4 Steps to Owning a Boat

Buying a boat is easy with our “4 Steps to Boat Ownership” guide! Below you’ll find helpful links to our pages on how to buy a boat, marina and ramp information, safety, and everything else you’ll need to know about getting started in boating.

Choose your Boat

Decide what your main purpose for the boat will be and which boating activity you will be using it for. We help you narrow down your options with a helpful checklist of things to consider before you start shopping.

Visit a Boat or Dealer Show

When buying second hand from a private individual, auction, or by tender, be aware that under the NZ law there is no warranty available and any issues that arise with the boat will be your responsibility. Visit a dealer or boat show and you’ll be able to view a great range of boats, and discuss your needs in person. It’s a great way to kick off the process of buying a boat, to compare options and prices, and you may even have a chance to test drive the boat before you make the decision to buy. If you’re buying a NZ made aluminium or fibreglass boat built
and equipped for NZ conditions, we recommend you buy from a CPC
(New Zealand Boat Building Standard) member.

Learn all you can

You learned the rules of the road before you sat behind the wheel of a car, now you should do the same before taking the helm. Click here to learn the basics of safe boating on the water and find  courses for beginners.

Get out on the water

Finding a boat ramp or marina is easy with our online tools! Whether you are looking for a place to launch or a place to berth, we’ll show you the best options around New Zealand.