So you’ve decided to buy your first boat.
Congratulations!
Because 2/3 of the earth’s surface is covered by water, your new boat will let you visit a lot more of the planet, much more than you can visit by car.

When you’re first getting started in boating you want the experience to be as fun and easy as possible.
For that reason, we recommend your first boat be no larger than 22-24 feet, but make sure any boat you buy is certified to carry all the passengers and gear you plan to bring aboard.

New vs. used boats
As with a car, there are pros and cons to both new and used boats.

Is a new boat the way to go?
As with a car, there are pros and cons to both new and used boats.
The reasons for shopping new first are likely obvious:
You know every piece of the history of your boat and its motor.
If something goes wrong, you have a warranty to rely upon; you do not have to focus on all of the restoration or repair projects - allowing you to get out on the water right away; and finally, you often can order the boat custom to your needs and tastes.
Financing a new boat often allows you to negotiate much better interest rates as well. You will also gain insight into which type of boat is best for you, by shopping new.
As with a car, the depreciation will be highest in the first season of use.