Ahhh the boating life! Why do people become so obsessed with boating? Even living in New England where there are only a few months of the year where you can truly enjoy boating, people still flock to marinas to have time on the water with loved ones. Why do you think that is? Is it the adventure of sailing the seas, or the need for some speed? I think every boater has a different reason for enjoying their life on the water and the Cape Yachts team loves to help fulfill those dreams.

Things to Consider When Buying a Boat

Whether you are an active angler, a veteran sailor, or one who has only dreamed of sailing from port to port, you may be planning to buy a new boat. A new craft might be a replacement for your current one, an upgrade, or the yacht of your dreams.

Recreational, cruising and fishing boats come in many sizes and shapes, each designed for specific use and level of comfort. To make sure you select the right one, you should consider the intended use, style, configuration, size, and price range. Where your boat will be used and how it will be stored should be critical considerations, as well.

The types of boats and yachts tend to fall into three general categories, although more than one activity can be enjoyed on many.

The principal reasons buyers purchase boats are for:

• Fishing
• Cruising
• Watersports

Every year boaters from around the globe flock to Florida to attend the largest in-water boat show in the world. The Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show is open October 30 to November 3 and will take place at Bahia Mar showcasing six miles of floating docks with more than 1500 boats on display. This year the show is celebrating its 60^th year hosting the event in Ft. Lauderdale, considered the Yachting Capital of the World, and is sure to be celebrating this milestone in style. 

Whether an experienced owner or a first-time buyer, shopping for a boat is a major undertaking. Sometimes first-time buyers react to their initial excitement without fully considering what they need, how big the boat should be, the age and condition, ease of operation, maintenance, and where it will be kept. 

Also, you need to first determine how much you plan to pay and how you expect to finance the boat. Impulsive buyers frequently bear that nagging concern that they overpaid after buying the first boat they inspected.  

Your Options for Winter Boat Storage

Whether you are a new boat owner or an old hand, how and where to store your boat for the winter is an important decision. A careful review of your boat storage options can save considerable money and effort.

The cost of owning a boat depends on the type, size, and location of the watercraft you are planning to purchase. Whether you hope to cruise the intercoastal waterways, sail the open seas, or fish in the Great Lakes, the costs may vary substantially.  

Matching your finances with your boating dream requires a thorough investigation.

As you shop for your first or next powerboat, sailboat, or yacht, the size of the boat should be one of the first factors to consider. To have made your purchase and later realize you should have gone larger or smaller can be very upsetting.

The Sailing Lifestyle

Very few activities evoke the same sense of escape as sailing upon the open seas. Most weekend sailors dream of cutting their land-bound ties and selling their homes to embrace the sailing lifestyle full time. Some plan for decades to enjoy the boating life when they retire, while others can take the plunge much earlier. Many avid sailors use the summer months, while the kids are out of school, to sail to dream destinations while enjoying their family time together.

Center Console or Dual Console?

Choosing between a center console and a dual console boat should depend entirely on how you plan to use it. Each offers distinct advantages, and both provide plenty of fun and functionality. Cobia Boats, a division of the Maverick Boat Group, is a leader in custom-designed boats for dedicated anglers and avid boaters alike. For over three decades, the craftsmen at Cobia have been producing safe and functional watercraft that meet and exceed the highest standards in the industry. Cobia offers a wide range of beautifully crafted center and dual console boats to match your needs precisely.