What you need to know before buying a boat
There are many beliefs about boats, and we’re going to debunk some of the most persistent ones that mislead boaters.
First of all, buying a boat is completely different from buying a car, so why …
In the automotive industry, we know that buying new keeps us away from anomalies, which is completely different from the boat industry.
A new boat has its share of anomalies, some of them quite significant. For example, it is said (by the industry) that a 50′ flybridge boat (made in Europe, for example) has around 250 anomalies when it leaves the factory, both cosmetic and functional.
Whether the boat is built in Europe or America makes little difference to the anomaly statistics. On the other hand, some boats and yachts from Europe are bought by dealers as they leave the factory, with no guarantee of origin offered by the builder.
This means that the 12-month warranty will be fully assumed by the dealer, who will not be able to claim a penny from the manufacturer. It’s important to know whether the warranty is the responsibility of the manufacturer or the dealer.
Compared to the automotive sector (a mistake often made by a new boater), a Lexus coming out of the factory has about 7, plus or minus 2 anomalies, which is completely different for the boating sector. In fact, the boating industry is more comparable to the motor industry, which is notorious for its innumerable anomalies.
So it’s not the price of the boat that determines the quality of manufacture at the factory. The fact that the price of a boat approaches or exceeds a million or even several million does not mean that there are no problems. The same applies to boats under 50′. Of course, the fewer the systems on board, the fewer the number of anomalies, but when it comes to cosmetics, the electrical system on board, the quality of the plumbing, it makes little difference to the overall tally for a 32′ to 50′ boat.
We’ve already mentioned in previous articles the importance of testing and inspection by certified experts before buying a pre-owned boat, but the same is true for a new boat.
There are many items to validate. For example, has the manufacturer or dealer who ordered the boat taken the right options, such as the engine?
You also need to look at the robustness of the portholes, the drains for evacuating rainwater and sometimes wave water, the soundproofing on board, all the plumbing and the tank capacities.
For example, if you want to spend weekends at anchor, you’ll need to think about the toilet tank. With a capacity of 30 US GAL or less, it’s a sure bet that you’ll spend the weekend there.
In addition, major systems such as air conditioning, stabilization, component display and all electrical systems need to be considered. For example, there are so many underpowered boats on the market that handicap the boat and above all generate additional fuel consumption, as you are forced to put more power on to lift off and sail with a pleasant boat trim.
In short, you need to be familiar with the world of boatbuilding to spot the wrong EX tandems: boat weight/engine power, and to avoid a boat that will be difficult to resell without the options so highly appreciated by yachtsmen, such as the number of refrigerators on board, a separate shower (or showers), a stabilization system, etc…
An independent, professional and, above all, highly ethical broker can help you make the right choices.
Most importantly, don’t rely on the comparison between a new high-end car and a new high-end boat. A boat’s price is no guarantee that it’s flawless, regardless of its size.
So, for any purchase, it’s essential to have pre-purchase inspections carried out by qualified professionals, whether the boat is new or second-hand, and to get the right advice for a purchase that will prove advantageous in the medium and long term, and above all that will be easier to resell.
In conclusion, there’s no such thing as the perfect boat, but the list of positive points (the +’s) should outweigh the negative points (the -‘s).
The brokers at Ita Yachts Canada and its ProprioBateau division are there to advise and assist you with all your transactions, whether in Canada, the United States or Europe, so don’t hesitate. What’s more, there’s no fee to pay when you’re in buying mode, and we’re with you every step of the way.
In the industry, it’s a given that a large yacht must pass all the various pre-purchase inspections before payment, and the same rule applies to smaller 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.
