Ahoy, matey!!
I've been a boater (sailing and motor) since I was a teenager and just love it!! DBF and I have a boat for our lake, as do about 4 of our friends. It's great fun, but a lot of work and upkeep sometimes.
A "favorite" saying amongst boaters is your 2 favorite days with your boat is the day you buy it and the day you sell it. I don't happen to agree completely but it is a big expensive piece of equipment that has to have regular (and sometimes costly) maintenance and upkeep!
QUESTION: If you & DH have not owned a boat before and don't know about one, I strongly recommend you rent or lease one first. This way you can get your sea-legs on and also really gauge how much you'll actually use the boat and how having it as an activity fits into your schedules/lives.
Off the top of my head, I can think of 2 couples who bought boats but rarely used them. Both ended up selling them within 1-2 years after they bought and both took losses. If they had rented first instead they would've seen how it did - or did not - fit into their schedules/lives.
If you do want to go ahead and take the plunge to buy, here are some things to consider:
--Look at comparable used boats, which can save you TONS of money (literally we saved over $20,000 by buying a used boat of the same make/similar model just a few years older). Especially if you find a nice new boat that's hardly been used (like my friends'). You can bring a mechanic to check out the engine and other mechanical parts.
--Look at the layout of above and below decks (if there is a below). How many people can fit outside & inside? Can you sleep in it (if you want to)? How much storage does it have? What other amenities (for example will you be using it for watersports - so is there storage for skis, wakeboards, etc)? Do you have/need electrical ship-to-shore power capability?
--Will you be docking it in a slip or towing it? If towing, does your vehicle have sufficient towing power? Do you have a place to park it?
--Does your marina or launch area have a maintenance company or person? Is that company/person mobile and "on call" in case something breaks down while you're on the water? (speaking from personal experience - ack!) How reputable are they and how many mechanics work there? If something happens to your boat you don't want it tied up in the shop just waiting for repairs.
--Check into getting boating insurance
--If you are unsure about boating and the rules of the water, check into taking an introductory boating class. These are usually offered at most marinas through the Coast Guard or another seafaring entity. There are rules with motorboats and sailboats regarding rights of way, etc. It's not hard stuff, but makes life easier and safer for everyone on the water!
--Gas is crazy expensive
All in all boating is super fun but it's best to be completely informed and prepared.
Good luck!!