How to Decide on the Right Boat
If you haven’t bought a boat before or perhaps you’re just looking for some advice, then it can be difficult to navigate the best options for your requirements. From what you’ll be using the boat for, the maintenance costs, what brands are the most reputable and so much more, the world of sailing is endless.
In this ultimate boat purchasing guide, we outline how to choose a boat that suits your requirements no matter if you’re taking up a new hobby or whether you’re looking to upgrade from your current vessel.
Contents:
How to choose a boat – quick summary
Choosing the right boat involves considering factors such as boat type (sailing or power), budget, purchasing process, maintenance costs, and lifestyle activities. Sailing yachts rely on wind power, while power boats are engine-powered, so choosing the perfect boat is dependent on your preferences or what you intend to use your boat for. Prices vary based on factors like manufacturer, model, new or used, and size. Maintenance costs typically range from 5% to 10% of the boat’s value per year, and this is definitely something to factor in when considering the overall costs.
Types of Boats
The first thing you need to consider when buying a new boat, is the type of boat you ideally want. Whether you want something that is powered by wind and sails or propelled by an engine, this is arguably a make or break decision.
Sailing Yachts
A sailing yacht is a boat that’s main source of power is the wind, which is typically caught by the mainsail and headsail to propel the boat through the water. The sails consist of the mainsail, spinnaker and headsail.
There are a wide variety of sailing to choose from as they can differ in size and purpose – after all, you may just be looking for a smaller boat to sail around in. Here at Clipper Marine, we have sail boats ranging in price so that there’s something for everyone.
Power and Motor Boats
A power boat, speed boat or motor boat is a boat that is completely powered by an engine rather than wind and sail.
Some high-performance power boats are fitted with inboard engines, whereas others have an outboard motor fitted on the rear, containing the internal combustion engine, the gearbox and the propeller in one portable unit.
An inboard-outboard engine contains a hybrid mix of an inboard and an outboard, where the internal combustion engine is installed inside the boat, and the gearbox and propeller are on the exterior of the boat.
Budget and Cost
If you’ve been fortunate enough to have found your dream boat, you need to consider if you can financially commit to both the purchasing process as well as maintaining it.
Purchasing a Boat
Yachts and power boats can substantially differ in price depending on a range of factors including the manufacturer and model of vessel, whether it’s a new or used boat, how big it is, where in the world the boat is being sold to name a few.
If you’re just keen to dabble in the world of sailing you can purchase a boat from approximately £5,000 or if you’re wanting that extra sense of luxury, you can pay for a vessel that is priced in the millions.
Maintenance Costs
Whilst the purchase price of your dream boat is a one-off payment, there are ongoing costs to keep your vessel in tip-top shape. As an approximate figure, it can cost 5% – 10% of the boat’s total value each year to maintain, store, insure and run.
If you’re wondering what the best boat to buy is and what maintenance fees are associated with it, then you can expect things such as:
- Insurance
- Mooring costs
- Maintenance costs of the boat, equipment and engine
- Fuel and other expenses
- Travel costs
- Wintering and dry dock
- Surveys
- Extras and contingencies
- Paying a fixed monthly fee
Lifestyle and Activities
A key part of knowing what kind of boat you should buy is how you, your family and friends will be using it. One thing to keep in the back of your mind, is that some boats are more suited to one activity than others, which may sway your decision-making.
For example, if you’re looking for a recreational fishing boat, then you would probably need to look for a power boat rather than a sailing yacht, but if you’re in the market for a way to relax and unwind, a sail boat could be the choice for you.
Other activities to consider:
- Water sports
- Entertaining purposes
- Day cruising
- Holidays and breaks
Summary
It can be difficult to navigate the world of sailing and the process of buying a boat, however we hope that this boat buying guide has given an insight as to what to consider when choosing the right boat for your requirements.
If you require further help or assistance, then our yacht brokers are happy to help with choosing the best kind of boat that you’ll suit your lifestyle.
