Tips on Buying A Boat – Part 2 – Some Great Practical Advice

This is part 2 of 3. Yesterday’s can be found here.

Great response from Derek Brouwer on buying a boat. These are the questions you need to ask yourself. Thanks Derek!

There are a number of issues when buying a new boat or your first boat. I will assume that you have sailed before.

First question you need to answer for yourself is “What do I want to do with this boat”
1 Either Yacht racing or Cruising or a combination of both. Answering this question will put in the right direction if the type and design of boat you would like to buy.
2 Next identify 1-2 designs you like then try to sail on that design before buying this give you an idea of the boat appointments and capabilities.
3 make you final choice to the design then look for a suitable boat via boat yards and yachting mags.

Decide on a number of boat you might purchase then look them over personally

Ask the prospective seller the following question.
1. How often have you sailed this boat. If they sailed the boat once in 5 year whack 30% off the asking price, a boat that has not been sailed regularly will require more maintenance before you can go sailing

2 Ask to see the different appointments on the boat then ask to see them operating thus ensure that what ever you buy is in working order appointment that are not working whack off money as this is what you will have to pay to get them working.

Once you’ve found the prospective boat and the prospective seller that has shown and given the answers that satisfy you settle on a price now ask for all the paper work manuals service record of all the equipment on the boat. this save you a lot of heartache and pain when you have to work and service them.Buy the boat.

Once you’ve got the boat in you home port go through it once again from stem to stern mailing a list of things that need you attention

Stat with those that will get you boat sailing if you’re lucky it will be ready to sail. Start fixing but most of all start sailing and enjoying your boat.

WE bought a VD Stadt 34 in 2006 and are sailing regularly and still working on our to-do list.

Please understand work and maintenance to keep your pride and joy sailing never stops!!!

Enjoy which ever boat you buy but most of all sail her regularly

Derek Brouwer