Leisure vessels owners have different definitions of pleasure. For some boaters, being able to cruise the harbor and bay is pleasure enough. But for many pleasure boaters, fishing is the sole purpose for being on the water. But if you are a longtime boat owner, you know that owning a boat is a costly affair. Making decisions that keep not only the cost of your initial purchase, but also the long-term cost of ownership well within you financial means is one of the critical factors of keeping the pleasure in boating. It is very hard to enjoy your boat when it becomes an unexpected drain on your financial resources.
Below are some good tips to first time leisure vessels buyers.

Initial cost is one of the most important considerations is keeping the total cost of your purchase well within your financial means. One of the considerations often overlooked when purchasing a new boat is what the vessel will be worth a few years later in the event that you suddenly need to liquidate.
 
We seem to be living in an age when price and quantity are more important to consumers than quality. First time boat buyers in particular are often more interested in finding the largest size vessel for the least cost, making spaciousness a key factor in their boat pick. This is a mistake. Boats float in a very corrosive fluid: sea water. Added to the corrosive effects of sea water are the effects of sunlight, ice and snow, rain and the rough conditions of oceans, lakes, and bays. In other words, boats float in a rather hostile environment, a factor that should make getting the best quality for the money a primary consideration.

Increasingly, leisure vessels builders are succumbing to marketing fads, sacrificing quality for appearance, style over safety and function. More and more builders turn to designers of fashion in an effort to snare the inexperienced into keeping up with the Joneses with the latest stylistic offerings. Succumbing to style over substance can be a costly mistake when, a few years later, when the trendy design is out of style and all that showroom glitz and gloss turns to rot and rust under the effects of the harsh marine environment. 

Consider your option of new or used boat carefully. There are very good values to be had in used boats. More first time buyers purchase new leisure vessels, while experienced boaters more often buy used. And with good reason. Experienced boaters know that there is better value dollar for dollar in many used boats than new ones. They've already had the experience of taking a big hit in depreciation, along with the high cost of financing involved in a new boat purchase.

Make quality a major consideration. Don't try to get the largest vessel that your budget will allow. Better to take a step down in size and a step up in quality. If size is a major consideration, seriously consider used versus new as a means of staying within your budget. Look beyond glamorous interiors, luxurious upholstery and racy designs: the beauty may only be skin deep. Calculate the full cost of ownership, including depreciation, interest, insurance, dockage, fuel and repairs. Figure maintenance as an annual percentage over the period of ownership.
Seriously consider gas rather than diesel for boats under 35' for which you don't expect to get much use.

Once you've decided on several possibilities, take a tour of a marina or boat yard and see how the products of those builders hold up over the years. Talk to their owners and see what they have to say. Consult a surveyor before you buy. Most surveyors will be glad to help you make a choice.Take the time to find the best surveyor in your area. Make your purchase decision only after you've read the survey report. Consider the advantage of getting major machinery or parts overhauled or replaced based on a reduction in price.  

Following these tips, you will acquire a really worthy boat for you and your family.