that comes your way. This will make it easier
to sift through the used and new boat market when the time comes
to shop.
Charter different types of boats. This kills two birds with one
stone: it sharpens your boat handling skills and allows you to
sample boats of varying sizes with different sail plans. And
don't leave out other kinds of boats: try out power boats and
multihulls if either are candidates for your plans.
Let your fingers do the talking. The Internet is full of all
kinds of boating and cruising information. A lot of it is very
useful and some of it is worthless. Also, it can be valuable to
join one or more discussion groups that pertain to boats that you
are considering (or that you have already bought), to equipment,
and to the boating life in general. You can pick up a lot just by
monitoring the "conversation," even if you don't actively
participate.
Walk around marinas. Though some marinas are very careful about
public access to their docks, there is usually at least one in
every waterfront town that you can walk around. Find boats of the
make you are seeking, or that appear to have the characteristics
you are looking for and check them out (from the dock!). Owners
are often happy to talk about their boats, so if you see someone
who is attached to a boat you are checking out, don't be shy. You
can learn a lot about what works and doesn't work about the boat
"straight from the horse's mouth" in just a few minutes.
Copyright (c) 2004 Kerry S. Mason
'Kerry Mason is the webmaster for finesailing.com, which
is the #1 Internet resource for sailing/boating information, gear
and apparel. Be sure to visit his complete archive of articles at
http://www.finesailing.com/articles/'
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