Boat Buyers Guide

Jun 9, 2026

As a first-time boat buyer, navigating the journey to find the perfect boat can be exciting yet overwhelming. That’s why MarineMax has created the Boat Buyer’s Guide, designed to provide you with all the essential information you need to embark on your boating adventure. This guide will help you understand the incredible lifestyle that comes with boating and navigate the boat-buying process with confidence. We hope this resource serves as your gateway to joining MarineMax and becoming part of our community, united by water.

Boat Types

Let’s start off with boating activities. Which types of boats are best for what you want to do on the water?

Day Cruising

Everyone loves a relaxing day cruise enjoying local gathering spots, dockside restaurants, or natural wonders. While any boat can be used for cruising, there are boats designed with features that are specific to maximizing space and comfort for passengers. These include:

Runabouts / Bowriders Boats
Deck Boats
Cuddy Cabin Boats
Pontoon Boats

Fishing

Fishing is an enormously popular sport around the world. From freshwater lakes to the open ocean and everywhere in-between, the location and type of fishing you are planning to do plays a large part in which type of vessel best suits your needs. While any boat can be used for fishing, there are boats designed with features that are specific to fishing particular species and environments. These include:

Inshore / Bay Boats
Center Console Boats
Walkarounds
Multi-Purpose Dual Console Boats
Sportfishing Yachts
Convertible Sportfishing Yachts

Yachting

Any boat can be called a yacht if it has below deck accommodations including a place to sleep (berths), a place to prepare meals (galley) and a flushing toilet (head). Some examples include:

Express Yachts
Flybridge Yachts
Motor Yachts
Superyachts
Trawlers

Waterskiing, Wakeboarding, other Water Sports

Tow sport boats are designed to pull a rider during water sports such as waterskiing or wakeboarding. These boats are designed to create a specific wake size with different systems and electronic controls that can be set for specific activities.

Multipurpose Boating

Crossover boats combine two or more boating activities. Fish and ski boats are designed to be good all-round fishing boats for those who also enjoy waterskiing, tube riding and wakeboarding.

High-speed Thrills

High-performance power boats are designed for boaters who crave speed on the water. These boats can range in size from less than 20-feet to more than 50-feet and have a deep-V body shape. High speed boats can range from small outboard-engine-powered sport boats to giant performance center consoles to closed-deck boats with full canopies over the cockpit. Amenities vary widely from boat to boat varying from complete cabins ideal for weekend getaways to bucket seats in the cockpit for the thrill-seeking passengers.

Other Things to Know About Boat Types:

Propulsion Systems

Aviara 40 on water with bridge and city skyline in the background

Inboard

Inboard power systems enclose the engine(s) below the deck of the boat. They are similar to automobile engines, but they are built for the marine environment with demonstrably greater efficiency and durability than the typical car engine. Inboards come in two types, D-Drive and V-Drive. D-Drive’s have the entire system situated under the center of the hull while V-Drive’s carry the engine in the back of the boat.The placement of the V-Drive engine causes increased wake, which is a plus for skiers and wakeboarders wanting to catch a little air. The lack of an exposed propeller also makes them a favorite among watersports enthusiasts and families with little ones.

Inboard/Outboard

Inboard / Outboard propulsion systems, also called sterndrives, merge some of the best qualities of each type of engine. Like an inboard, the motor is in the hull, but under the transom. And like an outboard, the propeller is outside the back of the hull, but under the swim deck. This helps to achieve the added power of an inboard and the enhanced maneuverability of an outboard.

Photo of a person wakesurfing from a Super Air Nautique

Jet Boats

Jet boats propel themselves by having an impeller draw up water from an intake on the bottom of the boat which is then is expelled from the back of the boat in a focused, high-speed blast. This makes them light, quick, and very fun.

Outboard

Outboard motors are mounted on the transom at the boat’s stern. They have the ability to tilt in and out of the water. This allows drivers to adjust the trim position for different depths and helps the boat to plane, which smooths the ride and helps fuel efficiency. The tilt function also helps to lift the propeller out of the water when not in use to aid in preventing corrosion. Formerly not considered a very efficient or environmentally friendly option, new outboards meet stringent EPA emissions requirements and have far better fuel economy. Boats of over 60-feet are powered by multiple outboards with over 600-horsepower each.

Pod Drive

Pod Drives forego the traditional shaft drive system for more streamlined pods consisting of a transmission, outdrive, and propellers. The two pods are located directly under the boat with counter rotating 4-blade propellers, which provide less noise and vibration as well as enhanced fuel efficiency. What really separates pod drives are their maneuverability. With each pod having independent articulation, they can spin a boat 180 degrees in place or even counter each other to keep a boat in its position. Another unique quality of pod drives is their ability to sheer the pods off the boat if it strikes an underwater mass that would cause catastrophic damage. No matter what type of propulsion system you prefer, the knowledgeable team at MarineMax will make sure your boat’s engine has the right balance of size and power to maximize your enjoyment on the water.

Buying New Vs. Used

The next thing to determine is if you would like to buy a new or used boat. Each has its own great qualities and is best determined by the buyer and their personal preferences.

New Boat

A new boat leaves no wonder how the boat’s been used or misused, including adequate winterization and commission
Selection is at your fingertips with no limitations on what the market has available
You get the latest, greatest technology and innovations
New boats have the advantage of carrying warranties and are more easily financed
Personalization of gear selected precisely for your purpose

Used Boat

You may get more boat for less cost
Peace of mind that the boat is “broken in”
Any of the boat’s initial issues have likely surfaced and been dealt with
You get time-tested technologies that you can research ahead for user reviews
You get to choose your purchase style from a trade-in, used inventory, or a private seller

Choosing A Dealer Vs. A Private Seller

Buying a boat from a certified dealer can have significant advantages. Whether you choose to buy new or used, your local dealer can offer many more benefits that a buyer deserves to have during such a huge and satisfying purchase experience.

Boat Dealer

Will be trained on the boat’s functions and systems
Can walk their customers through the boat and even perform a test drive
Have experienced retail sales professionals that focus on customer satisfaction
Is extensively trained on every brand and model in their dealership and can guide you to the best boating experience based on your goals
Prepares and delivers boats to their customers with complete systems check, fluids analysis and a thorough cleaning
Have delivery captains that do a complete walkthrough assuring that the boat is ready for its new owner and explain the systems and control functions
Offers service and support with factory trained and certified mechanics
Provides a real relationship with the dealership and ongoing continued support
Often offers financing for your purchase
Handles each component’s manufacturer information at hand and will deal with the component manufacturer to cover the warranty

Private Seller

Private sellers tend to sell their boats as is so you’re left to prep the boat for the water
A private seller transaction usually requires you to arrange pick up and transportation for your boat
Once a purchase is completed with a private seller you’re left to find the best service provider in case an issue comes up with your new boat
Private sellers will likely not provide a lifetime relationship as a boater
Buying from a private seller leave you responsible for reaching out to each component manufacturer in case anything comes up

Steps to Buying a Boat

Make an Appointment

When you’ve found a boat you are interested in, make an appointment for a showing to determine what you and your family are looking for from your boating experience. Make an in-person or virtual appointment with a MarineMax representative.

Service any unresolved issues
Detail boat inside and out
Be transparent about any system issues or damage

Learn more about trade-ins

Warranties

With any boat, be sure to understand the warranty details, they vary tremendously from different manufacturers. Know before you buy how the warranty is supported and what your responsibilities will be to maintain that warranty. Most warranties for new boats are serviced by the new boat dealer. The manufacturer warranties the construction and material failures. Systems, such as engines, transmissions, electronics, pumps, components, stereo, televisions, etc. are warranted by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). The dealer will provide the necessary forms and documents to assure these systems are supported and should be able to assist in the warranty work if these systems fail. For whatever reason and whatever type of boat that you decide to buy, the best advice is to use it as often as you can and most of all enjoy your new life on the water.

Storage

Boat storage costs depend on the size and type of vessel. Smaller boats can often be stored at home, though regulations may apply, while larger yachts typically need marina storage. Home trailering is the most affordable option, but "toy" storage lots are also available at varying prices. Marinas offer in-water storage, keeping boats docked and ready, or high-and-dry storage, which protects boats from the elements by placing them on racks. Both options have benefits, though busy weekends may cause delays. Proper winterization is also essential to prevent damage, and many owners choose professional services for this task.

A marinemax technician works on fixing a boat

Maintenance

Maintaining your boat is essential to protect its engine, electronics, and systems from harsh water conditions. Regular maintenance, following the owner's manual, should include a "day-checklist" for your propulsion system to check oil, fuel levels, bilge water, and inspect belts and hoses before each use. Surface finishes like gelcoat, wood, and upholstery should also be cared for to preserve appearance. Outboard motors must be flushed with fresh water after each use, and boats in saltwater need anti-fouling bottom paint, requiring haul-outs every 1-2 years. Many owners also schedule monthly bottom cleaning by divers during warmer months.

Post Purchase Expenses

While many states don't require boat insurance, most finance companies do, and it's still wise to protect your vessel, passengers, and yourself with coverage, especially for marina and storage use. MarineMax partners with top insurers to help you find the right plan. Boats over 16 feet must be registered and titled in most states, with some also requiring a boating safety course. MarineMax professionals assist with the process and ensure your boat has all U.S. Coast Guard-required safety gear, such as life jackets, signaling devices, and fire extinguishers. They also provide lines and a full tank of fuel at delivery.

The MarineMax Difference

When you decide to purchase your first boat, put your trust in the team at MarineMax. We are more than just the largest recreational marine dealer carrying the top brands with over 50 locations across the nation providing world-class service. We are dedicated to helping you and your family begin a lifetime on the water. MarineMax is a community of boaters with such passion for the water we can’t help but share it.

Our customers not only get access to a wealth of experience that can match them with the perfect boat, but also world- class service, financing and insurance, boating classes, Getaways!® trips and more.

Boat Buyers Guide