![\"IMG_0133\"](\"https:\/\/goboatingflorida.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_0133.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
It is a question boat buyers have faced for decades. And, while there is no perfect answer, there are pros and cons to each, and a right and wrong way to go about it. Breaking it down, there are five key areas to consider:<\/p>\n
Price<\/strong> Financing<\/strong> Quality<\/strong>
\nOne of the first reasons people consider used boats is cost. Once a boat is 5-10 years old, the depreciation factor starts to cause a considerable gap between used boat prices and their comparable new counterparts\u2014for the most part. However, value-priced new boats can often be close in price to many used alternatives, and come with all the advantages of buying anything new; warranty, ability to finance and the benefits of the most up-to-date technology (things I will expand on shortly). These all enter into a price vs. value analysis that can\u2019t be ignored if you are to avoid the regret associated with many buying decisions.<\/p>\n
\nHand in hand with the price factor is ability to finance. If the used boat you are buying is not terribly old, its residual and loan value might make it a sound purchase that doesn\u2019t deplete your savings to afford\u2014provided your bank writes boat loans if you are buying from a private party. But as many used boats don\u2019t qualify, it might need be a cash deal. On the flip side, new boats are easily financed and even give you the ability to add options and accessories to the amount financed, allowing you to outfit the boat how you want it and build it into your payment.<\/p>\n![\"IMG_0253\"](\"https:\/\/goboatingflorida.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_0253.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nThe advances made in boat and engine manufacturing in the past decade are considerable. The old adage \u201cthey don\u2019t build them like they used to\u201d can often be seen as GOOD news, as today\u2019s products are ofter more reliable and maintenance free than their older counterparts. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule but, on the whole the quality factor almost always favors new.<\/p>\n
![\"IMG_0233\"](\"https:\/\/goboatingflorida.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_0233-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n