Investing in a yacht is a big decision but certainly, an exciting one to have to make. The idea of taking to the sea, experiencing that sense of freedom and fine-tuning your sailing skills will have most people ready to jump into a sale right away. Before you do, take a minute to reign in the excitement and give this decision the attention it deserves.
There are no strict rules for buying a yacht as everyone’s situation will differ greatly. There are different size boats, vessels with different purposes and of course, yachts of varying quality from brand new to barely afloat! With that said, there are some key areas that everyone should pay special attention to when buying a yacht.
Continue reading below for the main items you need to pay attention to when you’re in the market for a yacht.
Narrow Your Requirements
There are, quite literally, hundreds of different makes, models, styles and types of yachts out there. Narrowing down your choice can be difficult if you don’t really know what it is that you are looking for. Think about what it is that you will be using your new yacht for. Will you be going on leisure trips with family and friends or are you looking to compete in local regattas? Do you want a vessel that can sleep a crew or would you like enough space to have a small party onboard? Once you’ve narrowed down your requirements, you can start looking more seriously at the options on the market.
Look at Different Options
Be careful not to rush and do your best to spend time looking at as many different options as you can. Attend boat shows, go for a stroll through a few boatyards and talk to yacht brokers. You can visit marina berths for sale and talk to other yacht owners to see if they can offer any advice. After spending time looking at the different options available to you, you will be able to further narrow your field of choice which will make it easier to find the right boat for you.
Equipment
As you might imagine the amount of equipment and technology available on boats nowadays is quite varied. The more equipment that is included with the yacht, the less you will have to fork out down the line. From a sailing point of view, you may want to consider the inclusion of a radio, winches, sails and ropes.
In terms of onboard living, there are a range of things to keep an eye out for depending on the level of luxury you are expecting. A fridge, freezer, generator and music system are fairly standard while the inclusion of an LCD TV, heating or aircon and a dishwasher or washing machine might not be so common.
Build Quality
Before committing to a sale, it’s imperative that you assess the build quality and the reputation of the builder thoroughly. Just like car brands, some yacht builders have great reputations while others are known to be cheaper and less reliable. Ask around about the boat you have your eye on and gauge the reaction of people. A the end of the day, you get what you pay for, so remember the old adage “if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is!”
Make an Informed Purchase and Enjoy Your Yacht
The important thing with buying a yacht, as with any major investment, is not to rush. Take your time, be patient, do your homework and you’ll be in a much better position as an informed buyer to choose a yacht that will be safe, enjoyable and reliable. Armed with the right information will allow you to set sail knowing that you are safe and that your vessel is capable of delivering what you want every time you hit the water.
