Tips and Info

How to choose what boats suit you?

When you decide to take up boating there are many things you have to consider before departing with your sizeable hard earned cash unless money is no object to you. It is important you make the right choice the first time or you may end up disappointed.

Each individual has different ideas as to why he wants to take up boating. It could be for weekend family getaways, fishing trips, corporate outings with clients or just to own a flashy high-powered sleek speedster that will make other fellow boaters turn green with envy,

Here are some guidelines on buying a boat.

First time owners in particular must understand that different boats have individual characteristics and performances. Thus, you have to be focused on what you want the boat for. Owning a boat is not like owning a car or a house. It can be likened to owning both of them but with higher expenses. The cost of owning a boat can start from a few thousand to few hundred million Ringgit depending on your taste and that excludes the maintenance and operational costs.

Next, ask yourself what you want to use the boat for. If your hobby is fishing and you decide to buy a boat, you need to consider whether it is for fishing out on the river, along the coastline or on the open sea. Is it going to be used for day or overnight trips and how many people do you plan to bring along?

How much is your budget? A normal fiberglass car topper boat of 3.6 metres with a small five horsepower outboard motor will cost about RM4,500. It is suitable for two to three persons going on a fishing trip in the river or small lake or protected coastal areas.

If you are considering getting a corporate ownership of a luxury yacht, which is like a floating condominium, you need to set your priorities and its usage. The range could start from a 15-metre yacht that comes with three cabins with attached bathroom and toilet for the master cabin to one whose size is like that of a ship with five to 10 rooms and five- star hotel-like facilities that include a meeting room.

What boat size is thus ideal for you? The boat size will depend on the number of passengers you plan to take onboard and what you want to do on board. Its size is also important depending on where you plan to go boating in the different water conditions.

After deciding on the boat size, you need to pair the boat with an engine or engines to give you the desired speed and the load on board. The basic principle is to remember that the bigger the engines, the faster you go and the higher the fuel consumption.

Now, where to keep the boat? Large boats are usually kept at the marina, boat or yacht clubs and boat storage parks. It is advisable to confirm a storage space before buying a large boat nearest your home. Trailer boats, however, can be trailed back home under your watchful eyes if your premises have the space.