I was told by my friends who has been to Mount Putuoshan

They told me that I need to book the ferry ticket to the scenic area first prior going there because its very difficult to purchase the ferry tickets.Is it true?
If that's the case, can I do internet booking and on what website can I refer? Any recommended clean and reasonable bugeted hotel at Zhoushan that you can recommend?Between USD 40 to 50 a night stay would be fine tqvm.