A Guide to Buying Your First Boat

Buying your first boat can be exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. A boat is a big investment, and it’s important to be prepared for the cost and responsibilities associated with ownership. As  used boat dealers in Texas, we’re well aware that the boat dealership you use can impact your first buying experience, and we’re determined to make yours a positive one. 

Our Texas boat dealership has been serving local families like ours for almost 70 years, and since we opened, our number-one goal has been to establish honest, trusting relationships with our customers.  We want to help prepare you for what to expect when you buy a boat, and most importantly, after you bring it home. The following are a few things to consider before making your first purchase.

1. Know Your Budget and the Cost of Boat Ownership

The cost of owning a boat extends well beyond the price of the model itself. Think of all the extra accessories you’ll need: 

• life jackets and safety gear

• cleaning supplies

• electronics

• recreational gear for watersports, tubing, etc.he list goes on! 

Some items, like a safety kit, likely come with your boat, but you’ll want to find out what’s included before you make a deal. Once you buy a boat, of course, you’ll also need to cover insurance and registration. 

Outside of the initial purchase, some of the biggest expenses of ownership include boat service and storage. Wherever you decide to keep your boat during the season, there will be monthly rental fees, and costs associated with slips run the gamut. 

In terms of boat maintenance, On the Water shares this rule of thumb: you’ll spend about 10 percent of the new value of your boat on maintenance and boat repair services every year.

2. Plan Out Your Boating Season 

Determining where to keep your boat can be logistically challenging, year in and year out. If you have your heart set on a slip at the marina close to home, you might want to make some calls first, as some marinas have years-long waiting lists. 

If you can’t get a slip nearby, are you willing to travel an hour away for a day on the boat? If not, you’ll need to trailer it each time you take it on the water, which presents another question: are you able to store your boat outside your house? 

You may have adequate space, but live in a community with rules against outside boat storage (if you have an HOA, you’ll definitely want to check first). These are all things to consider before you make your purchase, not after.

3. Winterization and Storage

Finding a summer slip is tricky enough, but where will you store your boat in the off season? You may choose to keep it in your yard or driveway, but should make sure it’s protected from the elements. Every year, your boat needs to be properly winterized, either by you or a boat service center. 

If you’re considering keeping your boat at home in the winter, you’ll run into the same question mentioned previously: can you keep it outside where you live? Even if you don’t have an HOA or bylaws against boat storage, do you have a difficult neighbor who will see it as an “eyesore”? You may want to talk to them first to avoid issues down the road.

Even if you keep your boat at a marina, you’ll want to ensure that it’s safe and secure where it’s located, and that you trust the people who will be taking care of your boat.

4. Finding the Right Boat Type for You 

Different models are designed for specific types of boating. Therefore, we encourage you to think about how you’ll be using your boat before you shop. For instance, how many people will you bring on the water with you? Will you be entertaining guests, and need a certain amount of seating? Do you have overnight trips in mind? If you’re using your boat for recreational fishing or watersports, you’ll want to find a model that is specific to those activities.

Luckily, North Texas Marine offers something for everyone: 

• If you’re envisioning days of boating and fishing,consider a bass or center console boat, such as a Vexus.  The layout makes for easy fishing from any angle, and they navigate smoothly even through rough conditions.

• Runabouts/bow riders are fast and intended for fun on the lake, and we have plenty to offer, including several new and pre-owned Four Winns boats.

• We have Pontoon boats for sale, like our own Lowe Boats and Starcraft Marine boats.  Deck boats (for example, Four Winns models), are both great for family outings and entertaining.

If you’re still unsure, that’s OK too! Schedule a visit at our Fort Worth or Gainesville locations, and we’ll work with you to find the boat of your dreams.

5. Inspect (and try) Before You Buy

Before you buy anything from a boat dealership, you should make sure it’s in ship-shape! Do a walkaround to take an up-close look at the engine, propeller, steering system, and other components. Even with an inspection, you don’t truly know how a boat will handle until you’re out on the water — and that’s why a sea trial is so important.

North Texas Marine understands this. When we make a deal, we don’t just send you out the door imagining how smoothly your boat will operate; instead, we have you take it for a spin. Every deal we make is contingent upon an on-water orientation and acceptance. We’ll show you how your boat works and make sure you feel 100% comfortable before you make your purchase!

Ready to shop for your boat?
Whenever you’re ready to take the next step, we’ll be here to guide you through the process. Just contact us to ask about the model you’re interested in or visit our dealerships in Gainesville or Fort Worth.