'If I Was Buying My First Boat' - A Primer on The Boat Buying Journey

By: Ian Kim

Purchasing a boat can be a daunting process. It's not like buying a new pair of sneakers, where a little discomfort is the worst that can happen. A boat is a significant financial commitment that requires knowledge of hull design, engine types, and safety classifications. Every salesperson will claim that their model is "perfect" for you, but the options are countless and determining your needs is paramount. Considering that boats are designed for all types of water (flatwater, surf, ocean, freshwater, inland lake, river, and more), weather conditions, and activities, you may find yourself overwhelmed and unsure where to start.

For my own journey into boating, I chose to tackle this question from a straightforward perspective: What would I genuinely need if I were purchasing a boat? We all know the 'wants' list can be full on its own. I chose to break it down into the essentials — how I would use it, where I would take it, and what features were required to boat safely.

Based on what I learned on my journey, below is a breakdown of my thought process and how I chose the right boat for me.

The first question I would ask myself is how I am going to use the boat. I would want a boat that is both flexible for taking the boat out for a weekend solo trip, or bringing some of my friends along for an all-day hangout. When it comes to features, there are a few non-negotiables on my list.

First is a GPS and/or chartplotter so I know where I am headed at all times. As a new boater, this feels prudent. The next non-negotiable is a VHF marine radio. This is my safety and communication device and it is a direct line to the Coast Guard or any nearby boaters if I need help. Since I plan on exploring different waterways (and hiking trails) using my boat, a trailer is essential. However, I do not want just any type of trailer, and I don’t want a boat that is enormously oversized for my needs. My sweet spot is something as small as 18 feet and as large as 28 feet, depending on what I find. Last but not least, having a built-in wakeboard rack would be great so I could give wakeboarding a try. Even though I might not be doing flips and spins anytime soon, I would at least like the option to try.

Additionally, I'm establishing a strict $100,000 budget. That's what I can afford, and that's enough to purchase a good, well-equipped boat without going 'overboard' on my first purchase. I can look at mid-range models from reliable brands within that budget, including with the necessary electronics, and perhaps even treat myself to a few comfort features. It also helps me stay grounded by making me focus on the things that matter -- like a sturdy build, a dependable engine, and the features that will make my time on the water more enjoyable. If I shop wisely, I might even be able to find a gently used boat that offers me better value for my money while also leaving some budget leftover for equipment, upkeep, and those unavoidable unexpected costs.

After spending time on BoatDealers.ca, I quickly discovered that using the filtering options greatly reduced the complexity of the process. As someone new to the boating world, seeing all different types and prices of boats at once can was overwhelming. However, on BoatDealers, boats can be sorted by type, make, year, price, region, class, model, length, and fuel type. This felt much more manageable by helping me sort through the clutter and concentrate only on boats that met my needs and fell within price range. For my search, I filtered boats down to used condition only and looked through price ranges between $25,000-$49,999 and $50,000-$99,999.

After spending time scrolling through many boats, I ended up loving a 2000 Doral 270 SC. My need for a boat that's roomy enough to host friends without being overly big is exactly met by the Doral's size and layout. It's a great balance at about 27 feet, with plenty of deck space and seating for mingling, but without feeling like a full-size yacht. With the Doral, everyone on board can move around easily and find comfortable seating thanks to the convertible rear bench and the walk-through windshield. The boat can easily manage both moods, whether it's a laid-back day of cruising or an exciting afternoon on the water.

The Doral 270 SC I found has most of the features on my list, including a GPS/chartplotter, which for me is important for safe navigation. Additionally, it has an adjustable helm seat and a complete enclosure, which improves comfort on longer journeys or in inclement weather. Although it lacks the integrated wakeboard tower I was hoping for, I understand that some concessions have to be made. Based on the information and the pictures provided by the dealer, the engine had a reasonable number of hours, the boat had been clearly well maintained (there were complete records provided by the previous owner), and it had been upgraded over time. Lastly, the 270 SC is adaptable enough for both solo weekend getaways and group outings thanks to the onboard facilities, which include a wet bar, sink, head, and sleeping quarters.

All in all, for the price, condition, and amenities, the Doral 270 SC is the right choice for me.

Although purchasing a boat is undoubtedly a big decision, it can be made much easier by breaking it down into the features that are most important to you. For me, that boiled down to a size that fits my lifestyle, and how I want to use it -- traveling while being able to overnight with friends. That makes the Doral 270 SC the ideal combination being roomy, well-equipped, but not unduly complex, and adaptable enough for both solo excursions and fun days with friends. It fit my budget, and it was located close to me as well -- another handy detail that made the process smoother and faster. There are plenty of similar boats out there, but this one just felt right for me.

At the end of the day, for me, the right boat doesn't have the flashiest features or the biggest engine. It's about finding the boat that you connect to -- the one that feels like your personal gateway to adventure, relaxation, and memories on water. #tips