You may have read every article written about boat buying over the years, but then it’s your turn to actually buy a boat—and suddenly, you forget it all. You’re quaking in your boots. You’re not sure if it’s the best or worst idea you’ve ever had. Relax. It’s supposed to be fun. Here are some tips to keep your thoughts organized as you go through the process.

1. How will you use your boat?

To avoid buying the wrong one, sit down with your partner or family and figure out how you will use the boat. Will you take weekend day trips to destinations, or will you do overnighters and explore new anchorages? Will you fish or wakeboard or picnic? Most boats will serve a couple of purposes but not all. Your center console will be great for fishing but not so much for long-term cruising. If you’re part of a couple, make sure you each make your own list of how you intend to use the boat and compare them. This will help you prioritize boat types to suit as many of your goals as possible.\

2. Be realistic about your budget.

Many boat buyers do mental math based on the purchase price. Take time to do the real math, including boat payment, fuel costs, slip and storage fees, travel expenses, maintenance fees, insurance, and a membership to an emergency service such as TowBoatU.S. or SeaTow. Keep revising your list to make sure it’s as accurate as possible. If you can’t afford your boat, it won’t last long and won’t be as much fun to use.

3. Do your homework.

This is the fun part for many boaters and the dream phase: searching on boating websites (such as proptalk.com or yachtworld.com), reading boating magazines, going to boat shows, and talking to people who have boats like your ideal one. Once you’ve narrowed down the boat type you want, it will be easier to search.

4. Consider using a broker.

Although they do take commissions, usually 10 percent (depending on how many brokers are involved in the transaction), taking the advice of a professional who has their “head in the game” 24/7 and knows the market well will shorten the distance in finding a boat. Veteran brokers tell PropTalk how much they wish people would not spend months driving around, sometimes to different states, chasing boats they could have found right here at home. An easy way to meet a few brokers is to go to a boat show. Talk to a few of them. See if you like and trust one. He or she could save you time, money, and frustration in your boat buying process. Reputable brokers belong to the Yacht Brokers Association of America, a group that sets standards and ethical codes for the industry.

5. Be thorough and honest with yourself.

When you find a boat you think is right for you, look her over carefully. As in love, we tend to overlook things that we noticed in the beginning but chose to ignore. Ask for a sea trial (a test ride) before you close the deal. Some boats seem better on paper or sitting at the dock. If the boat does not feel right underway, keep looking. Finding a boat that rides well underway is worth the wait.

6. Hire a marine surveyor.

You probably would not buy a home without a home inspection. The same works for hiring a marine surveyor to look over the boat. The surveyor works for you, not the seller, and will be honest about the boat’s issues. This is very important for used boat buying. If you already own a boat and have a marina, ask the manager who he recommends as a skilled boat surveyor for your type of boat and engine. Otherwise, ask a friend who’s bought a few boats. Once you have a few names, verify their credentials in the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) and Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS), the two certifying societies.

7. Find boat buddies.

If you can find someone or a community of people who own boats like the one you intend to buy, ask them questions about the boat’s strengths and weaknesses. If you’re buying a new boat, the dealer may know of an owners’ group. If you do go through with the purchase, you’ll be happy to have some people who can act as sounding boards when problems arise… as well as people to raft up with come cocktail hour.

8. Go for it.

Are you done? You think she’s the one? Sign the dotted line, prepare for delivery, and get ready to have some fun on the water! Find more boat buying articles here.