Always wanted a boat but don’t have the money to spend tens of thousands (or more) on the boat of your dreams? Then take advantage of online boat auctions! This is a great way to find just what you’re looking for at a price you can afford. If you are in the market for a boat - a yacht, a sailboat, or a speedboat - you can find the boat of your desires in any one of the numbers of online boat auctions that occur every month throughout the U.S.

A vessel found in auctions, and that goes for online boat auctions, is sold "as is, where is", which means some may be very used or have damage caused by natural events, such as hurricane or bumps into mooring slips and so forth.

If boats you’re looking at are damaged, the descriptions will most often say so. In most cases, owners will also be very specific about how a boat was damaged in any way; such as whether the boat leaked, experienced interior water damage due to storm or hurricane, or an "oops, I scraped the side against the docking slip" kind of stuff.

Some online boat auctions catalogs can be had for free, but explore websites and become accustomed to how the process works before you jump in and start bidding. Understand the shipping, handling and delivering processes involved after the purchase of an auctioned boat.

Many boats are auctioned because they were repossessed and may be in excellent to fair condition. Sometimes, boats may be located in a dry dock or salvage yard. Find out first! The expenses involved in loading vessels onto transport trailers can be quite pricy, so figure those expenses into your bid.

Check through the online or print guide offered by the auction company for details on bidding, contacting sellers and how to arrange pickup and transportation.

As always, check first with your local marina to make sure you can dock the particular type of boat you’re looking to purchase at their slip and what the fees are. (Or that your town or city codes will be allowed to park the vessel in your driveway or backyard on a trailer.) You might need some special equipment as well, such as winches, trailer, and straps (and a car or truck that can handle the weight).

If you’re buying a repo, make sure you will be able to receive all paperwork regarding the vessel, including registration, bill of sale, title of ownership and that you are aware of all fees involved in the transaction.

If this is your first vessel, have someone more experienced in sea-faring help you with buying your first boat. Have him or her accompany you to view the vessel if at all possible, as well as check out the engine and exterior and interior shells, compartments and seams to make sure the vessel you purchase is seaworthy.

To find online boat auctions, just type "online boat auctions" into your favorite browser search bar, sit back and click away. Check out the numerous types of boating craft available at auctions throughout the country and find exactly what you’ve always dreamed of. Oh, and happy sailing.