Your boat isn’t in great shape, but you’re not sure whether it’s better to patch it and clean it up or buy a new boat. Buying a new boat could be expensive, but then again, the repairs necessary to restore your boat to its former glory could also be cost intensive.
The decision of whether to buy a new boat will always be up to the boat owner—at the end of the day, you’ll have to trust your gut. But there are some important signs that can point you in the right direction.
Signs You Need a New Boat
If you notice some or all of these signs, it may be time to consider buying a new boat.
- You’re unhappy with your current boat. Seems obvious, right? But too many boat owners spend time convincing themselves they’re happy when they really aren’t. Think about your boat and describe what you feel when you imagine it. Do you light up when you take it out? Are you relaxed when you’re using it? Do you leave it feeling satisfied? If not, something may be wrong.
- The repairs are impossible or prohibitive. In some cases, the repairs necessary to return your boat to its proper condition are so intensive, so expensive, or so complicated that they’re not worth making. This is sometimes the result of a crash or similar form of sudden damage, but it can also happen over time.
- Maintenance issues keep arising. How often do you find yourself needing to conduct maintenance and repairs? All boats require some degree of ongoing upkeep, but some boats are far more demanding. If you find yourself constantly juggling new issues, it’s probably not worth continuing the cycle. Just buy a new boat.
- You’re nervous that each venture will be the last. When you take your boat on the water, do you cross your fingers? Are you nervous that each venture you make into the water will be the last one before this boat falls apart? Obviously, your first thought should be making proactive repairs or maintaining the vessel, but there’s a point of no return.
- Your engine tending has become routine. If you understand how your boat works, you can take care of minor issues yourself—and/or preen your engine to make sure it remains functional each time you head out. If it’s become a routine to remove the engine cover, inspect different mechanical points, and make tweaks, it’s a sign this boat has taken too much energy from you.
- Nobody wants to boat with you anymore. Boating is a hobby that’s often best enjoyed with the company of family and friends. But if your boat is unreliable, or if it feels like it’s falling apart, people will gradually become less interested in heading out with you. If it seems like all your former boating buddies have lost interest, it may be a sign that your vessel is to blame (assuming it’s not you).
- You’ve outgrown your boat. Sometimes, it’s not repairs or maintenance that encourage you to buy a new boat. Many people purchase a boat, but are just starting to get involved with boating, or aren’t sure what direction they want to head. They purchase something small, something slow, or otherwise, something in the category of “beginner” boats. But as you get more experience on the water and become more familiar with your needs, you’ll gradually outgrow your current vessel.
- Your interests have changed. It could be that your interests have changed. You bought a boat so you could relax and go fishing, but now that you’re on the water, you’re interested in something faster. You may be interested in something closer to a powerboat, which allows you to reach higher top speeds and enjoy entirely different activities on the water.
- Boating sounds more like a chore than a pleasure. When you think about heading out on the water, does it sound like a true pleasure, or is it more like a chore? Do you find yourself thinking that you “should” take your boat out more often? Do you dread the idea of trying to keep your boat functional while you operate it? Boating is supposed to be fun. If it’s not fun, you’ll need to make some changes.
- You can’t stop thinking about a new boat. The last sign is possibly the most obvious. If you find yourself constantly thinking about buying a new boat, and you can’t shake the idea, trust your intuition. Deep down, you have a strong reason for wanting a new boat, and it may be best to follow your instincts.
Bonus Tips for Buying a New Boat
If these signs are familiar to you, you might enjoy the prospect of buying a new boat. Here are a few tips to help you move forward:
- “New” doesn’t have to mean new. First, understand that a “new” boat just means that it’s new to you. It doesn’t have to be brand new. In fact, if you buy a used boat, you can often get a vessel of comparable quality, cleanliness, and long-term reliability as a brand-new vessel for a much lower price. Keep your options open.
- Get a good price for your old boat. If you don’t have a use for your old boat, your best option is to sell it. You might want to find a broker to assist with the sale or you may want to sell your boat privately. If your boat is in bad condition, beyond repair, you may be able to sell it for its components or junk it.
- Take your time. Finally, this is your chance to find the boat of your dreams, so take your time and review many different options before finalizing your choice.
If you’re ready to start looking for your next boat, consider starting your search at TheYachtMarket. We have extensive listings of sailboats, powerboats, yachts, and more, including both new and used varieties. Start looking for your next boat today!