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There's nothing like being out on a river or lake, with a cool breeze in your hair and the sunlight reflecting off the water. If you enjoy fishing, water-skiing, or just zooming across the water, you've probably given some thought to buying a boat. But with thousands of makes and models to choose from, how can you determine what boat is right for your needs?

Terry Campa is the owner of the Lynn Creek Service Center in Grand Prairie, Texas, and he knows the ins and outs of boat buying. He offers these general tips for those looking for their first boat:

• Boat shows. Just before the start of the boating season, many cities and communities will hold boat shows. Campa sees these shows as a great way to see hundreds of different boats all at once, get a sense of which models interest you, and meet some dealers in your area.

• Service after sale. When talking to dealers, make sure you find out what kind of service they offer after the sale. You'll want to look for a dealer who's interested in keeping you as a long-term customer and wants to make sure that your buying experience is a good one.

• Local marina. To further narrow down your search for the perfect boat, Campa suggests heading to your local marina, where you can talk to boat owners and get a better sense of what kinds of boats are best for your favorite activities. You can also ask specific questions about boat performance or about local dealers.

• Basic is best. According to Campa, many people make the mistake of buying a huge expensive boat their first time out, then realize that it's not their style. He advises first-timers to buy something basic, use it for a season or two, and then re-sell or trade up if they want to. The whole idea, he says, is to have a good experience the first time, so that you'll always associate boating with having fun.