All over the country – including right here in Missouri – people are flocking to boat shows to see the newest models to hit the market for 2018. There are few better places than a boat show to tour inventory, meet with manufacturers, and even buy your next boat. Of course, it helps to know what you are doing and what you are talking about. Before you venture off to your local show, read the following tips to make your shopping experience as smooth as possible.
Choose Your Boat
Boats come in many different types and sizes. When you are spending thousands of dollars on an asset, be sure you are making the right decision about your purchase – not a decision you might regret after your first season on the water.
There are several different types of boats to choose from. Since you are likely to be using your watercraft primarily on Missouri’s lakes and rivers, you may wish to consider a:
Bass Boat
This boat is made for anglers, usually equipped with an outboard motor, live wells, anglers’ seats, and capacity for only a few passengers.
Pontoon Boat
Pontoons are versatile platform boats that float on two or three large aluminum cylinders. Pontoons can be large enough to seat 15 people or more, and you can also equip them for some light to moderate fishing, skiing or tubing.
Runabout
Runabout boats are the most popular boat in the U.S. They are easy to pilot, efficient, and capable of carrying several passengers – often in the bow of the boat. Like pontoons, runabouts are highly versatile.
Ski Boat
Ski boats are designed for sports enthusiasts who need speed and those who want to perfect their skills on the water. Similarly, wake boats are uniquely designed for providing a smooth surface for wakeboarding and performing aerial stunts.
Personal Watercraft
A personal watercraft (PWC) is designed to be ridden, not driven. Riders use them to accelerate quickly, make tight turns, and catch the waves of other boats. If you prefer two PWCs, keep in mind they are small enough to fit on the same dual trailer.
Things to Consider
Once you know what kind of boat you want, you’ll need to decide how much you want to spend, where you plan to store it, and how many passengers you want to seat. You’ll also need to decide if you would rather enjoy the reliability of a brand new boat with a warranty, or save money with the riskier purchase of a used watercraft instead.
Choosing a Boat Show
There may be several boat shows within driving distance throughout late winter and early spring. We recommend going online to view the schedules, vendors, and seminars to determine which show may be right for you.
Don’t Forget Boat Insurance
Another important part of buying a boat is protecting that investment with boat insurance. This important coverage is designed to minimize your financial responsibility and out-of-pocket costs if your boat is damaged, your passengers are injured, you need assistance, or you cause injury or property damage to a third-party.
We recommend exploring your coverage options in advance so you can enact your policy as soon as possible after your purchase. Here at Mid-Rivers Insurance, we help Missouri boat owners find personalized coverage at an affordable price with protection for a wide range of incidents and losses.
For more information about how an independent agent can help you save on boat insurance, contact our office to request your free quotes today.
