Your Guide to Purchasing a Great Fishing Boat

Do you want to buy a new fishing boat? You don't want to buy just any fishing boat, though. Before any significant investment, you should carefully consider your options and choose what is best for you. This guide can help you sort through the numerous styles and models to choose from. Visit Boat Masters Marine in Akron, Ohio, to browse our inventory of boats for sale. We serve the Youngstown and Cleveland areas, too.

The Right-Sized Boat

There are various factors to think about when determining the right size of the vessel you're considering. If you're going to be doing most of your angling in smaller lakes, rivers, or bays, you can easily get by with a smaller fishing boat. However, if you plan to fish in large bodies of water like the ocean or the Great Lakes, you should go for a larger vessel. 

Another such factor is the number of companions you want to take with you. If it's just yourself and one or two others, then you can buy a smaller boat. On the other hand, if you're taking your entire family and/or a group of friends, then you'll need a larger vessel to accommodate everyone. Next, let's look at the available deck layouts. 

Deck Layout and Fishing Features

The common deck layouts for fishing boats are center console and dual console. Center-console boats are the preferred choice among anglers because there's more room on deck for casting and reeling in your catches. Dual-console boats typically have more storage and seating, though. They let you also enjoy pleasure cruising and other boating activities if you like. 

There are many other features to look for in a fishing boat, including a large live well, rod and tackle storage, and hookups for a trolling motor. If fishing is your main objective, ensure that you have these necessary tools and space to store your gear.

Warranties

Different warranties are available for different boats. It's wise to thoroughly research what each type of warranty offers. A good manufacturer warranty will cover many of the large components of the boat. Also, the boat's motor will probably have a separate warranty, so research that as well. 

Whether you plan to fish in salt water or fresh water and end up with a center-console or dual-console boat, look into all the factors and features you can to make the best decision for your needs. With this guide, you can create a checklist to avoid missing anything when you go boat shopping. Come check us out at Boat Masters Marine in Akron, Ohio, for your next boat purchase. We welcome customers from Youngstown and Cleveland, too!