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When it comes to boat buying, there are a lot of factors to consider. One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is whether or not to buy a boat that’s bigger than you need. On the one hand, going big has its advantages: you’ll have more space and be able to take more people out on the water.
But on the other hand, there are some downsides to boat excess size that you should be aware of before making your purchase. In this article, we’ll explore both sides of the argument and help you decide if buying a bigger boat is right for you!
What are the downsides to a bigger boat than you need?
It is hard when you are shopping for your first boat or even 5th not to want to purchase a larger boat than you need. Generally speaking, going a step above what you need is a good thing, however, when it comes to boats it may not be so. Let’s dig into a few things to think about before you jump up a size in the boat while shopping.
1. Much more difficult to transport
Larger boats are, well, larger! This means it makes it more difficult to transport from place to place and may end up making it so you don’t use it nearly as much as you would a smaller boat.
One of the biggest issues when it comes to transportation with larger boats is taking them through town. Taking those tighter turns around corners in a city becomes increasingly more difficult as the boat gets longer.
Giving yourself less stress with the smaller boat while driving, can mean a huge difference in how much you use your boat.
2. You won’t be able to use every boat launch with a larger boat
We all have boat ramps that go in and out of the water, but not every boat ramp is made for a boat as big as you might be shopping for. This will limit where you can take your boat and how often you may use it.
If you are someone that likes to put your boat into the water wherever you would like, then you might want to keep an eye on how big of a boat you are buying.
Buying a boat bigger than you need, may result in ownership full of not getting to enjoy your boat as much as you would like.
3. Not every vehicle can tow larger boats
If you are someone that likes to boat with their boat at multiple locations, this may become an issue.
Towing larger boats means needing a vehicle that can handle the boat while driving down the road. This will limit your options on vehicles and you might end up having to buy a new truck just for your boat!
While some trucks can tow over 30,000 pounds, they can be quite expensive and unwieldy themselves!
4. Higher cost for purchasing the boat
It makes sense that a boat bigger than you need would be more expensive. But how much will it cost?
The simple answer is, it depends on the boat and what size boat you are looking at. If you are just stepping up one foot of length in your boat then chances are the price won’t go up too much if at all. But, if you are doubling the size of your boat then you can expect to pay quite a bit more for it.
5. More expensive to store the boat
Having boat storage for your boat is a must. While you might be able to get away with storing it on the side of your house or in the backyard, chances are that boat will need some type of boat storage facility as well. This can cost quite a bit and when you have a bigger boat than needed, it means more money is spent on boat storage each month (boat storage facilities base monthly charge on length of the boat).
What are the upsides of a bigger boat than you need?
Okay sure, there are downsides to buying a bigger boat that you need. However there are also some awesome upsides as well, so lets talk about that!
1. More space for unexpected friends and family
One of the upsides to having a larger boat is that you have more space for friends and family.
If you are someone that likes to boat with a few people, then going up in size might be a good thing for you! More space means less stress when it comes to accommodating others on your boat outing.
2. You can go in rougher waters
If you are someone that likes to boat in rougher waters, then a larger boat might be something for you.
A bigger boat means more stability and less chance of flipping over when the waves get rough. This can give you peace of mind while out on the water.
3. Future-proofing your boat purchase
Buying a boat bigger than you need can mean that boat will last you longer than if it was too small. This could mean saving money in the long run as well!
If your boat is big enough to fit all of your needs, then chances are that boat won’t need replacing for quite some time. This may save you
4. Better build quality on more expensive boats
Larger boats tend to command a much higher price point, and this also results in nicer amenities. Because of this, you can expect nicer boat build quality. This could mean better materials used, better boat construction techniques and overall higher boat value over time.
A larger boat may also come with more safety features like bigger life rafts or watertight doors leading into the hull of the boat from cabins below deck.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it depends on what you are looking for in a boat. If you are just looking to go up one size then chances are the upsides and downsides won’t be too different from your current boat.
But, if you are doubling or tripling the size of your boat, then you should take into account all of the points mentioned in this article!
