Factors to Take into Consideration when Looking for Purchasing a Sailboat

When you are seeking sailboats being sold, there are some issues you have to consider relating both to the boat itself and its finance. Since the boat is the prime issue when you start your hunt let us discuss that initially.


Whether you want a new boat or a used one should be your initial resolve. New boats do not come cheap, but they have their pluses if you can pay for them. The finance agreements and warranties on new boats are better than those for secondhand ones. However, secondhand boats also have many advantages such as the actuality that the preliminary problems that occasionally new boats have,similar to brand new cars or houses, will all have been ironed out. Hence the selection is yours, and whatever you choose you have to ensure that you are selecting a boat that:

a) Is exactly what you were looking for,
b) Is in good state, and
c) You can get a loan for.

Let's converse about each of these in turn. Primarily, when seeking for sailboats for sale you should know what you are searching for. You should decide what type of sailboat you should get: the typical number of people who will be using it at any one time, and what is it being utilized for - fishing, pleasure cruising or sports, such as diving. It does not make sense to buy a used Coronet 20 footer if your main purpose is to go cruising for a few days or if you have an extensive family. Certainly, the $8,000 tag looks affordable, but is that what you should get?


If your intention is to diving or fishing for some days, and bring together the joys of a sailboat with a motor cruiser’s strength, a Spark man and Stevens 35 footer, with its 16 HP Yanmar engine and a total set of rigging plus spinnaker will be sufficient for your requirements, specially with its four berths. Sure, the secondhand rate of $78,000 is highish, but there is boat finance available to help you make payments for this.

Secondly, your sailboat must be well maintained. If the boat’s engine has been started before you arrive for the water test then watch out, since there might be some problem with the engine - maybe there are starting defects or the seller is attempting to cover some other glitch. If the owner does not suggest a water test then be extra watchful. Also ensure that the boat is really owned by the seller! It has happened often that a boat was sold by someone just hiring it or even buying it on hire purchase.
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A professional should always check the boat for you, specially if you are not an expert on boats . There are organizations that do this for a charge, but just to make sure that you are not buying a dud, it is worth the price. There is a lot that must be inspected when you locate the sailboat of your dreams: the engine, fuel tanks, rigging, condition of the sails, the steering and much more.

Also find out the berthing organization if any. In case the boat needs a trailer do you have one. That could mean extra expenses. If you have to berth it in a marina can you get one, and what are the payments involved? Is there a harbor near by that you can employ or a slipway available to launch it? Is there ample space in your backyard or garage for it? These are all queries you will have to raise.

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In connection with the finance and insurance, a specialized report may be made essential by the insurance company. This is normally executed by a marine surveyor with a skilled comprehension of the laws and regulations concerning your area. The finance itself should not be a problem if you have a good credit track record. If not, then the boat itself might be good enough as security for the boat loan, specifically if you can put down an ample deposit.

Boat finance arrangements can be different, based both upon your credit report and how much you have the capacity of paying each month. But if you contact a trustworthy broker who has a number of other brokers at their disposal, then you have a satisfactory probability of getting the boat loan that you require. You might get a good deal even with a bad credit history, so don't let that discourage you.

Nevertheless, one tip that you should keep in mind before setting off to inspect all these boats being sold that you have discovered is to first complete your boat finance. If the premium amount has been decided earlier, then you know what you can afford to offer, and will not have to try to raise the finance for a boat you want to buy - that is when somebody who can pay cash can jump in ahead of you and buy your boat!