Buying a yacht is a decision you make that will affect you for many years to come in a number of ways. If you make the right choice, you can spend countless hours this summer out on the water with family and friends creating memories that will last a lifetime. Choose incorrectly, you wind up frustrated and in debt to cover all those unexpected costs that you did not anticipate.

Consider these yacht buying tips before you cut that check for your boat and start looking for that yacht for sale:

Time Out on the Water
Consider where you live in the buying decision because if you can only enjoy your boat six months out of the year because of weather, you might be better of renting a boat a few weekends a year than making the full commitment. Break down how many days you could enjoy your boat and then weigh that into the decision because even if the boat is in dry dock, you are still paying for it.

The Costs to Own a Boat
In addition to the cost for the yacht itself, grab a pencil and paper and consider the following. Regardless how many times you get out on the water, you have license, permit, and insurance fees all year. The boat needs to be maintained all year, and if it comes out for cold weather, you have to pay to winterize it. If you can not keep it in your driveway, you pay for boat storage all year-long. These fee add up fast, so be sure to consider everything.

Spend a Day Off at a Boat Show
Not only can you see all the variety in different type boats at the boat show, you get to pick the brains of all the people there hosting the event. Here is your chance to find out the good and bad of each boat, what new features are coming out this year, and how a smaller boat with more features can be a smarter investment than a bigger boat with limited accessories. Ask as many questions as you can before you make that purchase.

Consider Some Boat Safety
No matter how great you are at swimming or boating, your passengers may not be as skilled as you, especially when trouble strikes. Taking a boat safety course will help inform you of all the potential troubles that can arise when you are out on the water and away from any immediate help. The course will inform you all the tools and accessories you must have on the boat to protect each of your passengers.

Boating With Your Friends
Before you make the final decision to buy a boat, spend time on the water in a friends boat. See what is involved with getting the boat to the marina, spend time on the seas to see if you love this lifestyle, ask about costs and unexpected expenditures. If you can enjoy times on the water before you buy, then you will be able to make a decision more informed and enjoy your purchase for the long-haul.

These boat buying tips should get you into the right frame of mind so that you enjoy all your time on the water.