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Mallorca
39.6953° N, 3.0176° E
very aspiring sailor has at some point dreamed of owning their own boat. If you're in a position to make a purchase, you're no doubt eager to have your hands on the helm and get out on the water as soon as possible.
But a boat is a serious purchase, and there are certain things you should consider carefully before parting with your hard-earned money. What do you want to use your boat for? What financing options are available to you? How will you care for your boat? The answers to these – and other – questions will determine the type of boat you purchase.
The first thing you need to consider is what you're going to use your boat for, as well as any other lifestyle factors that may affect the size of the boat you purchase, your budget, and maintenance costs. While larger boats may afford greater space and luxury, they are also costly to staff and maintain, and may not be the best fit for your needs.
- How many people will use the boat? Just yourself, or family and friends as well?
- What is your maximum budget, including expenses once you own your boat, including maintenance, insurance, registration fees, safety courses, storage, and mooring?
- Where will you use your boat: the open sea, coastal waters, rivers, or lakes?
- How often will you use your boat, and where will you keep it when not in use?
The main benefits of buying a new boat are that it will be under a warranty and in perfect condition. A used boat will certainly be cheaper, but may not have a warranty or any manufacturer support. It will also be up to you to discover how well maintained a used boat has been, as well as whether it has been involved in any accidents. Consider having it examined by a certified marine surveyor for peace of mind.
You will likely find that more modern used boats tend to be in surprisingly good condition, as aluminium and fiberglass don’t rot like traditional wood.
As with any purchase, it’s often best to start looking for boats online. It allows you to compare a wide range of models and prices, and often to take a virtual tour. Visiting boat owner forums will provide you with honest opinions, rather than having to rely on the word of dealers who are eager to make a sale.
Visiting a boat show or two will give you the opportunity to meet many boat dealers and get information about accessories and special deals.
After you’ve done your online research, make a list of the boats you want to view in person, as well as the factors you want to look out for when you visit and test drive them, including:
- Weight – How easily does it ride, and how large is the engine?
- Beam – the size of the beams will determine whether it can be transported on a trailer without a permit.
- Space – how much leg room and storage space will you have?
- Noise – How loud is the engine, and can you hear any ominous rattling or creaking on the water?
- How good is the visibility when you're sitting and standing?
- Do you have easy access to the controls and items you will need to regularly check on, such as coolant levels, oil dipsticks etc.?
- Is the engine and inboard engine – attached to the inner boat and therefore not portable – or a portable, self-contained outboard engine?
A boat broker will help you find a boat, negotiate the price, and complete your purchase. They will also know about different financing options available to you. Find a broker by visiting a boat show, or by the National Marine Lenders Association website.
A broker can also help you find insurance, maintenance experts, any sailing classes, and connect you with boat owner associations.
Finding a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and patient boat dealer will make your purchase infinitely easier.
A boat dealer with a Marin Industry Certificate will possess the relevant expertise and good customer service skills. You could also finance through your dealer, taking care of the purchase and the financing in one place.
Whether you opt to buy or rent a boat, you’ll want to know how to handle it. So, contact us to take your sailing to the next level.
