The next time someone tells you nothing in life is free, jam a copy of BoatU.S.'s Buying & Selling a Boat in their mug.
 
"We began offering a free copy of the guide about 10 years ago to offer a one-stop source for all the questions we receive," says Caroline Ajootian, director of the consumer protection bureau at BoatU.S. "It's been such a success that we posted it online as a PDF."

Go to boatus.com/guide to find it. And while you're waiting, check out these tips pulled straight from the guide:

• Beware the Boat Show
Show "specials" may be no bargain if the dealer doesn't maintain a local shop; you'll need it when repairs come up. Make sure your dealer is within 50 miles.

• Beauty Is Only Fiberglass Deep
A gorgeous exterior can still hide interior problems. Before buying a used boat, ask to talk with the owner's mechanic for the repair history. Then have the boat surveyed, even if it's a new boat.

• Love the Leftovers
July is the best time to go hunting for a good deal because the new boat model year starts in August. Also ask dealers about models left from a previous year.