Sailboat Buying Tips

Sailboat Buying Tips to Consider

Custom-Made or Manufactured

Manufactured sailboats will get you sailing more quickly - they're ready as soon as you can tow them away from the lot. However, they don't give you the level of options you can receive with a boat designed to your exact specifications. If you purchase a custom sailboat, be sure you are buying from a reputable business with a long history. Although novices can produce quality boats, do you really want to be the recipient of someone's first construction efforts?

Used or New

The biggest advantage of buying a boat used is the cost. However, you should keep a few things in mind and shop carefully. With use comes wear and tear. Depending on the age of the sailboat, it may not contain all of the latest features or top-of-the-line equipment. When buying a used boat, future repairs will be much easier if you purchase a boat from a manufacturer that is still producing boats. Replacement parts can be difficult to acquire from companies that have gone out of business.

Size

Although it can be tempting to go for the largest boat that fits your budget, you should be careful not to buy more boat than you need or can reasonably handle. The larger the boat, the more people required to set sail. You should also consider the locations in which you are likely to use your new boat. Sailing under low bridges will require a shorter boat. A boat with a keel that sits low in the water can smoothly sail through some bodies of water but will quickly run aground in others.

Potential Investment

A high-quality sailboat, either used or new, can be an investment. If you care for it properly, you are more likely to sell it for a high price when you feel the need to upgrade or get out of the sailing hobby.

Other Costs

Before you make a purchase, keep in mind the other costs that are associated with owning a sailboat:

• Dock rental
• General upkeep
• Haul out
• Insurance
• Maintenance

Brokers

Although you may think that you can peruse classified ads and visit boatyards yourself, a broker can be an invaluable tool in the search for your new vessel. They bring experience and connections to the process, calling on a network of sellers and knowing what to look for in a quality used sailboat.

Additional Resources

• Sailboat Buyers Guide provides a searchable database of available boats. The site also includes useful articles from the editors of SAIL Magazine, offering their own sailboat buying tips.
• Forbes.com offers an eight-point sailboat buying guide, with tips on size, manufacturer, and more.

Sealing the Deal

When buying a used sailboat, ask if the seller would be willing to take you for a test sail. This is the best way to get a true feel for the way the boat handles in the water. Before purchasing a boat, you should also contact a marine surveyor to do a thorough survey of the vessel. These professionals investigate every aspect of the boat to give you a report on its seaworthiness.

If you're buying a used sailboat, make sure you know exactly what you're getting with your purchase. Will it be fully outfitted with everything from the rigging to the life jackets, or will the previous owner salvage accessories to be used in his next vessel? Get it in writing if you're unsure, and don't be afraid to negotiate.

When you find a boat you like, you will typically make a conditional offer, often accompanied with a small deposit. If the conditions, which can include positive inspections, availability of financing and more, are met, then you are ready to set sail in your new boat.