Does the perfect boat exist?
Many boaters will tell you that they’ve found the perfect boat, but that answer doesn’t usually last very long – in fact, it tends to change after a few post-purchase rides.
No serious boat manufacturer is going to answer yes to this question, but there may be some people you’ll remember.
Unfortunately, few customers do a complete analysis of their needs before purchase, especially when buying their first boat. What’s more, it’s easy to respond positively when viewing a boat in a showroom.
Unfortunately, given the current economic situation, there will be fewer models on display at dealerships this year and possibly in the years to come, which is why it’s so important to take part in major boat shows such as those in Florida.
The right approach
Customers often forget to check out the technical capabilities of a boat. The vast majority only look at the cosmetic appeal (aesthetic appearance, floor covering, apparent luxury, etc.) and very little at the sailing capabilities and overall technical features.
Whether you’re looking for a Flybridge, an Express, a trawler, a sailboat, a sailing or motor catamaran, a high-performance center-console with a minimalist or elaborate cabin, a yacht or a larger yacht, there are plenty of possibilities.
Click here for a full article to help you understand these categories.
It would also be interesting for customers to find out what the market says about the boat they’re interested in. This information is available, but only to a discerning reader. That’s the first good reason why referring to a broker is a good idea before buying.
Is my choice a good one, will it ensure that I’ll still have an excellent value when I resell it… It’s important to remember that buying a boat is not an investment, but an expense.
How to interpret the determining factors
Boats are assembled by hand, and very little is robotized, so experience, expertise and quality control are fundamental for manufacturers.
The boat industry is not like the car industry, which tends to eliminate as much as possible the anomalies present at the factory gate.
LEXUS seems to have the best score in this respect. Fewer than 10 anomalies at the factory gate. I’m not going to tell you the average number of faults for a 50-footer – you’d probably be amazed.
The marine industry is not there yet, and this target is very difficult to reach. We mustn’t forget that the building stages of a boat are completely manual, so there’s less rigor than in the automotive industry, which is highly mechanized and has a host of quality controls.
Why?
When a manufacturer produces 200 units of the same hull, it’s considered a great success. For the marine industry, success is measured differently than for the automotive industry. In the automotive sector, success is measured in the hundreds of thousands and beyond.
Many would argue that the boating industry is more like the recreational vehicle industry.
First of all, you have to know how to choose.
By planning before you buy, a period of reflection before you act.
The first step is to define your needs, your expectations, where you’ll be sailing, how many people you’ll be taking on board, whether you’ll be staying for several days (2-3-5-7-14 days), making long trips or using the boat from morning to night…
We’ll sleep in the boat at anchor, or always at a marina or dock. There’s no rush to go and see boats that dealers have, yes, but not from the outset. You run the risk of falling in love with a boat without it meeting your objectives. This is often the most common mistake.
So, I suggest you plan a visit to a major boat show to take advantage of the great diversity without the obligation to buy. You’ll be able to easily compare the differences between the models and styles that interest you. They’ll be fresh in your mind, and you can even revisit the ones that caught your eye.
Define your needs for a good analysis
Do your homework and compare the data sheets: there are sometimes major differences that are easy to overlook in a showroom.
Don’t forget to consider the following points:
– Weights of boats to be compared (unladen if possible)
– Engine power
– Joystick and/or thruster(s)
– Soundproofing
– Number of refrigerators (especially outside)
– Electrical box capacity
– If the boat has a generator (power), it must be housed in a soundproof box.
– With today’s high-performance batteries, a powerful inverter can replace a generator on a boat under 40′.
– The number of cleats, camper top with mosquito net or other…
– GPS, RADAR, Autopilot and more…(dynamic stabilization, night vision camera)
– Anchor mechanism and length (chain or rope), exterior and interior floor covering
– Major features: hydraulic platform, retractable balcony and more…
– Air-conditioning power and mode of operation.
– etc.
Basis for comparison:
– Length (LOA and actual), beam, draft
– Fuel tank capacity, fresh water, black water (for washing)
For example, if you’re planning weekends at anchor (2 or 3 days), the capacity of the toilet becomes important: a 20 us gal tank is not much.
Trim Tabs Bennett
If you’re looking for high-performance stability, forget about the old BENNETT TRIM-TABS, which are unfortunately still very much in use and offered by many manufacturers. Today, you need to think about high-performance systems such as :
– Zipwake
– Sunseeker Ride
– Humphree
You’ll notice a clear difference in your boat’s behavior.
There are also high-performance systems that almost totally eliminate roll (left-to-right movement of the boat that often causes nausea) thanks to gyroscope stabilization, such as those offered by :
– Seakeeper (manufacturer)
– Quick (manufacturer)
And why not FINS. There’s more on the subject in the Blogs, News and Tips sections of the Itayachtscanada.com and Propriobateau.ca websites.
Of course, comfort isn’t free, and these systems are quite expensive, but they have a real impact on onboard comfort. The resale of a boat equipped with these sophisticated systems is often a strong incentive for customers on the market.
Budget
You need to plan for an operating budget (insurance, fuel, marina, winterization, maintenance), and I’d say right off the bat that the minimum annual budget for a 28 to 40 boat with a marina dock rental will certainly exceed $10,000 CAD.
Don’t forget that there’s always something to improve on a boat: maintenance, of course, but also canvas changes (if necessary), batteries, oils, carpets – in short, items that wear out relatively quickly.
It’s important to remember that the dollar depreciation of boats is somewhat similar to that of automobiles. So, buying a boat is definitely not an investment.
Professional survey essential
Of course, when you buy a boat, you must first have a full inspection carried out, whether it’s new or used. Make sure you choose an excellent professional for this step.
Follow the right steps to avoid surprises
If the boat is pre-owned, try to find out the history of ownership and where it was sailed.
It’s also important to know the manufacturer’s reputation, but this is very difficult to obtain unless you consult an independent and, above all, professional broker.
Sometimes, there are big surprises. Of course, find out about the tax implications of buying a boat, depending on its origin, the seller’s address and the boat’s intended destination.
It’s unbelievable how many falsehoods are circulating about taxes.
In short, buying a boat is often a dream, but there’s no room for improvisation. Hiring a professional can be the key to an excellent transaction and, above all, the right price.
The independent brokers at Ita Yachts Canada are at your disposal at our office in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
Here are some of the most popular manufacturers in certain categories available here in North America:
Flybridge (yacht style):
Azimut, Sunseeker, Princess, Prestige, Ferretti, Absolute, Carver, Sea Ray, Hatteras, Horizon, Ocean Alexander, Sanlorenzo, Marquis, Vicem, etc…
Flybridge (under 50 ft) :
Meridian, Carver, Sea Ray, Mainship, Silverton, Sabre, etc…
Express (40 ft and over) :
Pershing, Princess, Sunseeker, Sea Ray, Tiara, Vanquish, Pardo, Cruisers Yachts, Beneteau, Jeanneau, Regal, Cruisers Yachts, Riviera, Galeon, Hinckley, etc…
Express (40 ft and under) :
Monterey, Chapparal, Sea Ray, Regal, Beneteau, Jeanneau, Cruisers Yachts, Sabre, Hinckley, Saxdor, etc.
Catamaran :
Horizon, Lagoon, Fountaine-Pajot, Aquila, Leopard, Bali, Sunreef (high-end), etc…
Center-console hybrid :
Formula, Intrepid, Tiara, etc…
More traditional center console :
Scout, Boston Whaler, Everglades, Robalo, etc.
Performance center console :
Midnight Express, Nor-Tech, HCB, etc
Trawler (over 45 ft.) :
Nordhavn, Grand Banks, Outer Reef, Marlow, Fleming, Kadey-Krogen, Azimut Magellano, etc…
Trawler :
Ranger Tug, Nordic Tugs, Cutwater, Beneteau swift trawler, etc…
Sailboats :
Beneteau, Jeanneau, Hunter, Bavaria, Dufour, Hanse, etc…
Fishing boats :
Viking, Riviera, Bertram, etc.
Some boats :
DISCLAIMER
The article presented on this page is for information purposes only. This information is provided as editorial (i.e. opinion). The information presented in this article is presented in good faith and, while believed to be correct, is not guaranteed. Ita Yachts Canada does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of the information and/or images displayed, as they do not suggest anything in relation to this article, indeed no association can be made with respect to the images and the article. All information in this article is subject to change without notice and is without warranty. It is the reader’s responsibility to verify the descriptions and statements contained in this article. The brokers at Ita Yachts Canada assume no responsibility for any conclusions the reader may draw. The purpose of this article is to promote boating in all its forms. It gives one point of view among many. Any reproduction of this article is prohibited.
