Deciding to buy a boat is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. There are so many brands, models, sizes, features, and more to consider. It can seem like there are unlimited options to explore!

Here at Bill Howich RV & Marine, we strive to make your life easier. We gathered up the following buying tips to help you narrow your search. When you are ready to explore boats for sale, visit our dealership. We are located in Campbell River, British Columbia.

Choose a Hull Shape

Boats come in two main hull shapes.

First, there is the wide and flat hull. These boats are well-suited for shallow waters. They can pass over obstacles with a lower risk of getting damaged and can explore shallow areas with a lower risk of getting stuck.

Second, there is the V-shaped hull. These boats are well-suited for rough waters that are full of large waves. They can push through choppy waterways while staying stable.

Choose the Size

The ideal boat size for your family depends on many factors.

First, how many people will be on board? Make sure there is enough seating for everyone and passengers won't feel cramped while moving about the boat.

Second, what items do you want to bring on board? For example, maybe you want to tow your kids in an inner tube. There needs to be space on the boat to store the inner tube when it's not in use.

Third, what are you comfortable driving? Those newer to boating will want to stick to smaller and easier-to-control boats.

Choose the Features

Think about how you will use the boat, which influences the features you will want to seek out.

Maybe you plan on fishing. Look for boats that come with a livewell, baitwell, and rod holder.

Or maybe you want to host friends for social gatherings on the water. Focus on boats that come with comfortable seats and enough cup holders for everyone's drinks.

Or maybe you want to tow watersports enthusiasts. Seek out boats that can hit high speeds and generate an impressive wake.

It's wise to spend time researching the possible boat features. That way, you will know what's available. You can also talk to a boat dealer and see what features they recommend for your lifestyle. This can be a much easier, and much less time-consuming, strategy.

Want more boat buying tips? Want to shop for boats for sale? Whatever you need, the expert staff at Bill Howich RV & Marine is here to help. We are happy to answer questions, suggest specific models, and make the shopping process much easier. Simply reach out or stop by our dealership in Campbell River, British Columbia. We also proudly serve those in Courtenay and Nanaimo, British Columbia.