Top 3 things to consider before buying a boat in Dubai

Buying a boat is a big choice for anyone — literally and financially. Would you buy a car without reading reviews of your favourite brands? Boats should be no different. Before you commit for the long haul, here are some tips for making the best choices when you want to buy a boat in Dubai.

1. Used boat or new boat?

The choice between a used boat and a new one is really a choice between time and money.

If you have saved up a good sum, buying a new boat is not a tough choice. New boats come with a warranty, so if something malfunctions you do not have to worry about extra costs.

If you do not have as much to spend, a used boat is not a bad choice. Used boats are cheaper because they have already depreciated, and sometimes the previous owner has made improvements that leave the boat as good as new for less.

On the other hand, a used boat may need time for regular maintenance and upgrades, and can end up costing more than a new one. You might take some of this on as a do-it-yourself project to cut costs.

2. How often will you use it?

Many first-time buyers hardly consider this. How much time can you realistically spend on the water?

If you are retiring and will have plenty of free time, looking at boats for sale, new or used, is not a bad idea. But if you will only get out once a month or less, it is not worth paying for maintenance, depreciation, insurance and the other costs of a boat you hardly use.

In that case it is worth renting a boat or joining a boat club instead. You get a larger pool of boats to choose from — fishing boats, cruisers, speedboats and more — instead of being stuck with one boat for every occasion.

3. Big or small?

When settling on the size of boat, consider four things:

• Where will you use it? On smaller bodies of water, a boat between 18 and 40 feet should have enough amenities for a day out.
• How long will you stay on board? If you want to stay overnight, you need a bigger boat with room for a cabin, galley and other amenities.
• How many passengers will you carry? If you will entertain friends from time to time, a larger boat is a good option. If the boat is your escape for peace and quiet, a small fishing boat is fine.
• What is your budget? The bigger the boat, the bigger the maintenance bill — not to mention fuel, cleaning and insurance. Docking is more affordable in Dubai than in some other cities.

Or skip the purchase altogether

Rather than limit your options with a single boat, one Xclusive Boat Club membership gives you access to boats for every occasion, every mood and every season. See how the costs compare in buying a boat vs joining a boat club.