The weatherman has predicted a beautiful day. It’s almost sunrise and the air is crisp. When your alarm goes off you rise, pack your tackle box, grab your pole and stop by the corner market to purchase some worms. On the way to the fishing dock you daydream about owning the perfect fishing boat and taking off across the lake for the day.  Here are some easy tips for finding and purchasing the perfect fishing boat – and experiencing your dream turning into reality!

Before you begin, you should have a clear understanding of why you want to own a fishing boat, and what you will use it for. Obviously the boat will be enjoyed for fishing, but do you want to fish on ocean saltwater, or on freshwater lakes? Will you just be making daytime trips or do you plan to stay overnight? If you do plan to stay in your boat overnight, make sure to purchase a boat with a hull which will allow you to ride the waves comfortably and safely.

A good buying plan will also include a clear understanding of your budget. Boats can be extremely expensive items. Sit down and take a comprehensive look at your finances and know what you can afford — before you start shopping for a boat. Boats with hulls for overnight stays and rough waters are obviously more expensive than small boats for small lakes. It’s wise to know your budget before beginning to look, and to stick with it.

You should read and completely understand the boat warranty fully before signing on the dotted line. A warranty can be your best friend or it can be your worst nightmare. Choose a reputable dealer who will offer you adequate coverage in the event of a defect or problem with your boat. You don’t want to end up having to pay huge amounts to fix your boat because you forgot to check out the warranties!

It’s also important that your boat comes with the proper certification. The National Marine Manufacturer’s Association (NMMA ) is an organization that tests and certifies boats that are manufactured by various companies. The NMMA only certifies those boats that pass their rigorous testing and a certification offered by the NMMA will give you the assurance of quality construction.

Also, just like automobiles, boats must be registered. This will cost money, so you should research this and be ready to purchase the license. And then to finalize your preparations and push off from the dock, don’t forget to stock your boat with life jackets, brand new fishing gear, food and a cooler for snacks and refreshments. And then go do some fishing!