Buying your first boat should feel exciting—not overwhelming. At Strong’s Marine, we’ve guided thousands of boaters through their first purchase—and we know stepping into boating naturally comes with questions, concerns, and “what ifs.”
Buying your first boat should feel exciting—not overwhelming. At Strong’s Marine, we’ve guided thousands of boaters through their first purchase, from weekend cruisers to offshore adventurers. But we also understand that stepping into the world of boating can raise a lot of questions, fears, and “what ifs.”
So we wrote this guide to give you the honest, helpful answers every first-time buyer deserves—because your experience on the water begins long before launch day.
Here’s what we believe you must know before buying your first boat or yacht.
Most new buyers start shopping by brand or boat size. That’s a mistake. The right boat starts with the right lifestyle fit.
Ask yourself:
Do I want to cruise to restaurants or anchor out overnight?
Will I fish, entertain, tow kids on tubes—or all three?
How many people do I typically bring on board?
Will I boat in saltwater, freshwater, bays, or offshore?
A 24-foot Regal bowrider is perfect for family fun on calm inland waters—but not ideal for chasing tuna 30 miles offshore. A Grady-White is a dream for sportfishing, but not if your goal is luxury overnighting like you’d get with a Fairline Targa.
Strong’s Insight: We’ll ask about your perfect day on the water—and match you to a boat that fits it, not the other way around.
Manufacturer warranties
The latest electronics and fuel-efficient engines
Customization options (colors, upgrades, layouts)
Lower maintenance in early years
Potential savings (but not always—some hold value incredibly well)
Faster availability, especially for in-demand models
The chance to “size up” your first boat within your budget
What matters more than new or used? The boat’s condition and the dealer’s reputation. All our pre-owned boats go through a thorough review.
Strong’s Tip: Ask for maintenance records and hours on the engine. We’ll walk you through it all.
Many new boaters are surprised to learn that the “sticker price” is just one part of the financial picture. You should also plan for:
Storage: Will you keep the boat in a marina, on a trailer, or in dry stack storage?
Insurance: Premiums vary based on boat size, location, and experience.
Maintenance: Oil changes, winterization, detailing, and more.
Registration and taxes: Just like buying a car, there are DMV and state fees.
Gear: Life jackets, anchor, dock lines, bumpers, fire extinguisher, and more.
Fuel: Depends on engine type, cruising speed, and usage.
At Strong’s Marine, we walk you through the total cost of ownership upfront—so you can budget confidently and avoid surprises.
Learn More About Typical Boat Maintenance Costs
Many first-time buyers assume they’ll need to pay in full or put down huge deposits. In reality, marine financing is very accessible due to the long term connections and relationships we have developed with marine lenders.
Longer terms (often 10–20 years) mean lower monthly payments
Competitive interest rates
Down payments typically range from 10–20%
Financing options for new and used boats
And unlike car loans, interest on boat loans may be tax-deductible if the boat qualifies as a second home (check with your tax advisor).
Strong’s Advice: Let us run the numbers for you—without any pressure to commit. Understanding your options is step one.
Every boat feels different. How it handles at slow speed, how it planes, how it rides in chop—none of that can be seen in photos or specs.
Before you buy, get on the water. At Strong’s Marine, we offer sea trials because we know a boat isn’t just a machine—it’s a feeling.
You’ll learn:
Do you prefer an outboard vs. sterndrive?
How important is hull design in choppy conditions?
Can you dock it confidently—or is joystick control worth the upgrade?
Real-World Tip: Bring your usual crew (spouse, kids, friends) along. Comfort and layout matter most when it’s not just you on board.
It’s tempting to think “bigger is better”—but not always.
Offer more amenities and stability
Often require more dock space, maintenance, and experience
May need special licensing or insurance
Are easier to trailer and store
Cost less to maintain and fuel
Let you build skills without stress
Strong’s Rule of Thumb: Choose a boat you feel fully confident handling on your own—you’ll enjoy it more and head out more often. With every new boat purchase, you’ll receive dedicated captain’s hours, so you can get hands-on training and feel completely at ease at the helm.
A great boat with poor dealer support can turn into a nightmare. That’s why buyers choose Strong’s Marine—not just for the brands, but for the experience.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Family-owned and operated for over 80 years
One of Boating Industry’s Top 100 Dealers
Factory-trained techs for Pursuit, Regal, Cobalt, and more
Concierge delivery and onboarding process
Ongoing events, education, and support for our owners
We don’t disappear after the sale. We're here for your first launch, your 50th sunset cruise, and everything in between.
When you buy a boat, you’re not just buying a hull—you’re joining a community. We host docktail parties, raft-ups, and training events for owners.
It’s about:
Making new friends who share your passion
Learning tips from seasoned boaters
Creating memories that outlast the fuel bill
And whether you're buying a Cobia for the weekends or a Fairline Squadron to cruise the East Coast, our team is here to support your journey.
There’s no such thing as a silly question when buying your first boat.
In fact, the best buyers—the happiest, most satisfied ones—are the ones who asked the most questions upfront. That’s why we invite you to come in, sit down with our team, and tell us about the boating life you want.
No pressure. Just real answers.
Explore our First-Time Buyer Resource Center or stop by one of our New York or Connecticut locations to meet our team.
Let’s get you on the water—confident, informed, and excited for the journey ahead.
Strong's Marine has been a family owned business since 1945. In 2013, Strong's Marine acquired the marina in Mattituck, now known as Strong's Water Club & Resort. Strong's Marine has four locations in Mattituck including the flagship location at Mattituck Bay, Strong's Yacht Center, Strong's Main Road and of course the Strong's Water Club & Resort. You can find Strong's Marine across Long Island at our numerous locations including Port Washington, Freeport, Southampton, Mattituck, and Cutchogue.