Are you looking to buy a new fishing boat? Whether you are purchasing your first boat from shipbuilders agencies in Canada, you need to take your time and make the right choice. There are many options and styles to think about.

This guide to buying a fishing boat can help you purchase a craft that will make you happy for years:

• Determine The Appropriate Size

When buying a fishing boat, a large part of your decision will involve selecting the right size for your needs. With size alone, there are many factors to consider, including the waters you will be enjoying. If you will be boating on smaller lakes, rivers, and occasional bays, then you won’t need a larger boat. However, if you plan on boating in the open ocean or large inland waters such as the Great Lakes, then you will need a large vessel to handle the larger waves.

• Research The Boat And Motor Warranties

Different boats will have different warranties. Before buying a fishing boat, take the time to thoroughly read about all of the available warranties. A good boat manufacturer will provide a strong warranty that gives you peace of mind when you purchase and will cover many of the large components of the boat, including the hull’s structural integrity.

In most cases, the motor will have a separate warranty, so do your research on this warranty as well to understand what will be covered and what will not be covered.

• Talk With A Trusted Dealer

You can take this step at any point in the boat-buying process. A trusted dealer will provide the information you need to make an informed, confident decision on your boat purchase. If you ever have any questions, be sure to talk with one of our top-notch dealers. No matter where you live, you can get the information you need on your next fishing boat!

Before you buy a fishing boat, make sure you research all the available fishing features. This includes connections for a trolling motor, a large live well, rod storage, and tackle storage. If you will be doing lots of fishing, make sure your boat is built to deliver convenience and accessibility to all of your fishing tools.

So you’ve finally purchased the boat of your dreams. Now, what’s the next step? A good place to start is with boat registration. Registering a boat bought from the best Canadian boat manufacturers is required by law—much like with a car—and the rules and guidelines for how this process is done and what kind of watercraft must be registered are dictated by the state in which the vessel will regularly operate (long-term). 

Here are the basic steps to follow when registering a boat:

• Research the boat registration requirements in your state.

• Complete a registration form—either online, through the mail, or in person.

• Provide proof of ownership—including a title and/or bill of sale.

• Pay the registration fee, which varies by state and the size of the vessel.

• Be conscious of the expiration date and apply for renewal.

What Kind of Boat Must Be Registered?

Generally, boats must be registered in their state if they have a gasoline, diesel or electric motor, including a trolling motor. Personal Watercrafts (PWCs) are considered motorized crafts and need to be registered in most states. Sailboats without auxiliary power must be registered if over a certain size like eight feet, but that differs by state. The registration requirements for kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, rowboats and other human-powered craft also differ by state but most don’t need to be registered.