A beginner’s guide to buying a boat

21 Dec 2015

So you’ve decided to finally bite the bullet and buy your very own boat – congratulations. Here, boating experts offer some helpful tips to ensure it’s all smooth sailing.

1.Make sure you buy the right boat for you

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the brands, models and designs in the marketplace, says Steve Williams from Williams Yachts, but before you choose what boat to buy, consider what you’ll actually be using it for.

Are you thinking of taking short trips with family or going on holidays? Maybe you want to just go fishing with mates. This will determine the kind of boat that you need.

2. Do your homework

Now is not the time to buy anything impulsively, warns Gavin Clarke from Boat Surveying. Do your research, join online forums, read reviews or hit the local boat ramp to chat with the owners about their boats.

3. Use a marine surveyor to check out your boat

Like having a building inspection conducted when you buy a house, a marine survey is necessary for your boat.

“Engaging a qualified marine surveyor helps mitigate the risk of buying a ‘lemon’ but also helps you understand what you’re getting into in the long term,” explains Steve.

4. Look into the history of the boat

A boat broker should also be able to tell you about the different aspects of your boat and demonstrate any functions if you are in doubt.

If you’re going to buy a second-hand boat, do your due diligence and find out how well it has been cared for, advises Saul Werzberger from boat sales website AreYouSelling.com. Different boats constructed from different materials have the potential to be plagued with different problems.

“Look at its age and consider things like maintenance and what that’s going to be like for you as the new owner,” he says. “Are you prepared to roll up your sleeves and get out on it every second weekend to clean it, repair it and replace certain parts? Boating is a hands-on hobby in more ways than one.”

5. Consider your budget

Keep in mind that when you buy a boat, the initial cost will be the cheapest part of owning a boat, because there will be plenty of costs on top of that, such as berthing, servicing and maintenance, registration, insurance, hull cleaning and so on.

Most second-hand purchases come with an added 10 per cent on top of the initial price, adds Gavin. ••