Choosing your boat
All boats are built for different purposes. Different hull shapes and designs limit where a boat can be used and its capacity. Before buying a boat, consider the following questions:
What will you use the boat for?
Boats are built to suit certain activities like fishing, skiing, cruising or sailing. The design, construction, stability, flotation and maintenance will all affect the safety and performance for your chosen activity.
Where do you plan to go boating?
Boats bought for use on inland waterways are usually not suited for offshore boating. Consider where you will be using your boat and find out if the boat is suitable.
What size boat do you need?
The right size boat will depend on the number of passengers, load capacity (think of the type of equipment you will be taking) and the boating conditions you expect to encounter.
Are you equipped to move the boat?
Always ensure the car and trailer is capable of transporting the boat and check the number of people needed to launch the boat.
Is the boat properly equipped for your needs?
Safety equipment is essential for your safety and the safety of others if you run into trouble. Find out more information about safety equipment.
What type of engine does the boat need?
Different types of engines are more suitable for certain users and conditions than others.
What engine power is right for the boat?
Boats have both minimum power needs and maximum power limitations. Don’t overpower to gain more speed. The extra weight on the transom may unbalance the boat and lower the freeboard.
What should the boat be made of?
Hull compositions can be fibreglass, aluminium, wood or inflatable. What you need may depend on how and where you use, maintain and store your boat.
Consider buying a boat fitted with inbuilt buoyancy.
Most aluminium boats have foam built into the boat. This will keep the boat buoyant even when filled with water. Built-in buoyancy is also possible in larger fibreglass boats, however, it must be requested before manufacture.
Benefits of in-built buoyancy are:
- The boat will stay afloat when capsized or swamped.
- Passengers can stay with the boat until help arrives.
- The boat provides shelter and gives more time to activate emergency procedures.
- Provides the opportunity to bail water out of the boat.
