S tepping through the entrance of the boat show, you gaze in amazement at the sight before you. As far as you can see, dozens of boats in varying sizes, shapes and genres line the display hall. You feel the rush of excitement as you survey the scene before you, but it’s also a little disorienting: You’ve only walked 10 feet, and you’re already overwhelmed with the sheer quantity of boats to choose from.

That’s where Boating World’s 2008 Buyer’s Guide comes in. On the 57 pages that follow, you’ll find all the information you need to make the buying process easier and more fun en route to an intelligent final purchase. It all starts with our custom Rate-A-Boat form. By using the forms, you’ll be able to go about your buying process more analytically, rather than letting emotions lead to a rash purchase. Here’s how to get started:

1) Visit www.boatingworld.com/rate-a-boat/.
Print several copies of the form for the boat type(s) that you’re interested in. To make your comparison fair, compile a list of features that you believe your prospective boat should have, and then price each model according to this configuration. This will make it easier since some manufacturers give you loads of standard features, while others take an “a la carte” approach. Although you might change your mind later, price each boat with an engine package that falls somewhere in the middle of the options. Generally, you can quickly eyeball where the sweet spot is located.


2) Group the boats into separate piles based on their similarity.
When you’re done with your research, you’ll go through each group and pick the best of each one, and then compare the winners to each other. In the meantime, write plenty of notes on the back of the Rate-A-Boat form and take pictures with a digital camera; after looking at an armada of boats, your recall can get a little blurry. 

3) Customize your forms by changing the suggested point values in each category.
Only you know what’s most important. For example, in the cruiser section, an “iron chef” who plans to demonstrate his or her culinary skills will place more importance on the galley than someone whose idea of cooking is to bring along a bucket of chicken from KFC. Similarly, a person who fishes the canyons 75 miles offshore from New York City will place more importance on seaworthiness than someone who fishes on a small lake.

4) Complete the first section of the rating form first.
This will help you narrow the field to three or four boats you like best. If you can, sea-trial the finalists and complete the next section (see #5) to determine the overall winner based on the score.

5) Check out and rate the dealers that you’ll potentially be working with.
An important part of the boat-buying process is addressed in the final section of the form: Talk to as many people as you can about the reputation of your local dealers. Hang around the service area and talk to customers. Call the Better Business Bureau or check out state government consumer websites to identify companies that have had complaints lodged against them. For dealers with a sterling reputation, points will be added to the total; ones with a poor reputation for service will have points deducted.

When you’re done comparing your Rate-A-Boat forms, you’ll be well on your way to making the best possible buying decision for you and your family. But the Rate-A-Boat sheets are just the start of this year’s Buyer’s Guide. You’ll also find photos and specs for more than 130 new boats, along with “What’s Hot” features about each boat and models you may want to compare it to. There are also articles on the best time to buy, what you need to know about boat certification, and the truths and myths regarding boat insurance. And beyond the plethora of boat-buying information, you also get critical tips and info on new engines and key accessories to make your boating lifestyle more safe and fun. So flip through the pages that follow, and get started on making 2008 your best boating year ever.

Click on a link below to jump to a specific section of the 2008 Buyer's Guide:

• Runabouts/Bowriders

• Pontoons

• Cruisers

• Deck Boats

• Cuddy Cabins

• When To Buy: Prime-Time Boat Buying

• NMMA Certification: Certify It

• Insurance Myths: Fact or Fiction

• Power Play: Engines

• Accessories: Shopping for a VHF radio

• Accessories: Shopping for boat shoes

• Accessories: Shopping for a cooler

• Accessories: Shopping for boat cleaners & waxes

• Accessories: Shopping for a fire extinguisher

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Next month’s installment of the 2008 Buyer’s Guide will include information on new fishing boats, fish ‘n’ ski boats, watersports boats, personal watercraft, tow vehicles and more. Stay tuned!

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