Every second person is under stress in a chaotic environment. And a boat can be the ticket to excitement to relieve stress. If you are thinking of buying a sailboat, it is a significant decision. It’s not the same as going to the supermarket and buying tomatoes. You should consider many factors when purchasing a boat, regardless of whether you are a seasonal boater or a person who wants to make boating an all-year lifestyle.
Boating is an emotionally charged investment. It can give you the memories and experiences of a lifetime. However, it also takes a lot of energy and time. So that is why this article will help you choose the right boat and avoid any pitfalls. Continue reading to find out more.
Factors to consider before buying a Sailboat:
1. Size
All of us need a boat that can accommodate our needs. Sailboats come in different sizes, and each one has unique features. It doesn’t matter if you are buying a brand new boat or a pre-owned one; the considerations regarding size and type of boat remain the same.
Are you looking for a boat to accommodate all your family members for fishing trips every other weekend, or are you just in search of a boat spacious enough for everyone? Maybe you plan to travel around the globe. If a slower weekend is not for you, perhaps you are more interested in how fast the boat goes. All these factors should be considered when choosing the boat you want to buy. In addition, your boat must perform as you expect. Consider these when deciding on the boat size.
2. Budget
It is the second most important question you should answer. It should be considered in conjunction with your sailing plan.
The boat is not your only purchase. The boat and everything necessary to store, maintain, and operate it are what you are buying. The boat’s size, sophistication, and whether you want to buy new or used will all affect your budget.
Owning a boat is more than just paying the monthly payment. You will also spend money on:
- Fuel
- Maintenance
- Marina and docking fees
- Accessories and gear
- Boat insurance
- Winter storage
Simpler boats are usually more affordable. You will pay less upfront, have lower insurance, fuel, maintenance, and may be able to trailer your boat instead of keeping it in a marina.
It is no surprise that new boats are more expensive than used. Although buying used may save you money in the long term, it can also increase your risk. You will find few boats in perfect condition, so it is essential to have your boat checked by professionals to assess its value and safety aspects.
3. Types
Sailboats come in many different categories.
- Intended Use: Daysailer/racer, coast cruiser, offshore/bluewater
- Rigging (sloop, ketch, cutter, etc.)
- Keel Type (shoal draft, centerboard, full keel, fin keel, etc.)
- Construction Method (cold-molded foam-cored, vacuum bagged)
- Number of Hulls (monohulls, catamarans, trimarans)
It is essential to think about where you’ll be sailing. Remember that sailing in an ocean will be very different from flowing in a nearby lake or river. You don’t have to worry about the distance the keel extends into the water if you are sailing in deep water. You might have to ground a 20-foot boat in a river.
4. Time
A common mistake that boat buyers make when purchasing a sailboat is not considering how much use they’ll need.
It might be worth waiting until you have enough time to go out on the water at least once a month. It is due to the amount of maintenance required and the rate at which depreciation would occur. Some people may find it more practical to rent a boat than own it.
5. New Or Used
A new sailboat is a better option. However, if you are interested in boating, you can also buy a pre-owned boat. It is up to you to decide which route is best for your needs. Both options have their benefits and drawbacks, so the decision depends on your personal preferences.
A new boat allows you to select from various specifications and features, but they are typically more expensive than pre-owned ones. But, you shouldn’t be concerned about costly repairs and maintenance. However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find a boat in excellent condition. It’s easy to find a boat that meets all your boating needs, whether it’s through friends or by posting in the boating community.
6. Inspection
After narrowing your search to one boat, you should inspect all significant components, including the propeller, engine, bilge, steering system, electrical systems, and fuel tank.
You should follow a few steps before buying a boat. First, inspect the boat by walking around it. Second, to make sure that it is safe and sound, you can take the boat out on the water to test it. Third, get a marine surveyor to inspect the vessel. A marine surveyor, just like a home inspector, knows the issues to look out for and can help you avoid making a mistake.
7. Warranty
It’s essential, of course, to determine if the manufacturer’s warranty covers your boat. You should explore the details of the contract to determine if it is right for you. Sometimes, the warranty is all that’s needed to choose between two boats.
Ask for details about the warranty plan. Find out which components are covered and which are not. The major components are generally covered for life, but other parts like the engine may be covered only for a specific period.
8. Shopping
Most people will begin searching for new or used boats for sale online. That is because it’s often cheaper to buy a boat on such platforms. However, it’s also a good idea to visit a boat display in the initial stages of your search. You can see a wide range of brands and models in person. That allows you to talk to other boat owners who have purchased the same brand of the boat. You’ll get great advice on buying a boat, new or used. They will also be happy to share their knowledge and answer your questions.
9. Financing
It is more complicated to buy a sailboat than purchasing a house or a car. Does the seller want cash, or are there any options for monthly payments? Although this will vary from seller to seller, it is possible to get a boat loan to finance the purchase. You will need to assess your cash flow and determine if you can repay the loan.
10. Insurance
You can use cash or finance to buy a boat. However, insurance is required.
A boat insurance policy will cover you against damage to your boat, theft, and wreck removals. Although coverage and cost will vary between lenders, the minimum coverage that you can get will be set by your lender. Also, you can get water boat towing insurance.
It is essential to find an agent who specializes in boat insurance. Agents can help you compare rates and policies to find the best deal. Your coverage and premiums will be affected by your boat’s age, purchase price, size, and weight. Other than that, insurance companies offer discounts based on your boat type and if you are a first-time buyer.
11. Legal
You must first register your sailboat. For proper compliance, there are federal and state laws that you should be aware of. When you travel across state borders to purchase your boat, you must understand the laws of other states. These laws may impact your ability to transport your boat legally. Asking an expert for advice is a brilliant idea. You don’t want to purchase the boat you desire, only to discover later that it is impossible to transport it home.
12. Extra Cost
Owning a boat comes with many extra costs. If you do not own property at the water’s edge, storage is essential. Also, docking and mooring at different locations can be costly. Take the time to investigate these costs when you calculate your overall budget.
Places to Visit
If you purchased a sailboat and want to create some great memories, but don’t know exactly where you can go, it is a waste of money. That is why we are going to suggest some places you can visit with your sailboat. Such as
- Tenby is a great place to take a vacation.
- Cardigan Bay dolphins.
- Pembrokeshire’s islands are worth a visit.
- Explore the Menai Strait.
- Visit the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.
- Seawake Anglesey Boat Trips.
Wrapping Up
Sailboats can be a fantastic way to express yourself. You should be excited about buying a boat. However, it is essential not to take this lightly. You can have years of enjoyable outings with minimal hassle if you do your research.
The process of buying a boat can seem daunting if you have never done it before. However, the process can be more straightforward by following the correct advice, like buying a house or car. But Buying a Sailboat: How do you know this is the right one? will help you understand how your boat ownership dreams can fit into your daily life.
