Buying a boat is a lifelong goal for many of us. Dreams of slipping the lines, leaving the safe harbour, and heading out to big, beautiful, blue seas and horizons unknown. Or perhaps you just want a little runaround and a place to sit at the dock and watch the world go by?
Whatever your motivations for buying a boat, it’s a big deal. And it’s important to consider that boat ownership involves much more than picturesque sunsets and cocktails at anchor, it’s a lot of time, effort, and, yes, money. But that said, buying a boat shouldn’t feel like a chore. And as long as you’re well prepared for the commitment and efforts of owning a boat, the shopping process can even be fun!
So, what kind of boat do you want? And what kind of boat are you really likely to use? With our ultimate boat buying guide (and plenty of yachts for sale here at YachtWorld), your dream vessel could be closer than you think.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps of how to buy a boat:
So, you want to know how to buy a boat? Let’s get to it…
Now, the next question is whether to buy a brand new vessel, or whether you’re better off jumping aboard a second-hand yacht. As always, there are pros and cons to both.
As a general rule, if you want something shiny and new that you can customise to your exact specifications, buying new is the way to go. On the other hand, a used boat will often be more reliable than something brand-new, as it’s already undergone its sea trails and all the kinks have been worked out. Not to mention, the seller may have been using this boat for some time, and will be able to impart plenty of wisdom, which is incredibly useful for a new boat owner (of course, this is not guaranteed)!
Let’s look at how to buy both new and used boats (and the pros and cons) next:
Is there anything more alluring than the open ocean? With our ultimate boat buying guide, you can start living the dream sooner than you might think. | Image: Princess Yachts
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BUY A BOAT?
First things first, it’s vital to consider why you want to buy a boat in the first place. What sort of activities do you picture yourself doing onboard? Are you a keen angler, looking for a fishing vessel to take you and a few mates out? Are you a digital nomad, excited to shake off the restraints of life ashore to become a full-time liveaboard and cruise the world? Do you need a boat big enough to take the whole family for weekends away? Are you into your watersports and need space for toys, wetsuits, etc? How much time you’ll be spending aboard is another important question to ask yourself. Not only will this dictate the space you need (both inside and out), but it’ll also go some way to dictating the types of mooring you’ll want to consider and the maintenance you’ll need to undertake. Next, consider your needs aboard. Do you want to be able to cook aboard? Is an indoor toilet essential (trust me, pooping in a bucket gets old quickly)? Finally, think about where you’d like to use your boat. If you’re planning offshore adventures, you may want to consider a bigger vessel that’s capable of handling rough seas and winds. If your visions of boat ownership take place inland, do you need to consider draft or air-draft restrictions – in other words, are there shallow areas or bridges you’ll need to pass? These are all issues you need to address – but if you’re a first-time boat buyer and really can’t define what element of the experience appeals to you the most, then you may benefit from investing in a used platform that can give you a bit of everything without breaking the bank. A generously sized walkaround sports fisher with a decent bit of power is a good way to go, as is a Nordic 30-foot, four-season wheelhouse cruiser from the likes of Targa or Sargo. A season or two on board one of these boats will help you understand whether you need more space, more speed, more accommodation, or more outside lounging space. You will know whether a fishing-friendly deck is a waste of space or a vital asset, and whether a 50-knot ability is a key part of the charm or whether a soft-riding 5-knot sail is enough. You’ll also know what your friends and family think – and that will put you in the ideal position to trade up and invest in the boat that truly complements your lifestyle. Read more about choosing a boat here.Whether you’re dreaming of lazy days on your sailing yacht, fishing with friends, weekends away with the family, or sundowners in the cockpit, having a good idea of what you’ll use your boat for will help you narrow down what type of boat is right for you. | Image: BHG Marine
TYPES OF BOATS – POWER VS SAIL
Although there are many different boat classifications – from fishing boats to sailing catamarans – the first thing you should decide is whether you want a motorboat or a sailing yacht. Of course, there are multiple pros and cons to both, and I’m not here to tell you which is right or wrong. But one common distinction tends to be the boating experience: while sailing boats are all about the journey and being closer to nature, motorboats tend to be all about speed and power, getting you to your destination faster, but drinking a lot more fuel on the way! Let’s take a look at some of the key pros and cons (of course, this isn’t a definitive list, but we’ve tried to keep it to the basics):
Sailing Pros |
Power Pros |
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Cheaper |
Faster |
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More energy-efficient |
Generally bigger inside |
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Better for the environment |
Not reliant on perfect weather conditions |
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Slower, but encourages relaxation and enjoyment |
Requires less expertise to drive |
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Bilge keels and lifting keel yachts allow sailboats to take the ground, and a range of drafts are available if you want to cruise shallower waters |
Shallow draft means more anchorage options and ability to travel in shallower waters. No mast also enables most powerboats to fit under bridges without needing them to be lifted. |
Sailing Cons |
Power Cons |
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Slower |
Can be very expensive to run (I’ve known powerboat owners who use the same amount of fuel on a short passage as I would for an entire season on my sailboat) |
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May not be able to travel under some bridges or in shallow waters |
Lots of fuel isn’t good for the environment |
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Requires more knowledge and training to operate safely |
The big wake kicked up by powerboats can disturb local wildlife, sea-life, and other water users if not driven responsibly. |
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Rigging and sails create an extra layer of maintenance |
Solely reliant on the engine – so it’s essential to keep these well maintained and functional for safe operation |
Speed vs tranquillity, deciding whether you want a power boat or sailing yacht is one of the most important things to consider when buying a boat. | Image: Waterside Boat Sales - Blue Lagoon - Poole
SIZE RANGES
Once you’ve considered whether you’ll feel more at home on a sail or power boat, it’s time to think about how big you need to go. Obviously, this will be somewhat dictated by budget, as the cost of boats tends to rise proportionally with the size of the vessel. However, your use of the boat will also dictate what size you need. For example, how many people will you have aboard? If it’s just going to be you and your partner for the odd weekend, a smaller vessel with a v-berth, head (toilet), small galley (kitchen), and an eating area might suffice. If you’re only planning on taking the boat out for an afternoon fishing here and there, you may even be able to sack off the galley and v-berth, instead opting for a bigger cockpit with more space for fishing equipment. If you want to take out the whole family, you’ll need to look for a boat with enough berths (beds) for everyone to sleep comfortably – and if you’re planning on spending any significant time aboard, trust me and go bigger, even if you’re comfortable enough sleeping on a sofa, you’ll appreciate a bit more personal space in the long-run! When buying boats, aspiring yachties often forget the importance of storage. Sure, an oven is nice to have, but where will you put your groceries? What about wardrobe space? Where will extra toilet roll be stored? What will you do with wet items such as swimming costumes, towels, wetsuits, etc.? And don’t forget those essential tools for emergency boat work/repairs while under passage – you don’t want to be caught without at least a few tools aboard! In addition to comfort and storage, the size of your vessel will also dictate where she can go, what waterways she can travel on, and how long you can manage without having to go ashore to refill on groceries, water, or fuel. When it comes to the size of your boat, there are three vital measurements to consider: the length, width, and draft (height/depth).While most boats use length to signify their size, the width, depth, and height will restrict usagel. If you’re buying a boat for inland use, this is an even more vital consideration. | Image: Waterside Boat Sales - Blue Lagoon - Poole
Length (LOA)
Boat sizes are usually given in LOA, which stands for “length overall”. This will not only give you an idea of the sort of space you can expect aboard, but most marinas also charge mooring fees based on the LOA of your vessel, which is important to think about if you’re on a budget. As a general rule, the longer the boat, the more capable it will be in the open ocean. Most experienced boat captains recommend at least a 25-foot vessel for offshore passages, as this will allow you to handle waves and swell without too much discomfort. The flip side of this is to be conscious of how many people will be aboard. While a 60-foot sailing yacht is beautiful and offers plenty of comfort under passage, it can be a challenge for two people to handle such a large vessel without help. So, if you’re sailing single-handed or with one other person, sticking around the 30-foot to 50-foot mark may be the best compromise for offshore capability vs easy handling. It’s also worth considering that, while a bigger boat will offer more comfort both offshore and as a place to spend the night, it will be more costly. And I don’t just mean in terms of the asking price, but in terms of mooring fees and transport costs, too. If you’re planning on keeping your boat on your own land, it’s worth sticking to below 20-foot, as this will make it much easier to transport and store.Width (Beam)
The next thing to think about is the beam, or, in other words, the width of the boat at its widest point (usually around the middle). If you plan to transport your boat on a trailer, you’ll want to ensure the beam is below 8.5-foot to keep it road-safe. On the other hand, if you plan on spending significant time aboard – either as a liveaboard or holiday-cruiser – you’ll notice that the beam makes a huge difference to the comfort of the boat whilst inside. A 28-ft sailboat with a beam of 10-foot will feel much bigger inside than a 35-foot yacht with a beam of 7-foot, so it’s a good idea to view a range of vessels to get a feel for what you’re looking for. On the other hand, a wide vessel will be more challenging to manoeuvre, especially in small anchorages, harbours, or marinas. If you’re a wider vessel, you may wish to let marinas know in advance of your visit to ensure you’re allocated a berth you can actually fit in. For catamarans and trimarans, this can be an additional challenge, as some harbours will have narrow entrances that make visiting impossible, restricting your options for day trips or sheltered nights aboard. And even those marinas that do accept catamarans/trimarans, you may find many places adding a surcharge to your fees - usually around 50%, but can be up to double the price of an equivalent-LOA monohull.Catamarans and Trimarans can be a great option for more comfortable cruising, but it’s worth bearing in mind that some marinas will charge extra for the additional width, and you may not be able to get into harbours with narrow entrances. | Image: MiB Yacht Services
Depth (Draft) and Height (Air Draft)
The final size consideration goes even further in restricting where you can take your new boat – especially for sailing yachts. First up, depth/draft: Draft: The draft of a vessel relates to the distance between the waterline and the very bottom of the boat. In other words, it tells you how much water your boat needs in order to float. For UK boat buyers, this is particularly important, as big tides around the UK mean that many marinas and harbours can only be accessed at certain tide heights, and you’ll need to be careful when navigating in shallow waters to ensure your boat doesn’t run aground. Air-draft: The air-draft, then, is almost the opposite, and tells you how tall your vessel is, including any rigging/masts/doghouses/etc. This will be especially important if you plan on using your boat inland, as a tall boat (even some large motorboats) may not be able to fit under standard bridges. And while many bridges in the UK can be opened for passing ships, not all of them can or even will accommodate a bridge lift request, restricting where you can take your craft. Finally, if you’re planning on taking the boat offshore, you may also wish to consider the height of the gunnels (or gunwhales). These refer to the sides of the boat and, if they’re too low, will allow water to come into the boat’s cockpit when heeled or in rough weather – not ideal!WHERE TO BUY A BOAT
Now that you have an idea of what type of boat you want to buy and how big she needs to be, it’s time to start looking at vessels. There are loads of places to look for boats for sale, but the easiest way to get started is to start looking on online marketplaces that have a large selection of boats. This way, you can check out hundreds of boats in a short time, which will help you further narrow down what boat is right for you. For first-time buyers who aren’t sure how to buy a boat or even what boat they want, it’s a good idea to start on an online marketplace with the only filter being price. That way, you can get a good idea of what you can afford, and narrow down your selection process from there. Then, as you become more confident about what you want, you can further filter the results further by location, sail vs power, or even make and model. To make things even easier, you could even set up alerts, so you know as soon as your ideal boat comes on the market! Of course, you can find plenty of new and used yachts for sale right here at YachtWorld, but you may also want to check out some of these other boat brokerage websites, too:It’s a good idea to use popular online boat marketplaces to help you narrow down your search for the perfect boat.
BUYING NEW
Buying a brand-new boat can feel like a dream. A yacht straight out of the workshop is about as beautiful as it gets, plus you’re likely to get a say in the design of the vessel, from the colours to berths, which means you can enjoy a truly personalised experience. The downside is that, until they’ve been through a few sea trails, new boats can experience teething problems, and may not be as reliable as vessels that are a few years older. They can also be very expensive, and even if your new ship is under warranty, getting parts or repairs completed once you’ve left the workshop may be a challenge. If you’re planning on buying a new boat, it pays to be very explicit about your wants and needs, ideally putting your requirements down in writing. So, if you need a 200-nautical mile range with a 20 percent reserve, say so. If you need 35-knot capability or sleeping for six, be plain about that. And it’s also important that you understand who you’re dealing with, not least so you know who is responsible for honouring your warranty. This matters because if you get excited at a boat show and buy a boat from a dealer 300 miles away from your home waters, the ownership experience may become horribly inconvenient. Many dealers have a broad geographical spread of offices and agents to help cater for that, but it pays to be clear from the start. As regards the transaction itself, while it’s often possible to buy a small boat as an existing stock model, larger, more bespoke craft usually require a deposit followed by a sequence of stage payments. That’s perfectly normal, but again, it does need to be put down in writing so both parties understand what’s expected – and while you’re talking about stage payments, it’s also worth stipulating a schedule that works for you. If you have a completion date in mind that the builder is happy to commit to, then it is reasonable to talk about financial compensation if the build falls behind schedule. And it’s also reasonable to insist that the final balance of the purchase price remains unpaid until a satisfactory sea trial proves the boat’s compliance with the parameters you laid down at the outset. Only once you are in possession of a formal contract that satisfies these issues should you part with the deposit and get the ball rolling – and if that sounds a bit intimidating, you can always appoint a professional management company to represent your interests, oversee the build, and conduct the purchase on your behalf.A brand-new custom yacht is a great opportunity to put your own stamp on a vessel and get it exactly the way you want it. | | Image: Denison Yachting
BUYING SECOND-HAND
The other way to go when buying a boat is to look at the second-hand market. These boats might not be as shiny as a brand-new vessel, but they will often have had the kinks worked out, and the sheer volume and variety of used boats for sale means you’ll often be able to drive a good bargain and get a bit more for your money. It can be a good idea to try and buy towards the end of the year, when the owner has finished their final season aboard the vessel and is looking to avoid the costs of storage, depreciation, and maintenance during winter, as this will give you even more standing to push the price down further. Another handy thing about buying a second-hand boat is that some may even come with moorings, which saves you the hassle of finding somewhere new to keep it. Plus, boat owners often leave a whole host of extra items aboard, especially if they’re retiring from boating completely. When I brought my first sailing yacht, I was thrilled to find the owners had left us lifejackets, flares, a boat hook, fenders, a variety of tools and spare parts, and even some boating guides – saving us a lot of effort and money as first-time boat owners! However, buying a second-hand boat can have its downsides. While you can expect early teething troubles to have been ironed out and ongoing maintenance to have been recorded, this is not guaranteed. And while a seller is not allowed to lie about the condition of their boat, they’re not obligated to share every last detail with you unprompted. Depending on how long they’ve owned the boat, they might not even know the full maintenance history, leaving it as your risk to find out what’s wrong with her once the sale is complete. Similarly to buying a house or a car, what you see is what you get, so be sure to take your time when boat buying. Go to any viewing armed with a list of questions, have the owner prove functionality (especially with regards to the engine), get proof of ownership and assurance the vessel is free of financial encumbrance, and commission a survey from a reputable professional to ensure the boat is in the condition the seller offers. And, if you fall in love, try to keep your eyes open for potential problems. It can help to bring a friend who’s less invested in your boat-buying journey to spot things you might have missed or future problems that are likely to arise.YachtWorld hosts a thriving second-hand yacht market, with boats of all types, shapes, sizes, and budgets for the aspiring mariner. | Image: Waterside Boat Sales - Blue Lagoon - Poole
SEA-TRIALS
Once you’ve found a boat you like the look of and have gone for a visit, it’s a good idea to test it out in the water (assuming you’re not buying a project boat – which would be a whole other article!). Seeing the boat in action can give you a much better idea of its condition, and allows you to test things like the engine, bilge pumps, and rigging/sails (if you’re buying a sailboat). Even if you can’t take the boat off the dock, you should be able to at least run the engine. If you’re buying a boat that doesn’t mention any engine or functionality problems, seriously question if a seller won’t accommodate this. There may be a problem they don’t want you to be aware of and, depending on your skills and experience, this can either be grounds to dramatically reduce the price or walk away from the sale completely – you don’t want to be stuck with a boat that doesn’t work if you’re not prepared for that! To make the most of your sea trial, it’s a good idea to pick a day with some swell, so you can get a better idea of the boat’s handling and comfort. If you’re buying the boat with a partner, make sure they accompany you so you can have a second opinion, and everyone involved in the purchase can be certain they’ll be happy and comfortable aboard. Try turning the boat at different speeds and check how she operates in reverse, as well. When it comes to sea trials, any costs incurred during the trial are likely to be the responsibility of the buyer. This could include things like a marine survey or crane costs to lift the boat in and out of the water. However, if the vessel is already in the water, there should be little-to-no fees to pay for taking the boat out for an hour or so.BOAT SURVEYS
Even if you’ve been aboard boats your whole life, it’s easy to miss things on a first viewing. So, bring a friend or family member with you, and take plenty of pictures of everything! That way, you can go back and look again with a fresh pair of eyes, as well as write down a life of questions to ask the owner or dealer when you go back for a second viewing. If, after the second viewing, you still wish to move forward with the sale, it’s a good idea to make an offer “subject to survey”. A boat survey is basically a professional assessment of the boat’s condition and value, and will help identify any problems that you may not have noticed yourself. If problems are found, you may wish to renegotiate the price to cover the costs of putting these things right, or even walk away from the sale completely. The surveyor will usually give you a list of things that need correction, with a clear indication of urgency and importance, so you know what needs to be done if/when you take control of the craft. And while you might think this is only an essential step when buying a second-hand boat, even new vessels can benefit from a survey. Very few new boats are perfect – and while the warranty ought to see any issues rectified, it will do the quality of your boat no harm at all if the boat builder is made aware that you intend to have a professional third-party inspection carried out prior to taking delivery.Getting a survey is an essential part of the boat buying process, helping ensure you’re not biting off more than you can chew or paying over the odds for a problem vessel - even if you’re buying a new boat! | Image: YachtWorld
PAYING FOR YOUR VESSEL
If you’re buying a new boat, the price will be relatively set, with the opportunity to add on optional extras and upgrades if desired. Used boats offer more opportunity for negotiation, with the value of the vessel depending on a number of factors, such as:- What year was the boat manufactured? – Some lenders and insurance companies will not finance/insure boats past a certain age or will require you to jump through more hoops for an older vessel.
- How many miles/hours have been put on the vessel?
- What maintenance work has been done on the boat?
- Is she in good working order?
- Has she been fitted with modern upgrades and technology – for example, chart plotters, depth sounders, wind instruments, etc?
- Are there any leaks, rot, or other issues to be aware of?
ADDITIONAL COSTS
It’s easy when buying a boat – especially as a first-time buyer – to just budget for the cost of the boat and forget about keeping some money back for other things. But it’s vital to remember that the purchase price is only one piece of the puzzle, and it’s recommended to never spend more than 80% of your budget on the boat itself. Boat storage, transportation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, etc. can all quickly add up, and what looked like a good deal on paper can turn into a nightmare when you realise the boat needs a new engine or you haven’t considered how you’ll transport the vessel to her new mooring! Some extra expenses to consider include:- Insurance: How much will it cost to insure the boat? Do you want fully comp or third-party?
- Moorings and marinas: Where will you keep the boat?
- Engines, sails, and servicing: For most boats, the engine and/or sails and rigging will be the most expensive (and important) parts. You’ll need to budget for servicing to keep your ship seaworthy.
- Safety equipment: What safety equipment do you need aboard? Do you have lifejackets, flares, horns? Do you need a proper liferaft for offshore passages?
- Haul-outs: Even bilge keel boats that can take the ground will need to be lifted out from time to time to complete regular maintenance. Depending on where you’re keeping the boat, lifts can be expensive. And don’t forget to budget for the whole thing: haul out, dry storage, equipment, and returning to the water, not to mention if you need any expert assistance.
Sails, rigging, engines, and boats in general require ongoing maintenance, not to mention fuel, insurance, marina fees, which should all be factored into your boat-buying budget. | Image: Ancasta Dartmouth
10 TOP TIPS FOR BUYING A BOAT
- Be honest about the size and type of boat you and your family will enjoy.
- Don’t spend more than 80 percent of your budget on the boat itself.
- Boat shows are great for new boats – partly for the discounts and partly because you can compare boats, like for like, right there in one place.
- Boat sales websites are a good place to investigate used boats for exactly the same reason.
- Get your family involved in the viewing and take plenty of photographs.
- Always come back for a second viewing with a clear head and a list of questions.
- Get a survey from an established specialist in your boat type.
- Get insurance to protect your money during a new boat purchase.
- Don’t become blinded by your love for any given boat. It’s likely to be one of many comparable options.
- Consider a broker or agency to help represent your interests.
FAQs
No matter your boat-buying questions, we've got you covered! | Image: Marine Unlimited
