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Tips for Buying a Good Used Boat |
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Tips for Buying a Good Used Boat
Buying a used boat is an affordable means of pursuing boating
as a leisure interest. The majority of first time buyers, more
than 60 percent in fact, purchase used boats rather than new
ones. You may be new to boating and unsure of whether you will
take up it up as a long term interest but equally you may well
be a previous boat owner and enthusiast who wants to save money
on a boat purchase. Whatever the circumstance buying a boat is a
big commitment and you can find some exceptional value in used
boats.
A used boat can offer the same qualities you would look for in
a new boat such as an affordable, sea worthy, well maintained
and well built craft. You can enjoy using your boat for a range
of purposes from sailing the ocean blue, to a spot of fishing in
a sheltered cove to relaxing onboard for your retirement.
However to make sure you can fully enjoy and look forward to
years of pleasure derived from your used boat, it pays to buy
smart. If you are buying for the first time you may have
relative knowledge of boats so it can often be difficult to know
where to start. The main aim is to ensure that you get a good
buy for your money. This article covers some of the issues you
will need to consider if you have made the decision to buy a
used boat and may help give you a better understanding of the
boat buying process.
Your first port of call should be a licensed boat and yacht
broker. Yacht brokers are recommended because of their
experience and access to national and international networks of
boat owners and brokers that will have boats to sell. It is
strongly advisable you purchase through them as they will not
only assist you with choosing the right boat, they will also
help you with insurance and financing options which you should
be thinking about at this stage.
One of the most important considerations is how you are going
to use your boat. There are many boats on the market with
different specifications so you need to choose a craft that will
be compatible with your needs. Think about how you will use it
and how many people you will be transporting on it. Ask yourself
questions-Do you want to Fish? Cruise? Is it for use on inland
waterways or coastal waters? If you would like to purchase a
larger boat, it is to use for entertaining or diving? Can you
berth it in the marina? What is your price range? Are you an
experienced boater or a novice? These are all questions that
will invoke answers to help guide you in your purchase.
Once you have found a boat that meets your requirements and
that you want to buy, if you haven’t already contact a boat and
yacht broker. You can take a preliminary look at the mechanics
and overall condition of the boat yourself, or you may want to
take someone else along that has experience of boats. However
you still will need to arrange a comprehensive survey of the
boat by a qualified boat surveyor before you purchase. The
survey will highlight any issues, and in most cases insurance
companies won’t cover you without one.
It should be fairly easy to tell if the boat has been looked
after from its immediate appearance. Pay attention to metal and
wooden surfaces for any sign of corrosion and check the riggings
are in strong condition. Bulk heads should be safe and secure
with a laminate. When inspecting the engine make sure the engine
is clean and rust free. Check the bilge pump, batteries and oil
are as they should be.
If you decide you still want to buy you will need to make
certain you can afford the boat and any additional costs. Money
should be set aside for mooring, insurance and boat maintenance
work. The next step is to pay a deposit, usually at 10% of the
boats asking price. After the used boat has undergone a survey
and a sea trial, which gives you the opportunity to take the
vessel out for a spin, the final balance can be paid and you can
take ownership of your used boat.
About the Author: For further information about buying a used
boat please visit experienced yacht brokers Inwards Marine at
http://www.inwardsmarine.com. Based in Europe Inwards Marine
have offices in the UK, Switzerland and Monaco.
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