Things to Consider When Buying A Boat

As an established family-owned marine dealer with more than 40 years of experience in helping first time and experienced boaters purchase new and quality pre-owned boats, Chatlee Boat and Marine knows the important considerations that should be taken into account when deciding on a boat purchase. The following is some expert advice from this well-known North Carolina dealer to help you better know the ropes when it comes to what type and size boat might be best for you.

The first question to ask is where will you be using your new or pre-owned watercraft? Do you plan to boat primarily in salt water, freshwater, or both? If you are going to use the boat primarily in salt water, says Chatlee Boat and Marine, you may want to consider an outboard motor. Outboard motors tend to hold up better in salt water and take less water to float. On inboard/outboard motors however, salt water tends to be less forgiving due to the motor’s materials and design.
           
In addition, inboard/outboards need to be winterized starting around Thanksgiving and can be used again beginning around the Easter holiday. Outboards, however, can be used year round without winterization. 

Another major consideration when looking for a boat is the average water depth of the area in which you will primarily be boating. If it is shallower water, you may want to consider the purchase of a bay boat or skiff. Popular brands in this category include NauticStar and Carolina Skiff.
           
The main activity for which you plan to use your new boat also comes into play. For an avid offshore fisherman, a center console with an outboard motor is the most conducive setup. For freshwater pleasure boating, however, a bowrider, pontoon or jet boat would be the boat type to consider. A pontoon or deck boat accommodates a large number of family and friends, and fishing from these boats in freshwater is a possibility if the right model is chosen. A few sought after brands in this category include Aqua Patio, Sweetwater and Hurricane.
           
Another good choice for a family outing is a bowrider with an inboard/outboard motor. Just keep in mind if you’re looking to pull towables or skiers, you’ll need at least a 90hp motor depending on the size of the boat. Popular bowrider brands include Stingray and Monterey.
           
When pondering how you will trailer a new boat to the water, you need to consider what you drive before you go shopping, advises the Chatlee staff. The good news is that small SUVs, mini-vans, and trucks are lined up at boat ramps every weekend. But just make sure to talk with your dealer when you’re looking at boats to be sure that your decided purchase is one you’ll be able to tow back and forth.

Beyond their expert advice, Chatlee Boat and Marine has some good news for everyone out there considering a boat purchase but unsure about the affordability. When looking for a new boat you will probably be surprised to find that you can afford more boat than you thought, says the Chatlee staff. Terms of financing on a new boat are different than those on new cars. And boats hold their resale value better than automobiles so most banks are willing to finance them at longer terms. 
           
As an example, a $25,000 new boat can be bought with zero down for around $240 a month based on a 15-year term. And you can even get into a brand new boat for under $15,000 that is sure to bring years of enjoyment.

From individual out-on-the-water recreation, to the great joy that comes with being able to take the whole family out for a day on the Intracoastal Waterway, lake or ocean, boating is truly a recreational activity that offers a unique experience for all ages. Everyone can find something they love about the water, from fishing and wildlife watching, to everything in between.
             
Chatlee Boat and Marine, conveniently located in Sandford, North Carolina, is pleased to be able to help individuals and families in their decision making and purchasing process, and strives to offer the pleasant and informative experience that distinguishes great boat dealers. With more than 250 boats in stock and a variety of the best brands to offer, Chatlee has a boat for every budget with a line up that includes pontoons, deck boats, ski boats, wave runners, skiffs, center consoles and some of the best product names in the business like Sea Pro, Sea Hunt, Hurricane, Carolina Skiff, Nauticstar, Azure, Sea Fox, Sweetwater, South bay and Bentley.

Chatlee’s one-stop pricing philosophy makes it easy to start from scratch and leave with everything you need to take your family out on the water. In addition to in-house financing, Chatlee also demonstrates and instructs their customers on the loading and operation of their new boat in Chatlee’s own private test lake.
           
A professional and knowledgeable service department and parts department, as well as inside winter storage and electronics installation, adds to Chatlee’s impressive professional offerings. Stop by Chatlee Boat and Marine at 2615 Jefferson Davis Highway in Sanford, North Carolina. For additional information, phone 919-775-7259, email chatlee@chatleeboats.com or visit www.chatleeboats.com. 

Written exclusively for Waterfront Magazine with thanks to article contributors
Nat Ritch, Charlton Richardson and Logan Griffith, Chatlee Boat and Marine

Read more feature articles in the print edition of Waterfront Magazine.