Buying a Boat? What You Need to Know

Enjoy the boat you buy ! Summer is in full swing and millions of Americans are taking their boats out on the water to enjoy fishing, water skiing and wakeboarding, while others will gather with friends on their boats to cookout, picnic or just relax. And, thanks to easy financing terms, there’s never been a better time to take the plunge and buy your first boat, or upgrade to a larger model.

When purchasing a boat, the most important thing you need to do is consider what activities you’ll enjoy while on it. Then you have to determine which boat is right for your budget. Just as important is checking whether the boat you buy is certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the trade association for the recreational boating industry.

The United States Coast Guard requires most boats to meet a set of minimum safety regulations. “NMMA Certified boats not only meet the safety regulations of the U.S. Coast Guard, but they are also built to meet the more comprehensive industry standards established by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC),” says NMMA’s Tom Marhevko, a former U.S. Coast Guard captain. “Choosing an NMMA-certified boat is one of the best and easiest ways to be sure you're getting a quality boat,”

To receive certification, a manufacturer’s entire line of boats must meet the standards; every model is inspected regularly at the factory. When buying a boat, look for the “NMMA Certified Using ABYC Standards” label, which shows that the craft’s key safety systems have been thoroughly examined by a third-party inspector.

“Boaters have different priorities when choosing a new boat. They look at the size, determine how much they can spend and decide which boat is the best for their lifestyle. They also need to consider safety, and by purchasing a boat that’s NMMA Certified, they can be confident that the electrical systems, powering, flotation, fuel systems and navigation lights on their new boat meet the highest industry safety standards,” says Marhevko.

Consumers can look for the NMMA Certification sticker or label on the boat’s windshield or near the capacity label. They can also ask the dealer to show them NMMA Certified boats, or find a particular boat manufacturer at www.nmma.org.

For a listing of boat shows in your area, go to www.discoverboating.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Other Sites of Interest:

How to Buy a Boat

Canoes & ~ Kayaks - Interactive Buyers' Guide

Motor Point - Boat Buying Guides, Reviews, Tips & Articles