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Buying a boat

Whether you are buying a boat for the first time, or upgrading to the boat of your dreams, you'll need to conduct a considerable amount of research to ensure you are making a suitable purchase.

As you write your shortlist remember to consider your sailing ability and your level of fitness as, generally speaking, the faster the boat you choose, the more likely you are to capsize and this can involve a long spell in the water rightening the boat.

Most novices will opt for a slower boat initially and then upgrade when their skill levels increase and the challenge of sailing diminishes.

With a myriad of designs, classifying boats has become increasingly difficult over recent years. But generally speaking there are two main groups:

boatSkiffs

These are the faster classes of boats, which are able to “plane” the water (float over the surface at great speed) and are generally two-man boats.

Popular examples are:

  • RS700 (single person boat)
  • 49er (two person boat)
  • RS800
  • Laser 400

As these models are more recently designed they tend to command a higher price and are favoured by those with slightly higher budgets and more experience.

Traditional Classes

Less likely to “plane” and heavier than Skiffs are the traditional classes of boat, which can be just as enjoyable to sail as Skiffs.

Popular examples are:

  • Laser
  • Enterprise
  • Mirror
  • 505 (two person boat)

We have compiled a list of questions you might want to consider when buying a boat:

Do I choose Sail or Motor?

If you intend to master the art of sailing, then you will certainly need a sail rather than a motor! But for those only planning UK Inland trips, a motor-powered vessel could be sufficient, as they require very little experience to use.

people sailing on waterBudget - additional costs to remember

Firstly you have transportation costs (if you intend to move a small craft) which could involve a change of vehicle or the fitment of a towbar to allow you take the vessel on a trailer.

Safety is paramount whenever you are spending time on the water, so budget for good quality buoyancy aids (with plenty of spares available for visitors/guests and as a precaution for any you may lose mid-trip)

Initially there is very little specialist equipment that you need, but as you gain experience you will find which items you really need and which are simply marketing ploys.

Do I need to register my boat like a car?

Unlike a car, you do not currently receive a registration document for a boat when you purchase it, but it is wise to check for any other paperwork (repair bills, receipts etc) from the owner.

However, there is a scheme called the "boatmark" which is being introduced and this is likely to be adopted by the major boat builders over the coming years.

Do I need to register the boat?

There are several exceptions, but generally you do not need to register your boat if it is to be kept and used in UK waters. However, many boat owners choose to register their boats anyway.

What are the likely running costs?

Sailing is often considered an expensive and exclusive hobby, but it can be enjoyed on a limited budget with second hand boats available from only £500. The value of a boat does not depreciate too quickly which means if you don`t like sailing you can sell the boat again with virtually no loss (although it is highly unlikely that you wouldn`t enjoy sailing!)

The size of the boat generally determines the overall running costs, with larger moorings being more expensive (usually paid per foot), fuel costs and insurance costs are also higher and maintenance will obviously be more costly.