Back

Boat vs PWC: What Should I Get?

Mar. 25 2020 Comparison By ___

Share

When you want to invest in marine fun, your first major decision is whether to get a boat or a personal watercraft (PWC). Both options allow you to enjoy the waterways, but they are different in many key ways. The right option for your family depends on several factors, from your budget to your tow vehicle. We've created the following buyer's guide to help you determine which option to get. If you have any questions or are ready to shop boats and PWC for sale, visit Tracy Motorsports. Our dealership is based in Tracy, California, and we also serve those in Stockton and Modesto.

1. What's Your Budget?

A great place to start is thinking about how much you can invest in your watercraft purchase. Remember to account for the sticker price, maintenance, and resale price when considering your budget. Boats tend to be more expensive, but it depends on a few factors.

The Sticker Price

  • Boats tend to start around $15,000.
  • PWC tend to start around $5,000.

Maintenance

  • Generally speaking, a boat will cost more in maintenance.
  • This depends on the model and situation. For example, a high-end PWC stored in a marina would cost more than an entry-level basic boat stored in your own dock.

Resale Value

  • Boats tend to be used at consistent speeds at take wide turns. This results in less wear and tear, which helps boats maintain their value better.
  • Personal watercraft tend to be used at high speeds with quick turns, hard accelerations, and trick maneuvers. This results in increased wear and tear, which leads to increased depreciation.

2. How Much Upkeep Can You Commit To?

Next, think about how much time and energy you have for maintaining your watercraft. Boats require more commitment due to a few factors.

Storage

Proper storage protects the watercraft from the elements and reduces wear. This helps decrease the need for repairs and extends the life of the model. 

  • Boats are harder to store given their larger size. You may need to pay for boat storage.
  • Personal watercraft are more compact and can often fit inside a garage or shed.

Cleaning

  • Boats take longer to clean due to their larger size.
  • Personal watercraft can be cleaned much faster.

3. What Loading Experience Do You Want?

Next, consider how simple you want the transportation and loading process to be. Personal watercraft are going to be easier for a few reasons:

Towing

  • Boats are heavier and will require a larger tow vehicle that offers a higher weight capacity. Not all vehicles can transport a boat.
  • Personal watercraft are lighter and can be towed by most vehicles.

Launching

  • Due to the size and design, personal watercraft will be easier to get in and out of the water.

4. What User Experience Do You Want?

Boats and personal watercraft offer different experiences out on the water.

Trip Lengths

  • Boats are more comfortable for longer rides. They offer cozy seating among spacious layouts, allowing everyone on board to get comfortable. They also offer more storage space so you can bring along more items, such as a change of clothes if yours get wet, extra snacks if you get hungry, or an extra blanket if the weather takes a dip.
  • Personal watercraft tend to be better suited for fast, shorter rides.

Passenger Number

  • Boats can fit a much larger group with most models hosting between 6 and 12 passengers. Bring along the entire family and some friends for an aquatic adventure.
  • Personal watercraft can usually handle a maximum of three passengers and not all models can handle passengers.

Versatility

  • Boats can be used in many ways. Host a large social gathering, tow your kids in an inner tube, go fishing, bring your pet along for a ride, and so on.
  • Personal watercraft can be used for some activities, but it might not offer as great of an experience. For example, both boats and PWC can tow watersports enthusiasts. But the larger hull and heavier weight of a boat lends itself to bigger and better wakes.

We hope you found this buyer's guide useful! If you want to explore PWC and boats for sale, head over to Tracy Motorsports. Our expert staff is happy to assist you in finding the perfect model for your family, so stop by and visit our dealership today. We proudly serve those in Stockton and Modesto.