Shopping For a Boat

Imagine two boats with the same engine, style and make, but the price difference is different.
Why? Basically it’s how the boat is built and the materials and hardware that goes into it.
The difference is not always obvious.

Here’s a brief guide for what to look for in your first, or your next boat.

Hull Molds. Builders using advanced robotics make every hull identical to the one before and the one after. That means everything that goes into or on the hull will fit precisely, every time, for every boat.

Hull-to-Deck Joint. Most hulls and decks are made by the “shoe-box” process; meaning the hull is the “box” and the deck is the “lid” of the “shoe box”. Where the two meet is called the “hull-to-deck” joint. Quality boats join the two with an adhesive that prevents water intrusion.

Stringer Systems. Stringers are the structural supports that provide stiffness and strength to the hull. Look for Marine-grade plywood stringers covered by fiberglass bonded to the hull..

Engine Mounting. The engine should be bolted to aluminum or stainless steel angle brackets. Engines bolted directly on top the stringers without brackets may work themselves loose.

Deck Hardware. All cleats-and U-bolts at the bow and stern should be high quality stainless steel, bolted thru the hull to a metal backing plate using locking nuts.

Storage Lockers. Other than the anchor locker, all other lockers should be either finished off with a fiberglass liner, wood, or carpeting.

Instrumentation and Switches are about to be absolute. Now, more precise digital displays that don’t fog from water condensation.

Seating. Look for high-quality vinyl that resist fading and shed water and dry quickly.

Don’t forget that your boat needs to be protected as well. CMC Canvas LLC provides quality canvas protection to protect your investment.