Buying a boat is a once or twice in a lifetime purchase for some people and a regular occurrence for others. In many ways, the actual process of buying a boat is similar to a car purchase. The first step is to establish a budget and then to do some research to find out about the kinds of boats available and their costs. Then comes the decision on which type of boat to buy and whether to buy new or second hand.

New or Second Hand?
Is it best to buy a new or a second hand boat? Here are some advantages and disadvantages:

The Advantages of Buying a Second hand Boat
  • A second hand boat will cost less than a new model;
  • It may be better equipped than a new boat;
  • It will have proven performance/reliability that can be checked before purchase;
  • The cost of a second hand boat will not depreciate as rapidly as that of a new model.
The Disadvantages of Buying a Second hand Boat
  • A second hand boat may come with extra costs for repairs and improvements;
  • It may not come with a manufacturer�s guarantee/warranty or may only have a limited period left;
  • It will cost more to take out financing for a second hand model;
  • It may not look as good as a new model.
The Advantages of Buying a New Boat
  • Lenders will see the purchase of a new boat as less risky so will offer better interest rates and deals on financing;
  • A new boat should not need repairs for a while;
  • It will come with a manufacturer�s guarantee/warranty;
  • It will look better than a second hand model and there may be the possibility of having it customised/upgraded before purchase.
The Disadvantages of Buying a New Boat
  • A new boat will depreciate in value the minute it leaves the showroom;
  • It will cost more than a second hand model;
  • The actual performance and reliability of the boat is unproven;
  • New boats are more prone to problems than new cars.
Bear in mind that a second hand boat can be a bargain as long as it is inspected carefully and it comes with all the relevant information and documents. Buying a second hand boat that has been researched and inspected can result in a great deal.

The actual resale value of a boat -- whether new or second hand -- is also important. To get the best value for money a boat should be kept for at least three years. When selling, the brand and model of the boat will be important. A classic or very popular model boat will have a high resale value -- less popular models may not sell so well.

Where to Buy a Second Hand Boat
The best places to find suitable second hand boats are classified ads in newspapers, magazines (general and trade), and on internet sites. Many dealerships/brokerages also offer second hand boats that were initially traded in for a newer model. A dealership may offer a limited guarantee/warranty and has probably serviced the boat to get it ready to sell on. But, the fact that the dealer is a third party and has overheads to pay for means that the price will probably be higher than it would be in a direct purchase from the owner.

Types of Boats Used for Sailing and Cruising

Yachts
�Yacht� is a generic term for a boat with sails (and sometimes an engine), used for racing or pleasure. The classification can include dinghies, racing and sailing cruisers, multi-hulls and large yachts.
  • Cruisers -- A cruiser is a yacht that has enough space to sleep on it.
  • Dinghies -- A dinghy is a small sailing or inflatable boat, usually less than 5 metres (16 feet) in length. Some have cabins and some do not -- in which case they are not cruiser dinghies. Again there are many types from mono-hull to multi-hull boats. There are also many types of dinghies including Laser Dinghy, Mirror Dinghy, Wayfarer Dinghy and Topper Dinghy.
  • Multi-hulls -- Multi-hulls are boats with more than one hull. There are two types of boat here -- catamarans and trimarans. A catamaran has two hulls joined by a frame and a trimaran is a multi-hull boat with a main hull and two smaller, outrigger hulls. The additional hulls provide stability and better balance against the wind, reducing the amount of ballast required. Multi-hulls are faster than mono-hulls. The main problems experienced with a multi-hull are its width and higher cost.
Motor Boats
A motor boat is powered by an engine rather than by sails. Types of motorboats include:
  • Motor Cruisers -- A motor cruiser can accommodate overnight stays and, as the name suggests, are powered by motors. Prices vary from under �10,000 to over �150,000, depending on the size and features. Used motor cruisers can be found at brokerages for less than �1,000.
  • Day Boats -- A day boat is used for day trips for fishing and sightseeing and so on and may have sails as well as a motor. Prices vary from less than �1,000 for a second hand boat to over �50,000 for a top of the range model.
  • Ribs -- A RIB is a rigid, inflatable boat used for leisure purposes and for search and rescue -- they are sometimes called RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats). These boats have strong hulls with an inflatable tube around the top. They can be moved easily, even carried, although some require a trailer. RIBs can be assembled and inflated quickly and have a good reputation for performance, handling, safety and versatility. They range in size from 3 metres (10 feet) to 9 metres (30 feet).
Fishing Boats
There are a wide variety of fishing boats available -- these vary in specification according to the type of fishing they are designed for. For example, if the requirement is to find a boat to be used for fly-fishing in a lake, then the fisher boats from MCA Boats are a good choice. Alternatively, for sea fishing, a Jeanneau Merry Fisher 625 or an Orkney boat might do. There are also larger boats available with built-in comforts such as a galley and spacious outside areas.

Speed and Sports Boats
There are various kinds of speed boats and sports boats to choose from. Options here include:
  • Sports Cruisers -- A sports cruiser is similar to a speedboat, but has room for at least one cabin. They are generally used as motor cruisers for sports enthusiasts. The price and size of these boats ranges from �15,000 to over �150,000.
  • Speedboats -- Speedboats or powerboats are streamlined and have powerful engines. They come in a range of sizes and are relatively inexpensive although costs increase for higher performance.
Tugboats
A tugboat is used to manoeuvre other boats by either towing or pushing them in harbours, through the open sea, or through rivers and canals. They are also used to tow barges, disabled ships and other water-based equipment. Tugboats are strong and have diesel engines. There are three types of tugboats -- seagoing, harbour, and river tugboats.

Canoes
Canoes can be used in various lake, river and sea conditions. Canoe manufacturers combine shapes and features to fit their models to suit particular uses:
  • Recreational/Touring Canoes -- Recreational or touring canoes are used on lakes, rivers and in the sea. They are stable and sturdy.
  • Tripping Canoes -- Tripping canoes are long and deep to accommodate heavy and bulky loads and have clean lines that allow the canoe to track well through rough waters.
  • Whitewater Canoes -- Whitewater canoes have manoeuvrability and a high degree of stability.
The key factors to remember when buying a boat are to work out the right type of boat to buy that comes within budget -- then spend time doing research and evaluating new and/or second hand boats. This will make it far easier to find the perfect boat for any sailing needs.
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04 January 2009
Garmin Flush mounting kit Part Number: 010-10447-05 ..
Garmin flush mounting kit part number: 010-10447-05 flush mounting kit part number: 010-10447-05 fits 550 550s 555 555s ff400 as new unused.
£15
21 December 2008
1974 Contessa 32 ..
1974 contessa 32 bermudan sloop. sleeps 6. this classic boat was built in canada and has sailed the atlantic. she is well equipped with gps and autohelm as well as full instrumentation. a modern volvo diesel engine has been installed. the boat is in reasonable conditio. .
£14,000
CH64
20 November 2008
FLECTHER speed boat and 33 hp evinrude outboard..
Flecther speed boat 12 to 13 feet,, arrow v130 model. with 33hp long shaft evinrude twin cylinder 2 stroke engine. comes with trailer,,water skis,,old but fine. brand new ski rope. anchor,,3 petrol tanks,1 plastic,2 metal,,boat runs perfect and looks good. .
ME4
29 October 2008
CLASSIC BROOM SPEED BOAT ..
Classic broom speed boat, 12ft 6 , mid 70s v. g c 4 seats, with a snipe galvanised trailer. 25hp yamaha autolube engine electric start, fuel tank, life jackets, buoyancy bag in bow, built in under floor buoyancy (twin bottom), with spare 25hp crescent electric engine (. .
£850
TF7
13 October 2008
20ft Birchwood Vanguard Cruiser With Twin Outboards..
Fast lady is a 21ft birchwood vanguard motor cruiser. she is powered by 2 x johnson 35hp outboards. the boat is fully equipted including vhf, full electical system including 2 batteries, cooker, toilet and cabin heater. please visit my wesite at http://www. zen7858. zen. .
£3,250
BH23
12 October 2008
fibreglass dinghy..
Fibreglass dinghy approx 8ft x 4ft needs wood trim replacing.
£40
IP24
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