So you are considering buying a boat! Woo hoo!

After all it's not everyday you do it, because boating is an expensive sport, but it can be fun and exciting, providing you take your time and cover all the boating-buying-basics.

Whether it's a catamaran,a sailboat, a fishing boat for your fishing trips with the buddies, you  need to consider the practical aspects of boat buying like performance, reliability, and safety, and your own preferences like looks, size, and many optional features.

There are always hidden costs, as with buying any large-ticket item, such as insurance, safety accessories, storage area and towing vehicles.

So it's no small decision, but nevertheless a pleasant one--when you think of the final outcome--namely your new boat!

There are many different types of boats available to purchase.

You can buy a ski boat, a day cruiser, a sailboat, a speedboat, a powerboat, a houseboat, a fishing boat, or even a yacht.

Some boats, such as day cruisers are conducive to a variety of activities like water skiing and fishing, while others, such as fishing boats and sailboats are designed for a specific purpose.

Make a list of the water activities you enjoy, consider who, other then yourself, will be using the boat (i.e. family members, friends, work acquaintances) then identify the type of boat that best fits those activities and people.

Most cities have boat shows where manufacturers and dealers bring a sampling of the types and sizes of boats they sell.

This is a hands-on opportunity to get into a boat, check out the 'fit' and ask questions. Collect brochures, make notes about what you like and dislike, and ask about pricing.

If you get a price write it down and note the name of the salesman. Any price given at a boat show should be able to be repeated after you've had a day or two to think about it.

Check the yellow pages for the various boat dealers in your area, and then visit a few dealerships.

Ask questions, look at marketing materials and ask about special features. If you are interested in a specific boat but the dealers in your area do not carry the boat, go to the manufacturer's Web page or call the manufacturer directly for more information.

You may even choose to visit the manufacturing company where the specific boat is made.

Other boat owners are the best resource for learning about boats. If you have friends that have a boat talk with them about the type of boats they have and why they chose that particular boat. If you do not have friends that go boating or own a boat, join a chat group.

Buying a boat should be approached in the same way you would look at buying a house or a car. Banks and other financing houses offer a vast array of options for getting you on the water. Visit your financial institution to get pre-approved, or complete an application online.

Deciding between a new and a used boat can be difficult.

The benefits of buying new include the reliability a new boat conveys as well as the warranty. Used boats are usually more affordable because the previous owner has already taken the largest depreciation, however you have to be wary of how the previous owner cared for the boat. Look at both new and used boats carefully before you make a decision.

Boat Insurance is something you cannot overlook. The cost of boat insurance varies greatly depending on the size and type of boat you own. Check with your car and home insurance company for pricing or look on the Web to get an online quote.

If you do not have sufficient room to store your boat at home you need to consider where you will keep your boat. You could consider storing it at your local marina or a nearby storage facility. If you plan to boat at one location, you may look into storage facilities there. You should look into the available options and their costs before you buy a boat to ensure the added expense is included in your budget.

One cost factor that is sometimes overlooked is the cost of a tow vehicle. If you plan to take your boat to different water locations, you will have to tow the boat. Depending on the size and type of boat, you may need to consider purchasing a tow vehicle.

Once you decide on a boat, learn about the manufacturer.

The US Coast Guard has a Product Assurance Division which maintains two databases. These databases can be an invaluable resource for boat owners.

You can search the Manufacturers Identification Code Database to find information about active, out of business and Canadian boat manufacturers. You can search the Recall (Campaigns) Database to locate information on manufacturer recalls of recreational boats and associated equipment.

As a general rule, you should never buy a boat without first taking a test ride.

Like vehicles, each boat tends to perform or feel different. Taking a test ride gives you the opportunity to determine if you like the way the boat performs, and allows you to test all of the boats functional parts. The test ride is even more important if you are buying a used boat, even if you are buying the boat from a dealership.

One of the best ways to gain peace of mind when purchasing a boat is to enlist the help of a local boat mechanic.

Most marinas or boat repair shops will offer the service of performing a complete mechanical and structural review of the boat. The price for this service will vary, but is well worth the investment.

Once you know what type of boat and the brand of engine the boat uses, contact a service center that has certified mechanics for that particular engine type. All of the major manufacturers of marine engines and drive systems provide education and certification for mechanics.

Make sure that the dealer or service center you use has mechanics that are certified in the appropriate brands.

Taking a boating or water safety course will not only make you a safer boater, but it will apply to any water sport in which you may participate.

The Basic Boating Safety Certification course is available on-line and may qualify you for insurance discounts. The United States Power Squadron has two boating safety courses designed for all types of boaters.

For more information on boating courses you can also call the Boat/US course line (1-800-336-2628).

A quick and easy way for the whole family to learn about boating safety is to watch a video. A popular video on boating is Safety: Boating's Top 60 Tips.