When purchasing a used yacht with plans to actively use it in the future for long voyages, first read these recommendations, they are based on long-term practical experience and will help you understand all the nuances of buying a boat.
With the help of modern sail management systems, even older yachtsmen can operate yachts, but maintenance and operating costs in this case can be calculated in 6-digit numbers. It is enough to walk on a small boat along one of the main city marinas, where megayachts stop, to understand that the ideal cruise yacht (in the understanding of the majority), as such, does not exist in reality.
By purchasing a used yacht, you become the owner of the vessel that you can easily maintain. Keep in mind that the yacht must meet your personal needs and, in the end, be in such a condition that it can be easily sold again if necessary, helping to fund the purchase of another vessel. Indeed, a custom built exclusive yacht can be much better than a typical plastic yacht. However, this does not mean that your experience on an exclusive yacht will necessarily be better than on a mass-produced yacht.
Here the command 2yachts provides tips based on the experience of tens of thousands of miles in different parts of the oceans on ships of different sizes and designs.
The rule of thumb for yacht manufacturers is that the cost of building a boat is 30% of the total, with the remaining 70% of the cost being paid for other suppliers. This rule allows the buyer to understand why yachts fall in price by half their value in the first decade of operation, and after the second decade of use, this figure reaches 75%.
We recommend focusing on the total cost of acquiring a vessel - it is 50% of the purchase price with costs together with the cost of repairs and the purchase of the necessary equipment. As practice shows, after purchasing a yacht, you have to spend another half of the cost for the purchase and installation of the necessary components. A very common mistake of novice yachtsmen is that when purchasing a vessel, they do not think about reserving the required amount in the amount of its full cost, for additional service and additional equipment. In addition, one should not forget about planning the costs for a year of operation of the yacht and the maintenance of the vessel in port, because a yacht stuck on the shore brings little joy to its owner.
The next tip is that you should not indiscriminately trust the broker or seller of the yacht, as they can embellish the properties and qualities of the vessel before selling it in order to sell it more profitably. It is necessary to be skeptical about all the seller's assurances about recent investments in the ship, because it is unlikely that an anchor chain or, for example, sails, purchased immediately before the sale, will in fact be better than those that came before them. This may be the case, but in reality you are unlikely to encounter such a case.
When examining the purchased vessel, the main attention should be paid to the sailing rig, the mast and the power plant. For 15-20 years of average intensity of operation, these units may become unusable and therefore you will need to disassemble and inspect everything as carefully as possible, and, if necessary, replace worn-out elements with new ones. If you are going to actively operate the yacht on long voyages, we recommend that you replace all the elements of the rigging in which you have doubts.
Usually, after 20 years from the start of operation, the time comes to overhaul the engine or find a replacement for it. Typically, the cost of removing and installing an existing engine is comparable to a complete replacement. By purchasing a motor from another brand, you significantly increase the total cost of this procedure. It should be remembered that avid travelers use motor power for half of all miles traveled, this is especially true for travel on inland waterways. A reliable and serviceable engine is essential on a yacht, as well as a minimum set of spare parts for it.
Keep in mind that yacht size is a double-edged sword, as the cost of maintaining a slightly larger vessel for vessel size can increase manifold. When discussing yacht size, focus on the length of the waterline - it affects storage space and a longer boat will sail faster.
Yachts are progressing all the time, and you need to understand that yachtsmen's perception of the ideal vessel changes with experience, as well as with age. You won't find the perfect cruise yacht, however, do not underestimate the annual cost of maintaining a boat and plan your purchase budget accordingly.
Do not overuse the use of teak on the deck and the inclusion of many joinery in the interior. Although it looks expensive, the abundance of wooden elements does not add to the boat's performance in any way. Therefore, if you do not have extra money, it is better not to spend on purchasing a teak - these days the cost of a complete replacement of a teak deck is comparable to the cost of purchasing a new yacht.
If you have a choice of yacht models designed and built by professionals from a reputable manufacturer, and designed in a private shipyard by one person, then the first option is preferred.
When choosing, having decided on a search segment, read the full history of a particular yacht you have chosen, discuss its qualities with the owners of the same yachts and yacht inspectors with experience. And if possible, it is best to contact the yachtsmen's club (association) and clarify all the necessary information with them.
When looking for a boat for long journeys, be sure to carefully study the layout of the purchased yacht and evaluate it from the point of view of the convenience of spending most of the time at sea. The double beds in the stern will come in handy when mooring in the port, but also there must be comfortable bunks with sides, in which you can gain a foothold and fall asleep even in a storm. It is difficult to imagine a modern comfortable long transition without these elementary interior items.
It is difficult to do without a galley, in which the cook can reliably rest his feet while cooking and not fly around the cabin on every wave at the same time. If proper nutrition is important for you at sea, a roomy refrigerator is a must on board. It is also worth taking care of the purchase of fishing gear, with the help of which the crew will be able to catch fresh fish to prepare unforgettable meals on the way.
Ship's toilets usually break at the worst possible time, so don't tempt fate and choose a yacht with a spare toilet. Repairing toilets on the go is the dirtiest and most difficult job imaginable.
Regardless of your budget or yacht performance, safety is the most important consideration. This means that the vessel must be equipped with certified life jackets and liferaft, VHF radio, efficient bilge pump and satellite phone. Before purchasing various electronics, be sure to take care of the security items that you should buy first.
If you are not sure about the properties of the vessel and you are tormented by doubts, it is best to ignore such a proposal. The yacht must fuel your wanderlust, otherwise it can become your burden, nothing more.
Contact the services of a qualified inspector and ask him about future repairs with replacement materials and their cost. Experience shows that it is better not to spare money for a good inspector, as this investment pays off already in the first years of the ship's operation. And before making a deal to buy a yacht, you must definitely go out to sea on it and check the dynamics, the work of the rigging and the motor as carefully as possible.
If you are interested in yacht rental in the selected region of the world - you should contact the professionals of the 2yachts company. We will select for you the most relevant offers from the yacht market and provide full information and legal assistance at all stages of the transaction. With us you will find your dream yacht!