Although purchasing a boat, new or used, will never be a matter to take lightly or to rush through, the popularity of the Internet has made researching the buying process easier than ever, putting information about pricing, the best brokers, dealers and industry professionals at one's fingertips. The Internet gives prospective boat buyers instant access to boatloads of information, including detailed specifications, location, and photos of both the interior and exterior of the boat. Many websites even provide virtual tours. Consumers searching for the best deal on the market, can access the listings of multiple dealers and brokers to research the most competitive pricing. The Internet also provides links to organizations and resources designed to inform and protect the consumer, such as the Yacht Brokers Association of America and NADA Value Guides.

Fuel prices are dropping, thank goodness… And on top of that, here are some Discover Boating tips to get the most out of your boat’s fuel efficiency, and save you even more money at the gas docks.

Make sure the hull is clean. If a boat has been sitting in the water for a long time, cleaning the hull is important for reducing fuel consumption. A clean hull will not only move through the water easier, but also will handle better and give maximum performance while lowering fuel consumption.