5 Things to Consider When Buying a New Boat!

Great tips and things to keep in mind when you are looking to purchase a new boat.

The first thing you should consider when you’re buying a new boat is....

the vehicle you'll be using to tow the boat.

A big mistake people make when buying a boat is selecting a beautiful boat in the showroom and thinking how great it will look in the water—and not realizing they only have a small car to tow it with.  

tips-boat-buying-fishtv-1

1. what's The Size of the Boat vs. size of your vehicle?

This is the first thing you should determine before you buy a boat. You need to think about the vehicle that you have to tow it with. If you own a car, maybe think about a 14 ft Lund with a smaller Mercury on it so you don’t wreck your car or small truck. If you own a full-size truck and you like to travel to a number of lakes, a bigger boat may be better for your purposes.

tips-boat-buying-fishtv-2

2. What type of Boat would suit your needs?

When buying a boat that you want to leave at the cottage, you might want to think about an all-around boat that works for fishing, waterskiing, or just a late evening cruise. If this is your thought, perhaps a deck boat or a Lund pontoon might be the boat for you.

You also have to consider the size of the lake you are on. If you are on a smaller lake you might only need an 18 ft boat with a bit smaller Mercury on it but if you are on a bigger lake you might want a 20 or 21ft boat with a bigger motor. You want something that will be able to get you to your fishing spot and back to the cottage quickly if there is bad weather moving in.

tips-boat-buying-fishtv-3

3. How many riders will be on your boat?

You also have to think about how many people in your family love to be on the water. If you have a family of four, you might want a bowrider style and if you have a bigger family or you bring friends out on the water, you might want a boat with a lot of seating to accommodate everyone.

tips-boat-buying-fishtv-4

4. Do you need a top?

Often overlooked is whether or not you'll need a top or roof over the boat. Most people boat when the water is calm, the sun is shining, and then the water is slick which means the sun is intensified. If you want to spend a lot of time on the water, you might want to consider a boat that has a roof option or something portable that you can put up or down in the sun or in the rain.

tips-boat-buying-fishtv-5

5. Where will you store your boat?

And finally, you should think about boat storage. Where you are going to store your boat for the winter? Do you have indoor storage that can fit your boat or, if you shrink wrap it, is there a place to park it for the winter?

These are all things to consider when purchasing a boat because your boat should be enjoyed by you and your family for many years to come.

About Ron James

Ron has been fishing for over 35 years. He started fishing when he was just a youngster with his father Bill James (God rest his soul). He moved onto tournament fishing as his passion grew. With numerous wins and top finishes, the next step had to be taken. He met Leo, and the unstoppable force of Fish TV "is the best thing that has happened.

Recommended Articles

Top 8 Places to Ice Fish in Ontario

Ice fishing in Ontario offers diverse catches in serene winter settings.

Ontario Brook Trout

Fish these 10 sweet spots.

Adventure Walleye Fishing Lake Nipigon Style

Fishing 411 Television visits Pasha Lake Cabins

Birch Dale Lodge

Discover why muskie fishing in Ontario's Sunset Country is world-class!

Mattagami Lake's Perfect Family Fishing Destination

Green Wilderness Lodge offers the rare and perfect blend of relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and incredible fishing.

Troutfly Outpost is a Multi-Species Factory

This fly-in off-the-grid outpost offers excellent fishing and comfort.

5 Lakes, 4 Seasons, and Plenty of Fish

Fish TV selects their favourite lakes in Ontario.

Fishing With Drift Outfitters

Find an urban fishing oasis in the heart of downtown Toronto.

Casting for Coasters

Fishing for Brook Trout at Bowman Island Lodge

The Inside Scoop

The fall is the perfect time to hit the water when the fish are starting to feed.

Drive-to Ontario Lodges

Ontario has the perfect easy-to-access fishing oasis for every angler!

Elmhirst's Resort

Outstanding Vacations for the Whole Family

Talon Lake Lunge

This 3500-acre lake holds trophy muskies and should not be ignored!

Top Flies for Northern Pike

Try These Go-to Flies and Tips on Your Next Trip

Steelhead and Salmon of Northern Ontario

Ontario's north is home to tributaries of Lake Superior and Lake Huron—and many species of salmon and steelhead

Lac Seul Lunkers

Non-Stop Walleye Fishing Action

River Lake Trout Techniques

Techniques for catching lake trout in untraditional river settings across Ontario.

3 Great Ontario Walleye Destinations

Karl of Extreme Angler recommends must do walleye lakes in Ontario.

Reading Water

Reading water can be done a number of ways

Great Fishing in Northern Lights Country Up Highway 588

Find bass, walleye and trout on your next fishing trip.