All it takes is a weekend. Maybe your friends take you out on their boat, or you rent a boat at the beach. The boat bug has got you in its grip. Owning a boat can be an amazing experience. Whether you love to fish, waterski, or just spend time on the water, you’ll have a better way to do it, and maybe even more time with your family. Before you buy a boat, though, here are three things you should know.

Consider the Real Costs of Owning

Your boat may not be that expensive, but there are additional costs. You’ll be paying insurance, fuel costs and marina or storage fees. You’ll be paying the costs of replacement parts for boats. The smaller and simpler the boat, the lower the additional costs usually are.

Don’t Buy on Impulse

Often, when people are bitten by the boat bug, they don’t stop to think before they’re looking for their dream boat. Besides looking at the costs and figuring out how it will fit into your budget, you need to consider how you’ll use a boat. Does it need to be big enough for a party or just you and your kids? How often will you use a boat? Did you catch the bug on your one weekend off a year, or are you always out on the water? Sleep on your decisions, then sleep on them again.

Treat Boat Negotiations Like Buying a Car

When you know what you want, treat your boat buying experience like buying a car. Make sure the dealer is reputable. Don’t be afraid to negotiate and don’t be afraid to ask for a test drive. Review the offered warranty and see if you can get upgrades added to the deal.

When you approach buying a boat from a rational space, where you’ve considered the costs and real benefits, the boat bug is one you’ll be glad you caught.