The cost of a boat can vary widely. Whether you are looking for a Jon boat, speed boat, or sailboat, this investment is going to cost you a pretty penny or two. To ensure you make the best purchase possible, it is worth doing some research about your big purchase.

These three tips will help ensure you are ready to make a decision.

Pick your boat type

If you are looking for a boat, the first decision you will need to make is what kind of boat makes the most sense for your lifestyle — and your budget. Are you in it for speed or luxury, fishing or skiing, sailing or cruising? All of these characteristics are defined by different boats. To look at all the features of various boats, look for an online boat guide.

Research potential manufacturers

Once you’ve narrowed down the type of boat you are most interested in, you can start narrowing down your search further by looking at different Boating Manufacturers. On these sites, you can browse different models and their specific features and potential customizations. From there, you should also look at reviews for each manufacturer. What are the pros and cons of each option, what do customers like, and where are their complaints focused.

Browse in person

When making such a large purchase, it is understandable that you may not want to make your decision entirely based on online research. If you want to experience your boat in person, look online for sellers or for upcoming boat shows in your area.