If you are tired of renting or borrowing a boat from a friend, you should start saving up for a boat. A used boat is a great option and you will be able to get a bigger and more luxurious one for a fraction of the cost of a brand new boat. However, before you settle on a used boat, make sure you bring in an experienced boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale trusts for a thorough assessment. A surveyor will be able to identify any damages and flaws that a boat has. They will also enlighten you on the fair market value of a boat and help you know if the boat you are considering will be ideal for what you need it for.
While getting the input of a boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale is important, there are a couple of things you will also have to do. Below are the key things you should do long before you bring in a boat surveyor for an inspection.
Know your boat
The important point you should understand is that a boat surveyor is only there to give a detailed report on your target boat. They will not show you which boat is perfect for you. With that being said, it is your job to know the kind of boat that you need. To do this, you need to know what you need the boat for. Second, you must compile a list of all the must-have features in your boat. Doing so will help narrow down your search.
Set a budget
Once you identify the boats that would be ideal for you, the next step is to set a budget. How much you plan on spending on a boat will help narrow down your search in terms of size and features. Don’t just think about the initial purchase cost. You need to think about the cost of maintenance. Maintenance costs include the cost of inspection, insurance, fuel, upgrades and boat storage. There are many more associated costs.
Pre-owned or brand new
As aforementioned, you will save a lot of money going for a used boat. However, based on how much money you can get, it is good to compare the cost of brand new and pre-owned vessels. This is because a brand new boat comes with amazing features and a manufacturer’s warranty. The downside is it depreciates fast. A used boat, on the other hand, will cost you less money and will not be impacted significantly by depreciation. However, if you plan on using the pre-owned vessel route, make sure you get an inspection done by an experienced boat surveyor in Fort Lauderdale.