Make It Yours

You’ve squared away the financing, and the time has finally come to buy a boat, be it new or just new to you. You’re all a-jitter with the idea of selecting and equipping a boat that’s perfect for your kind of fishing. But before you sign on the dotted line, let’s look at 25 ­important steps you should take to ensure that this becomes your ultimate saltwater-fishing boat.

1. Review Expenses:

Though you might think only in terms of purchase price, consider ongoing expenses such as slip fees, insurance, maintenance and fuel. Too many buyers have eagerly upgraded to bigger boats, only to pine for their smaller craft once the costs of running a new boat hit them. Create an ­accurate estimate of ongoing expenses; although you might not change your mind, at least you’ll go in with your eyes and your checkbook open.

2. Consider the Seas:

Size matters if you’re running offshore. So if the choice boils down to two or three extra feet in length, opt for the bigger boat, especially if you anticipate serious blue-water fishing. You’ll truly appreciate the upgrade when battling mean, green, foaming seas miles offshore or running a windswept inlet on an outgoing tide.