“Mmmmm, we should buy a boat.”
After this thought first crosses your mind, many buyers lose their way and spend too much time looking at multiple boats that are all completely different. After an exhausting process of looking at every size, capability and feature, most people give up, and then “what was I thinking?” will be their next and final thought.
Yachting First recommends you get your brief right first, before looking at any boats. Here is a quick list to help you fine tune the yacht buying process:
- Motor or sail Yacht?
- Available budget?
- Where do I keep it, mooring/marina berth?
- Planned usage (Day boat, overnight boat, cruising, harbour sailing or racing)?
- Focus and stay focussed, engage a reputable broker to assist you in the process. Most decent brokers will find you a few examples and fine tune your list.
- Review inventories, images and make sure all information is current.
- Choose your top two and arrange viewing and go through the pro’s and con’s.
Remember buying a boat is investing in your day to day fun, don’t compromise it and sell yourself short by trying to buy too cheap. That good old say “You get what you pay for”.
You’re now ready to make an offer pending any special conditions like a sea trial and survey. Make sure you submit your offer to purchase on an official document supplied from the selling broker with the appropriate conditions of survey and sea trail for example.