BIA Victoria - Choosing A Boat

Choosing A Boat

If you're buying a boat ask yourself the following questions....

What will you use the boat for?
(eg. recreational, skiing, fishing, cruising, sailing, commercial) Boats are designed to suit certain activities in terms of safety and performance.
Where do you plan to go boating?
(eg. inland, coastal). Boats designed for inland water may not be suited to coastal waters.
What size boat do you need?
(eg. carrying capacity)
The right size will depend on the number of passengers, load capacity and the boating conditions.
Are you equipped to move the boat?
(eg. launching, retrieving, towing)
Always ensure the car and trailer you use is capable of transporting your boat, and check the number of people needed to launch the boat.
Is the boat properly equipped for your needs?
(eg. safety gear, amenities)
The required safety equipment is essential for safety and worry free boating enjoyment.
What type of engine does the boat need?
(eg. outboard, inboard, jet)
Different types of engines are more suitable for certain uses and conditions than others.
What engine power is right for the boat?
Boats have both minimum power needs and maximum power limitations.
What should the boat be made of?
(eg. fibreglass, aluminium, wood, inflatable)
The hull composition you need may depend on how and where you use, maintain and store your boat.
Do you know how to operate the boat safely?
(eg. training, skill level, knowledge of rules and regulations)
It's important that you can handle the boat you want to buy.

Consider the following before taking the plunge...

BIA Victoria would like to thank BIA NSW www.bia.org.au for this information