Tips on Buying A Boat – Part 1

First of all, I want to say a massive thank you to all those who responded to the request for horror stories and tips on buying a boat. Special thanks to the guys at Scuttlebutt for the plug. The response was so overwhelming that there will be a three part response. One thing that didn't surprise me is me so how passionate sailors are about boats and how to buy them. On balance most people seem to have had good experiences but there was impassioned please to avoid buying a boat at all cost. More on that later. Today I share some of the best tips. Again, thanks to everyone who contributed.

I've always had very modest boats and the trick there is to be patient. I knew I couldn't take on a project but could fix the cosmetics so I found boats that needed some "updating" but not full restoring.

Edward

I like to inspect a boat out of the water and then put it back in and take her through her paces with a couple of test sails. If you get a larger boat you might want to hire a surveyor. Here is a link to a survey check list that I have used in the past.

Joe Rouse

As a yacht broker, the best advice I can give to you is get a very good surveyor! Don't hire the cheapest one, get the one with good references and credentials. Be there at the survey and do not be afraid to ask questions. The surveyor works for you and you should take full advantage of this. This is also the best time to learn about the systems in your soon to be new boat before they break on you, and they will.

Chris Dowling

DO buy the boat you can afford now, and sail now. But do not buy a boat if you won't be able to handle it (needing a little mentoring is okay) or if it's not the kind of boat you'll be ready to use any time soon. Do beg your way onto lots of boats... OPB (other people's boats) is a fine, fine way to get experience. Play your cards right and some kindhearted, generous, caring boat owners might even let you help out with fiberglass repairs, diesel bleeding, marine head rebuilding, sail patching, circuit troubleshooting, blister removal, halyard retrieval/replacement, teak varnishing, and other secret delights of the boat owner's life. Do ask lots of opinion, network, and pay attention to any feelings of unease ... or, with luck, feelings that "this one fits just right". Don't believe everything you hear or read is true ... or at least, will be true for you and your needs and comfort level.

Pat

1.buying a boat will be one of the most enjoyable things to do - if and only if you use it 2.Buy a boat with the ability to be able to sell it in 5 years time - always look at the next owner 3.Make sure the lady/bride is onboard with your crazy adventure 4.then here is the risky (or less risky) approach. Find someone in the sailing community with credibility/experience and good heart. Enjoy the water and be kind to those closest to you.

Corinthian

My comment is to NOT buy a wood boat. Buy a boat that is in great condition so all you have to do is maintain it, which is enough work all by itself. Projects on a boat have a way of distracting one from actually sailing. Just say NO to a Project Boat. Simple is easier to use. Complicated is usually a lot more money and time. I suggest you purchase a 12 pack of cold beer and put your thumb out at the local Yacht Club on race night and hitch a ride on OPB for a year or so. You will learn more about making a boat go in one hour of racing than in a week of cruising on your own. IF you are single and handy with your hands go to the Virgin Islands or other venue with lots of boats and put out your thumb as crew. Be sure to bail if it seems like a bad time and try again. It is about the people. IF your wife has horses, just plan on sailing solo.

Count Enrico Ferrari

I say buy a dinghy that fits in your backyard.  One with roller furling jib, spinnaker, easy trailer or hoist launching. The relatively unknown Buccaneer 18 (Buccaneer18.org) provides sailing experience with much of the same equipment you'll find on most any large boat….and then CHARTER the large boat when you need a "big water" fix.

Emory Heisler

... my comment to first time boat owners is to buy an older, well maintained Catalina 30. They are commodious down below--very nicely done indeed. They sail well, and they are very competitive if you are willing to buy some quality sails, keep the bottom clean and the other things one does. There are lot of used boats around that have been owned for years by original owners who maintain them very well. They are easy to sell with a large market so if you chose to bail after a year or two your loss will be minimal. There is no way to go wring if you buy a well maintained boat.

Doug Mills

Rent

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