What Do People Regret About Buying a Boat?

What Do People Regret About Buying a Boat? 

The Dream vs. Reality of Boat Ownership 

For so many people, buying a boat is a dream come true. You picture yourself on a sunny afternoon, the water calm, your favorite music playing, family and friends smiling around you. Freedom. Fun. That sense of escape you just can’t get anywhere else. 

But after that first season, some new boat owners quietly start to feel something they didn’t expect — regret. 

They might not say it out loud, but thoughts creep in like: 
“I didn’t think it would cost this much.” 
“We barely used it this summer.” 
“I wish I bought something smaller… or bigger.” 

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. 

At Strong’s Marine, we’ve been helping Long Islanders buy, maintain, and enjoy boats since 1945 — across 12 locations from the North Fork to the South Shore. As a fourth-generation family business, we’ve seen it all: the excitement, the hesitation, and yes, the regrets that come when expectations and reality don’t quite line up. 

This article is here to help you understand what people most often regret about buying a boat, so you can avoid those same mistakes — and make the most out of your time on the water. 

By the end, you’ll walk away knowing what to look for, what to plan for, and how to buy in a way that keeps the joy alive for years to come. 

Underestimating the True Cost of Ownership

Let’s start with the most common surprise — the real cost of owning a boat. 

Many first-time buyers focus on the purchase price and forget the other expenses that come along for the ride. Think of it like owning a car — only this one floats, needs seasonal care, and lives in a much harsher environment. 

Maintenance and Service 

Boats need regular care: oil changes, cleaning, bottom paint, and annual service for engines, electronics, and systems. Saltwater, especially around Long Island, accelerates wear and tear. 

Neglecting these can turn a small issue into a big repair. Most owners who regret their purchase don’t budget enough for upkeep — and then the stress overshadows the fun. 

Storage and Docking 

Where your boat “lives” matters too. Will you keep it at a marina? On a trailer? In indoor storage for winter? Each choice comes with costs. 

Here on Long Island, marina slips and winter storage fees can vary widely depending on size, amenities, and location. 

Fuel, Insurance, and Registration 

These smaller but steady costs add up. A larger cruiser can easily use hundreds of dollars in fuel per trip. Insurance protects your investment but needs to be budgeted for. 

At Strong’s, we always walk our buyers through these realities early — so there are no surprises later. 

Buying the Wrong Type of Boat for Their Lifestyle

Imagine buying a beautiful cabin cruiser, only to realize you prefer quick day trips — or purchasing a small bowrider when you really want to spend weekends sleeping aboard. 

That mismatch between boat and lifestyle is one of the biggest sources of regret. 

Here’s what often happens: 
A buyer falls in love with a specific look or brand, but doesn’t think deeply about how they’ll use it. Maybe they plan to fish, entertain, or explore — but they choose a boat that isn’t built for that. 

Cruisers vs. Bowriders vs. Center Consoles 

Each boat type has a personality. 

• Cruisers are perfect for overnight stays or longer adventures. 

• Bowriders are great for family fun and water sports. 

• Center consoles are built for fishing and versatility. 

If you buy a boat that doesn’t match your rhythm — your weekends, your hobbies, your family’s comfort — the excitement fades quickly. 

At Strong’s Marine, we make it our mission to ask those deeper questions: 
“How do you see yourself using the boat?” 
“Where do you plan to go?” 
“What kind of experience are you looking for?” 

The answers shape everything. The right match makes the difference between regret and lifelong joy. 

Skipping the Research and Rushing the Purchase

Impulse decisions are fun when you’re ordering dessert — not when you’re buying a boat. 

Many people get swept up in the excitement of boat shows or a sunny test ride. The sparkle, the smell of new fiberglass, the dream of freedom — it’s easy to get caught up in emotion. 

But skipping research can cost you later. 

Some brands may not hold their value. Some models require more maintenance. Some layouts just don’t work for families. 

Take the time to: 

• Research the brand’s reputation and resale history. 

• Ask your dealer about long-term reliability. 

• Read reviews from real owners. 

At Strong’s, we believe an informed buyer is a happy boater. We encourage every guest to take a demo ride, ask hard questions, and even sleep on the decision. Because when the choice feels right, confidence replaces doubt. 

Not Factoring in Time Commitment and Maintenance

Boating is supposed to feel like freedom — but freedom still takes effort. 

Every boat requires time: cleaning, flushing engines, checking lines, hauling for winter. These aren’t hard tasks, but they do take hours out of your weekend. 

When new owners don’t plan for that, boats end up sitting more than sailing. 

If your schedule is already packed, consider partnering with a marina that offers full-service care or quick launch programs. At Strong’s, many of our clients choose service packages that handle the maintenance, cleaning, and storage — so all they need to do is show up and enjoy. 

Owning a boat should add to your life, not feel like another job. 

Ignoring Storage and Docking Logistics

It’s easy to focus on the excitement of the open water — and forget the practical side of where your boat will live when it’s not in use. 

We’ve seen people buy a boat in the spring, only to realize there’s a long waitlist for dockage nearby. Or they choose a marina far from home and stop using the boat as much because it’s inconvenient to get there. 

Location Matters 

If it takes more than an hour to reach your boat, you’ll use it less — simple as that. We always tell buyers: choose convenience over novelty. The easier it is to reach your marina, the more spontaneous your boating life becomes. 

Winter Storage 

Here on Long Island, storage is a major factor. Winterizing, shrink wrapping, and indoor storage all add cost — and peace of mind. 

Our team helps owners navigate these logistics so they can focus on what really matters: getting back on the water when spring comes. 

Overlooking the Learning Curve of Boating

Driving a boat is not like driving a car. 

There’s current, wind, depth, and navigation to think about. The first few outings can feel overwhelming for new owners who expected an instant sense of control. 

This is where regret often shows up. Some people feel embarrassed when docking, anxious about tight spaces, or nervous with guests aboard. 

At Strong’s Marine, we understand that completely. That’s why we offer training programs and captains lessons for new boaters — and even partner with boating safety courses. Learn about our delivery process below that included on water captains lessons!

Confidence comes with experience, and that confidence transforms anxiety into joy. The more you learn, the more fun boating becomes. 

Not Using the Boat as Much as Expected

Between work, weather, and family schedules, life gets in the way. Some owners start feeling guilty for not using their investment enough, which can quickly turn into regret. 

How to Avoid It 

• Choose a marina close to home. 

• Keep your boat ready to go — serviced, fueled, and stocked. 

• Schedule boating into your weekends, just like any other plan. 

Some clients also choose our boat club memberships or shared ownership programs when they know they won’t have full-time availability. That way, they still get the experience — without the full commitment. 

The goal is to enjoy the water, not feel pressured by it.

Failing to Plan for Resale or Trade-In Value

Boats, like cars, depreciate over time — but some hold their value better than others. 

A common regret is realizing too late that the brand or model you bought doesn’t have strong resale demand. 

Regular maintenance and clean records go a long way in protecting your investment. Buyers care about history — and well-maintained boats fetch higher prices. 

At Strong’s Marine, we help owners trade up or sell confidently by providing professional guidance on timing, condition, and market trends. Our long-standing relationships with top brands like Cruisers Yachts, Fairline, Regal, Cobalt, Pursuit, Cobia, and Grady-White ensure your investment is supported from day one. 

Missing Out on the Right Dealer Support

Here’s a big one — and one many boaters don’t realize until after the sale. 

The relationship with your dealer matters just as much as the brand you choose. 

Some buyers purchase from an online listing or a private seller to save money, but later regret not having a trusted service team to call when issues arise. 

At Strong’s Marine, our goal is not just to sell boats — it’s to build lifelong relationships. From our certified technicians and mobile service vans to our warranty support and dockside assistance, we take care of our boaters long after the paperwork is signed. 

A strong dealer relationship means peace of mind — and that’s priceless. 

Forgetting Why They Bought the Boat in the First Place

When the chores, costs, or frustrations start piling up, some owners lose sight of why they wanted a boat to begin with. 

They forget that moment — the first sunset cruise, the laughter, the calm. 

Owning a boat isn’t just about transportation. It’s about connection — with your family, your friends, and the water itself. It’s about slowing down, breathing deeper, and creating memories that last a lifetime. 

When you keep that “why” front and center, every challenge feels manageable. And when you have the right partner — one who helps you plan, maintain, and enjoy the experience — regret doesn’t stand a chance. 

How to Buy Without Regret 

Buying a boat should be one of the most exciting decisions of your life — not one you look back on with “what ifs.” 

Here’s the truth: regret comes from surprise. When you know what to expect, plan realistically, and partner with a trusted expert, you set yourself up for years of smooth sailing. 

At Strong’s Marine, we’ve spent nearly 80 years helping Long Islanders find the right boats, the right marinas, and the right memories. From our family to yours, our goal is simple — to make sure your boating experience is everything you imagined, and more. 

Because when you buy right, prepare smart, and have a team who’s got your back — you’ll never regret your time on the water. 

Ready to Make Waves? Call Strong's Marine at 631-333-0081 to start your on-water adventure today — or shop our available inventory and find your perfect boat!

Need service or maintenance? Our expert team is here to help — just call 631-791-6150.