Want to buy a boat? Ask these 3 questions first

Would you buy a car without reading reviews of your favourite brands? A boat should be no different. Before you commit for the long haul, ask yourself these three questions.

1. Used boat or new boat?

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

• New boat: if you have saved up a good sum, this is the easy choice. A new boat comes with a warranty, so a malfunction does not mean extra costs.
• Used boat: less expensive, because the depreciation has already happened. Sometimes the previous owner has made improvements that leave it as good as new, for less.
• The catch: a used boat can demand time for regular maintenance and upgrades, and can end up costing more than a new one. Some owners take it on as a DIY project to cut costs.

2. How often will you actually use it?

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

• Lots of free time (retiring, for example)? Then looking at boats for sale, used or new, is not a bad choice.
• Once a month or less? Then paying for maintenance, depreciation, insurance and the rest on a boat you hardly use is not worth it.

If you are in the second group, rent a boat or join a boat club. You get a larger pool of boats to choose from — fishing boats, mini yachts, speed boats and more — instead of being stuck with one boat for every occasion.

3. Big boat or small boat?

When you settle on a size, consider four things:

Where will you use the boat?

On smaller bodies of water, a boat between 18 and 40 feet has enough amenities for a day out.

How long will you stay aboard?

Staying overnight means a bigger boat with room for a cabin, galley and other amenities.

How many passengers will you carry?

If you entertain friends from time to time, a larger boat is a good option. If the boat is your escape for some peace and quiet, a small fishing boat is just fine.

What is your budget?

The bigger the boat, the higher the maintenance cost — not to mention fuel, cleaning and insurance. Docking is more affordable in Dubai than in other cities.