What to check before choosing a boat

Before choosing a boat, describe how you plan to use it: short trips, fishing or family outings. Consider how many people will usually travel and what equipment you will carry.

Check the permitted number of people and load capacity on the capacity plate and in the model’s manual. Account for people, engine, fuel and luggage in the total load; spare space does not mean extra permitted capacity.

Plan where you will store the boat, how you will transport it and how you will launch it. Check engine compatibility against both manuals. If anything is unclear, seek advice before buying rather than choosing by appearance alone.