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

5 Places to Shore Fish

Fish’n Canada shows you where to go shore fishing in Ontario.

Spring Perch Fishing

Use These Tips on Your Next Ontario Fishing Trip

Fishing and Foraging

Add some fresh foods and forage to your fishing adventures!

Spring Fishing Tips for any Angler

Increase your chance of success

Terrestrial Flies for Brook Trout

These fish feed like crazy and look for opportunities for a big protein meal.

Four Seasons of Bass in Ontario

Northern Ontario is home to year-round bass.

Ontario Brook Trout

Fish these 10 sweet spots.

3 Great Ontario Walleye Destinations

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

Top 5 Flies for Smallmouth Bass

The inside scoop on bass flies from the hosts of The New Fly Fisher.

Steelhead of the Upper Ganaraska

Known to most trout and salmon anglers as one of Ontario’s most popular fishing destinations.

Lake of the Woods

10 Facts You Didn't Know

Discover the 3 Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Ontario

Check out these lakes for hard-fighting smallmouth bass on your next fishing trip to Northern Ontario.

Top 5 Baits for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

What baits do you use to target bass? Find out why these 5 are the best!

World Class Walleye

Fishing Day Trips on the Bay of Quinte

Spring Walleye

Try These Tips on Your Next Ontario Walleye Fishing Trip

Walleye Sunsets

Walleye Fishing on Lake Nipissing.

Summer Brook Trout

Expert Advice for Fishing Ontario Lakes

A Whole Lota Lovin'

Burbot resembles nothing else that swims in our northern lakes and rivers.

Wind, Cloud & Walleye

How Weather is Important to Walleye Anglers

Eating Northern Pike

The Best Recipe to Cook This Fish