Life changes. And so do your boat needs. In fact, there’s a good chance your idea of your “dream boat” will evolve over time, as your lifestyle, priorities, and preferences change. Maybe you started out with weekend day trips and now you’re planning week-long adventures. Or instead of sunset cruises your crew is craving sunny days spent tubing and wakeboarding.
So, how do you know when it’s time to upgrade your boat? Below, we’ll dive deeper into five tell-tale signs that your current boat no longer checks off all your boxes and that a new vessel is worth exploring.
1.Your Boat is Too Small or Too Big
Is your crew feeling a little cramped? If your boat can’t accommodate all your friends and family comfortably, it’s time to think about upgrading to something larger. On the flipside, if you’re constantly cruising at half-capacity and burning through excessive amounts of fuel, your boat might be too large—so downsizing might make sense. At the end of the day, your boat should match your vibe and guest list. That is, your goal should be to find a boat that suits the number of passengers you typically have on board, as well as the type of activities you usually enjoy, such as fishing, watersports, and relaxing.
2. You’re Looking for Improved Performance
Looking for a smoother, faster ride? Newer boats are often equipped with potent engines and advanced hull designs that allow for greater speed, handling, and fuel efficiency. If you’re into watersports or just crave a bit more adrenaline on the water, a higher performing vessel should be on your radar. In short, if you feel your current ride is holding you back, a performance upgrade can totally level up your boating game.
3. Your Boat’s Technology and Features are Outdated
Is your boat’s tech stuck in the past? There’s no denying that marine tech is advancing at lightning speed. Newer boats boast smart tech and features such as assisted docking systems and autonomous navigation that enhance their comfort, safety and ease of use. If your current boat lacks the innovations that matter to you, it might be time for a boat upgrade.
4. You’re Tired of the Maintenance
Are you ready to spend less time fixing and more time floating? As a boat owner, you know that boat maintenance and repairs are inevitable. However, if you’re constantly worrying about an overheated engine, water leaks, or steering problems, something’s got to give. Upgrading to a newer vessel can eliminate that stress, so you can truly relax and make the most of your time on the water.
5. Your Lifestyle Has Changed
When life shifts, your boat should keep up. Maybe you bought your boat before the kiddos arrived—and now you need a larger, safer, and more family-friendly ride like a pontoon boat or cabin cruiser. Or perhaps the kids have moved out and you have more time to devote to boating—so now you’d be better off with a trawler that can handle longer adventures. If your boat no longer fits your current lifestyle, an upgrade may be in order.
How to Find the Ideal Boat
Once you decide it’s time to upgrade your boat, how do you find the perfect match? First, do your homework. Shop around, read reviews and check out different makes and models to find options that align with your budget and needs. Attending boat shows is a great way to see and board hundreds of boats, ask questions and explore different options in person.
You may even be able to test drive a few boats so that you know exactly how they feel on the water. (Let’s be honest, that qualifies more as fun than work.) If you do the heavy lifting and weigh the pros and cons of all the vessels at your disposal now, you’ll thank yourself for a successful upgrade later, when you’re out on the water with zero regrets.
Ready to Buy a New Boat? Check Out Discover Boating’s Boat Finder Tool
Our handy boat finder tool makes it a breeze to narrow down your options and zero in on the perfect boat. Just plug in the activities you’re interested in, how many passengers you hope to accommodate, what types of engines you prefer, and how you want to transport your boat. From there, the tool will let you compare the best boats for your unique needs. Best of luck in your search for a new and improved boat!
