You can already picture it: the wind in your hair; nothing but sea, sky and seagulls around you. Enjoying the water, that's what you want. Not with just any boat, but with your own boat. To enjoy your adventures at sea to the fullest, you need the right boat. How do you buy the perfect boat? What do you pay attention to? Your questions are answered here.
Prepare for a purchase
Don't just walk up to a salesperson or a yacht broker's marina before you've done a bit of orientation. You really need to take your time for this. Think about what you want. Are you looking for a motor yacht, a sailboat, a sloop or a speedboat? There is a world of difference between different boats, so think about how you see your days on the water.
Also check whether you need a boating license. For many faster and larger boats this is necessary. Do you want to buy a sailboat? Then remember that you cannot go everywhere with it. Consider where you want to sail and whether you need a berth at a marina. If you go for a trailable boat, you can also put it in a storage facility.
Consider how much time and money you want to spend on maintaining your boat. A wooden boat is unique and very beautiful, but it requires a lot of time and money when it comes to maintenance. If you want a low-maintenance boat, a polyester vessel is a good option.
New or used?
Do you want a new or used boat? A new boat has no defects or signs of use. You will spend a lot on the purchase, but you will save a lot on maintenance in the first few years.
A used boat is a lot cheaper than a new boat. In addition, they can still be in good condition, which means maintenance costs are reasonable. However, you should pay close attention to the condition when purchasing a used boat. If this is your first boat, take someone with you who knows a lot about boats, so that he or she can advise you. When budgeting, consider not only the purchase of the boat, but also repairs that need to be carried out in the short or long term.
Have the boat inspected
Are you going for a second-hand boat? Always have the boat inspected. This way you know if there are any problems and you can take them into account. The expert will make a test run and during this test run any defects could also come to light, you can then discuss these problems with the seller and solve them together.
Always make an agreement
Always put the purchase in writing. Make sure that both you and the seller have a signed agreement before you buy the boat.
Check the Land Registry
The broker will check with the land registry whether the boat is registered and whether there is a mortgage on it.
take your time
Buying a boat is a big undertaking. It is like buying a car or a house. There are many things to consider before you sign a contract. So don't rush. Take your time and enjoy the whole process of choosing and buying a boat. When you find the perfect boat, you will enjoy your purchase to the fullest during every trip!
