For First Time Boat Buyers

Tag along with friends or family members who are boat owners to get a feel for what’s involved in boating. Rent a boat for a day or join a boating club to make sure that boating really fits your interests and lifestyle.

How do you imagine your boating lifestyle? Are you interested in tubing, water sports, fishing, entertaining friends and family, relaxing, swimming, cruising, or something else? Also consider more practical requirements like how many people your boat will need to accommodate. Take notes of what you really need in a boat and compare the boats you’re looking at to your list.

Make sure that you understand all of the investments involved in boating including monthly loan payments, interest, registration and titling fees, insurance, dock slip rental, maintenance, repairs of occasional mishaps, fuel, storage, trailer, trailer maintenance, life jackets, water sports gear, fishing gear, and more.

Also consider the amount of time that you’ll need to commit to owning boat, from packing and unpacking for trips, to uncovering, prepping, fueling, and cleaning and then covering the boat each time you use it.

Boat shows are a great, fun way to see what’s out there and to get a feel for all of the different makes and models available, but the pressure to buy can be too intense and “boat show fever” can prevail. Any “boat show deal” should be available to you after the show.

Selecting an honest, reputable dealer with a proven track record of customer satisfaction is important, especially when you are just starting out. Ask questions, ask existing customers at the marina, look for reviews, and trust your gut. How does the dealer and all of their staff treat you? Does the dealer offer other services to help you enjoy your boating experience? Finding a good dealer can make all the difference in the boat buying experience.

High pressure tactics can be a sign that your best interests aren’t at heart. Give yourself the time you need to make a good decision and don’t rush into anything. A reputable dealer shouldn’t pressure you with a deal that will go away if you don’t buy today.

You can find a wealth of information on the web and also in boating magazines. Bridge Marina recommends you check out Discover Boating and the Boat Owner’s Association of The United States, which both provide all kinds of tips and tools related to the boating lifestyle.

We recommend first time boat buyers really consider size when purchasing their first boat; smaller, easier to handle boats allow them to learn as they go. Bigger boats can be more difficult to handle and can cause unneeded frustration for the novice boater and his or her family.

Make sure you know the rules and regulations of the water. In order to operate a motorized vessel in the State of New Jersey, you must have a NJ Boating Safety Certificate (and “Boat” endorsement on your New Jersey driver’s license for Lake Hopatcong boaters). Bridge Marina holds the NJ Boating Safety Certificate course throughout the season at both our Lake Hopatcong and Highlands locations. Learn more and find a course.

We also recommend on-water boat lessons with a trusted instructor, which provide a hands-on learning opportunity that goes beyond a classroom course. Bridge Marina offers small group and private boating lessons on Lake Hopatcong and in Highlands. Learn more and sign up today.