If you are thinking of buying a boat for the first time there are many questions you must ask.

1. Do you all want to go to sea or would you prefer to stay inland?

2. Do you want the benefit of a fast power boat or silence of sail or the gentle "chug" of a river or canal boat?

3. Do you want to stay overnight on your boat?

4. Do you all want to keep your boat in a marina by the sea, on a river or a canal using it as a weekend retreat?

5. Will you keep your boat in one place or would you prefer to be able to move it around different marinas?

6. Do you want to use your boat for sea or river fishing?

7. Do you want to use your boat for water skiing?

8. Do you want to swim off the boat?