What kind of boat should I get?

WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- Everyone has their own individual style of boating and one of the basic determinations you'll have to make is to decide if you prefer a power- boat, a sailboat, or a fishing boat.

If you want a powerboat, be sure and examine the helm station. Is visibility unobstructed? Are the instruments easy to read?

No matter how large or how small your engine, it must be accessible.

If you're considering a sailboat, be sure and check the rigging: are there any edges or sharp fittings that might wear on the sheets and lines?

If you want a sport fishing boat, check that rods can be stored conveniently and that a fighting chair can be installed without taking up most of the cockpit.

Will the surfaces be easy to clean? What's the boat's fuel range? Is it adequate to get you to your favorite fishing grounds with a 20% reserve? Once you've determined your basic interests, you'll want to make up a list of points that are important to you.

These may include the cost, the brand, the power, and people and weight capacity. Go over the list with a dealer and then check the boats in the size range you want.