While many people prepare, plan and save for securing the dream of life on a lake, many overlook the importance of preparing for the financial demands and upkeep once cabin ownership is secured.
That’s why it’s important to keep one eye on the prize – buying a cabin or lake home – and another on the reward – being able to purchase a boat or pontoon, new dock or boat lifts, or other “toys” such as a personal watercraft or ATV that can enhance the total lake/cabin experience.
Buying any of these items is a serious purchase, and should be treated with the same caution, care and research that people put forth with other major purchases, like buying a home or car.
Buying a Boat
Brian Malecha, 33, and his wife, Jennifer, are searching for a boat that is practical for a family of four kids to use at their cabin on a 580-acre lake south of the Twin Cities metro.
The first thing Malecha did was assess the needs of the family and how they wanted to use the boat. He then put together a plan of action based on a variety of factors.
“The main need for us was finding a boat we could use for water skiing or tubing that would be useful now and in the future when the kids are teenagers,” said Malecha. “We also wanted a boat that a family of six can sit comfortably in for rides around the lake. Using it to go fishing was also a possible component. So we looked at a variety of boats that fit this.”
Malecha has used a variety of methods when boat hunting. He looked online (at boat manufacturers and dealers Web sites and other sites where reviews of boats were available), in the print and online classified ads, talked with neighbors and friends who have purchased boats, and with sales reps at various Twin Cities dealerships.
“It’s tough for a novice because there are a lot of different opinions out there,” says Malecha, who found Web sites where he could email more experienced boaters about certain products to help with the process.
While he hasn’t purchased a boat yet, Malecha has narrowed it down and knows what price range, manufacturer and engine type and horsepower he wants. He is also looking at buying a used boat, and with the preparation and methods used above, feels confident he can now look for exactly what he wants to buy.
“I look daily for as close a match as possible and feel good going out to take a look and hopefully make a purchase,” says Malecha.
Like cars, the costs of boats also vary greatly. They run anywhere from $2,000 for a small used fishing boat to $10,000, $20,000 and much greater, pending on brand, style and quality.
“Much like buying a car, buying used (can be) a more cost effective method – and you can still get a quality product,” said Malecha.
Kathy Hjelle, owner of The Boat Shop and T & M Marine in
“If they are over 65 or have small children, they probably don’t want a boat, but a pontoon,” says Hjelle. “We are finding that they are switching from a boat to a pontoon because they are easier to get on and off of. If I am selling them a pontoon I would ask what they are most interested in, fishing or cruising, and then find the right pontoon to meet their needs. I would also want to know the kind of water they will be using it on so we could get the right size motor.”
Allen Hansen, General Manager of Hansen's Harbor in
Be on the lookout for part 2 of this series where Matt explores things to consider when building a dock for your new boat. Matt Krumrie is a freelance writer based out of Inver Grove, MN.
