You're looking for that ideal boat - just where do you start? You'll find a massive selection of new and used boats on rightboat.com, but there are many things to take into consideration before you think about parting with your money.
What sort of boat?
Where will you be sailing - messing about on the river, inshore or sea fishing, cruising the inland waterways, sailing round the coast, towing water skiers, heading out to sea or even living on a boat. Do you prefer sailing or power? How many people will your be carrying and how long will they be staying on board? These are the questions you need to ask before looking in more detail.
Which brand?
Faced with a massive choice of manufacturers and models, how do you find out more about the boat that suits you best. Today, the Internet is one of the best sources of information. You can look at the specifications for different models, download brochures, compare prices and even take virtual tours on certain websites. You can find links to many quality boat manufacturers' websites on rightboat.com. Specialist magazines review boats and you may be able to get archive reviews from the publishers' websites. You could also visit boat shows to get a first hand view of the latest models and talk to manufacturers. rightboat.com features a list of upcoming boat shows.
New or used boat?
Finance is the obvious deciding factor. New boats cost more, but you wouldn't expect to have the maintenance and repair costs associated with an older boat. A used boat in great condition with a full service history and a warranty could prove a real bargain, but a boat with a less careful owner and no warranty could land you with some expensive bills.
You also need to consider the total cost. There may be more to the cost than just the price ticket. The prices quoted for new boats cover the basic boat specification, so don't forget to ask what isn't included in the price. You could be in for a few surprises. With a used boat, you may find that the price includes a whole raft of essential items that save you any additional expenditure.
Private seller or dealer?
You would probably expect to pay less when you buy privately - dealers have to add a margin to cover their costs and run a profitable business. But, the risks and rewards are similar to those of buying a car. Dealers have their reputation to protect, so would be unlikely to try to offload a problem boat on an unsuspecting owner. They would also be able to offer you a warranty to protect you against unexpected repair costs in the initial stages of ownership. With a private owner, you are unlikely to get a warranty and you have to take the owner's word on the condition of the boat.
Inspect carefully
You wouldn't buy a house or car without a careful inspection, particularly if you are buying used, so treat your boat purchase the same way. Ideally, you should use the services of a professional surveyor who will give you a full, independent report. In fact, many finance houses and insurance companies will insist on this.
Whether you use a surveyor or not, make sure you check these essentials:
- Check the condition of the hull, the paintwork and fittings.
- Look out for signs of damage or fresh paintwork which could indicate an accident.
- Check the operation of ropes, cables, controls and operating systems.
- Look out for water marks or other signs of leaks.
- Inspect the condition and operation of the engine for leaks and other signs of wear.
Take a look at our Marine Directory for a list of marine surveyors.
Financing your purchase
If you are fortunate enough to pay for your boat outright, questions of finance don't arise. If you need finance, there is a large choice of loans from banks, building societies or specialist marine finance organisations. You'll find details of specialists on rightboat.com. Like any form of loan, rates of interest and repayment terms vary, so it pays to shop around. Don't forget to include all likely costs in your budget - purchase price, additional equipment, transport to your preferred mooring place, insurance and estimated operating and maintenance costs. You can find information on finance companies here.
Insuring your boat
You will need to insure your boat against theft, accidental damage and other risks. Don't forget to include personal effects and cover against third party claims. A specialist marine insurance company can advise you on the most suitable cover. You'll find details of specialists marine insurers here.
Documentation
Even if you are buying privately, you should have a written sales agreement which sets out everything that is included in the price and gives the seller's full details. You should also ask for registration documents and any available service records.
Transporting the boat
If you are buying a boat in another part of the country, you will need some form of transport unless you plan to sail the boat back to your local mooring place. If you do not have a suitable trailer of your own, or you don't wish to tow a boat, you can use the services of a specialist boat transport firm.
