Buying A Boat - A Few Tips To Follow
Buying a boat can be exciting, but there are a few factors to consider before you take the plunge. What sort of boating activities are you interested in? In order to find the right boat for you and your family, you should first determine what type of boat you will need, get the boat inspected and then obtain financing and the right insurance for the boat.
Boating Activities - Sailing, Skiing, Fishing
The first step would be to find a boat that will fit your needs. There are several different kinds of boats that are designed for certain activities such as fishing, water skiing, and sailing. The all purpose fishing boat and the bow rider are two of the popular boats available to you. The all purpose fishing boat is great for boating in rough water and can be used for a variety of fishing activities. Due to the ability to seat up to 10 people, the bow rider is a popular family boat. It is also great boat for water skiing and swimming.
Having Your Boat Inspected
A boat inspection will be your next step after you find the perfect boat for you. You should obtain an inspection regardless if the boat is brand new or not. The boat inspection should cover all parts of the boat such as the electrical components, fuel tanks, propeller, and boat engine. The hull of the boat should also be examined for any damages so may sure an out of the water inspection is done. An independent marine surveyor can be hired by you to perform the inspection.
Financing For Buying A Boat and Boat Insurance
If you are satisfied with your boat inspection, the final step would be to obtain financing and boat insurance. You are able to finance a boat up to six years based on the type and cost. However, you should shop around to find the right low interest and payments for you. The boat insurance is most of the time available with your local insurance agent. The prices may vary based on the cost of the boat and the coverage amount requested. To cover the boat for all types of damages such an accident and weather damages, you should try to obtain an “All Risk” policy.
Buying a boat is not a hard task at all if you do your research and following the steps mention above. During the winter season, many of the boat dealers will offer discounts on older boat models in order to clear out the old inventory. By taking your time, you find the right deal just for you.
Piracy and The Need To Have Insurance For Boats
In the year 2000 a report conducted by the International Marine Bureau in London, also showed that annual losses due to piracy totaled over $200 million dollars. Even more alarming is the increase in weapon usage by modern day pirates such as guns and knives. Internationally a significant number of deaths, as well as serious injuries, are attributed to piracy each year.
Modern pirates may not have wooden legs and eye patches. They also may not be waving the Jolly Roger from a top their sails. Instead these criminals often navigate vessels that do not appear out of the ordinary. They will generally board a cargo vessel before the captain realizes that they are thieves. Modern pirates may do one of three things: rob the crew/passengers aboard the vessel; rob the vessel of its goods and cargo; or hijack the entire vessel.
Travelers venturing into foreign waters run greater risks of experiencing hijacking, theft, and even assault from modern day “pirates.” Having the best insurance coverage for you and your vessel is a must. The policy should cover all goods, cash, cargo, and of course the vessel itself. Maintaining the highest level of insurance, will help ensure that, should you fall victim to such a crime, the majority of expenses and costs you experience can be recouped.
