Guy Harvey Magazine

WIN 2012

Guy Harvey Magazine is focused on fishing, boating, scuba diving, and marine conservation. Portfolios from the world's best fishing photographers, articles on gear, travel, tournaments, apparel, lifestyle, seafood recipes, sustainable fisheries.

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Defining Use "When considering a boat purchase, ask yourself the who, what, when, where, and why, as if you're writing a news article," suggests Eric Cashion, director of marketing for Cabo and Hatteras Yachts. Although Cashion deals with big, offshore boats, his approach stirs up important questions for any buyer. Who will be running the boat? Some men (and they're not the only ones who buy boats) might think of their craft as the perfect escape pod for getting with their buds to hunt, gather, drink beer, and be manly. While this scenario fits many buyers, the truth is, wives and significant others usually play a major role in a such a significant purchase. In this case, male buyers need to consider whether or not she's comfortable handling the boat, say, for example when he's slipped and fallen overboard while trying to pull in the anchor. Or maybe she'll be using the boat when he's out of town or stuck at work. If so, make sure both parties agree on what features are most important. Which brings up question number two. What's the main usage? Is this a pure fishing rig or does it also need to pull kids on tubes? Generally, a boat 24-feet-long or longer puts out too much wake for pulling skiers, not to mention limited maneuverability in tight spots. If this is just a raw fishing machine, then the choices are almost endless, from a 16-foot flats boat to a 60-foot offshore mega-fisher. That's when you have to face the next question. Where will you do the majority of your boating? Perhaps you dream of running to the Bahamas every weekend with your buddies; but unless you're getting a large enough boat for overnight trips, you'll most likely fish within a day's run of the launch. A little dose of reality is critical in choosing a boat that will translate into more time on the water. Finally, why are you buying? Is it for family recreation? Is it only for fishing? If so, what kind of fishing? Are you looking for a booze cruiser for entertaining at the yacht club? Are you just getting your feet wet in the market? Each of these points calls for some concerted soul searching about your fishing and boating lifestyle before cutting the check. Initial cost is important, but it's not everything. Quality, durability, and resale value should also be considered. Understanding Cost It doesn't take a CPA to tell you that buying a new boat is a big investment. Perhaps we should be more clear. It's a big expense. If done right, it can be an "investment," but few people make money when they sell a boat. If you buy a "classic" or a fixer-upper, and have the expertise and a garage full of tools, you may be able to turn a profit when you sell your boat. However, the vast majority of us buy boats that we can use right out of the chute, and prices can range wildly. "You shouldn't focus solely on the initial cost," warns Alan Lang, national sales manager for Scout Boats, who recommends prospective buyers take

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