10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First Boat

Thinking of buying your first boat? It's an incredible dream, but hold on! There are some BIG things you need to know before you sign on the dotted line. Beyond the glossy brochures and dreams of sunset sails lie the real-world costs, challenges, and crucial lessons every new boat owner learns-often the hard way. In this video, I'm sharing 10 essential lessons I wish I'd known before taking the plunge. This advice could save you thousands of dollars, countless hours, and a whole lot of frustration. We'll dive into: 00:00 - Intro 00:25 - The Boat Price Is Just the Beginning 01:34 - Old Boats Can Hide Big Problems 02:45 - Not All Surveyors Are Created Equal 03:52 - Sailing and Maintenance Are Two Different Skill Sets 04:58 - Living Aboard Isn't Always Like the Dream 06:08 - Storage and Haul-Out Fees Add Up Fast 07:11 - You'll Want More Tools Than You Think 08:19 - Speed Doesn't Matter as Much as Comfort 09:23 - Choosing the Right Layout Matters More Than Length 10:32 - There's No Perfect Boat-Only the Right Boat for You 11:38 - Ending Whether you're just starting to look or about to make an offer, these insights will help you navigate the purchase process with clear eyes and make a smarter decision. Let's keep your boating dream afloat! What do YOU wish you knew? Share your tips in the comments below!