| g a used boat is an affordable means of pursuing | | | | Think about how you will use it and how many people |
| boating as a leisure interest. The majority of first time | | | | you will be transporting on it. Ask yourself questions-Do |
| buyers, more than 60 percent in fact, purchase used | | | | you want to Fish? Cruise? Is it for use on inland |
| boats rather than new ones. You may be new to | | | | waterways or coastal waters? If you would like to |
| boating and unsure of whether you will take up it up as | | | | purchase a larger boat, it is to use for entertaining or |
| a long term interest but equally you may well be a | | | | diving? Can you berth it in the marina? What is your |
| previous boat owner and enthusiast who wants to | | | | price range? Are you an experienced boater or a |
| save money on a boat purchase. Whatever the | | | | novice? These are all questions that will invoke |
| circumstance buying a boat is a big commitment and | | | | answers to help guide you in your purchase. |
| you can find some exceptional value in used boats. | | | | Once you have found a boat that meets your |
| A used boat can offer the same qualities you would | | | | requirements and that you want to buy, if you |
| look for in a new boat such as an affordable, sea | | | | haven’t already contact a boat and yacht |
| worthy, well maintained and well built craft. You can | | | | broker. You can take a preliminary look at the |
| enjoy using your boat for a range of purposes from | | | | mechanics and overall condition of the boat yourself, |
| sailing the ocean blue, to a spot of fishing in a sheltered | | | | or you may want to take someone else along that |
| cove to relaxing onboard for your retirement. However | | | | has experience of boats. However you still will need to |
| to make sure you can fully enjoy and look forward to | | | | arrange a comprehensive survey of the boat by a |
| years of pleasure derived from your used boat, it pays | | | | qualified boat surveyor before you purchase. The |
| to buy smart. If you are buying for the first time you | | | | survey will highlight any issues, and in most cases |
| may have relative knowledge of boats so it can often | | | | insurance companies won’t cover you without |
| be difficult to know where to start. The main aim is to | | | | one. |
| ensure that you get a good buy for your money. This | | | | It should be fairly easy to tell if the boat has been |
| article covers some of the issues you will need to | | | | looked after from its immediate appearance. Pay |
| consider if you have made the decision to buy a used | | | | attention to metal and wooden surfaces for any sign |
| boat and may help give you a better understanding of | | | | of corrosion and check the riggings are in strong |
| the boat buying process. | | | | condition. Bulk heads should be safe and secure with a |
| Your first port of call should be a licensed boat and | | | | laminate. When inspecting the engine make sure the |
| yacht broker. Yacht brokers are recommended | | | | engine is clean and rust free. Check the bilge pump, |
| because of their experience and access to national | | | | batteries and oil are as they should be. |
| and international networks of boat owners and | | | | If you decide you still want to buy you will need to |
| brokers that will have boats to sell. It is strongly | | | | make certain you can afford the boat and any |
| advisable you purchase through them as they will not | | | | additional costs. Money should be set aside for |
| only assist you with choosing the right boat, they will | | | | mooring, insurance and boat maintenance work. The |
| also help you with insurance and financing options | | | | next step is to pay a deposit, usually at 10% of the |
| which you should be thinking about at this stage. | | | | boats asking price. After the used boat has undergone |
| One of the most important considerations is how you | | | | a survey and a sea trial, which gives you the |
| are going to use your boat. There are many boats on | | | | opportunity to take the vessel out for a spin, the final |
| the market with different specifications so you need to | | | | balance can be paid and you can take ownership of |
| choose a craft that will be compatible with your needs. | | | | your used boat. |