Two of the most expensive things you’ll do in your life are buying a house and buy a car. Both of these things need a huge amount of investment and you have to take out a loan to even afford them. However, they’re both essential to your way of life. You need to have a house (or at least, some kind of home) so you have a roof over your head, and a car is less essential but still really important depending on where you live.

But what about a boat? Is a boat something that you could consider an essential vehicle purchase?

Probably not. Not many people need a boat or even live somewhere where they can use it. But there are rare situations where you might actually have the opportunity to not just purchase a boat, but actually use it on a regular basis. If you’re blessed with these conditions, then here are a couple of things to consider before you buy a boat.

What type of boat are you looking for?

First, decide what kind of boat you’re looking for. There are a lot of options available from fishing boats to bass boats and even motor yachts. We’d suggest taking a look at a local dealership not just to see what options they have, but also to learn more about the different kinds of boats available. Some of them are designed for recreational activities like sailing and fishing, while others are built to last a few days on the water which makes it a great weekend break option. Others are better suited for tighter rivers, while some are great for open waters. With so much to choose from, it pays to have an expert help you out.

Do you have a place to store your boat?

From indoor boat storage to a harbor, there are plenty of places to store your boat. Make sure you do a quick search around your local area to see what boat storage options there are. Alternatively, you could store your boat close to wherever you plan to sail. It’s a bit more effort driving there to maintain your boat and check up on it, but it’s a lot more convenient than hauling your boat to your destination.

Do you know how to use and maintain a boat?

You should also take some courses in safety, maintenance, and general operation before you decide to buy a boat. Much like driving a car, it’s vital that you learn how to pilot a boat before you get in. In fact, many dealerships will refuse to sell you a boat unless you have a license.

Are you financially stable?

Lastly, remember that you should be financially stable before you buy a boat. This includes paying off your debts like a mortgage or a car loan, and also earning enough salary to pay off your boat. We can’t stress just how important financial security is in this case, especially with an expensive purchase such as a boat.