Boating Law Facts

After you have decided that you want a new boat, whether its your first or a replacement, you will need to go about deciding on what one to buy? You don’t want to proverbially through your money into the water when you buy a boat; to do so the right preparation is needed! This guide will outline the main questions you will want to ask before you go about buying your boat.

Type of boat?

Where will you be sailing - messing about on the river, inshore or sea fishing, cruising the inland waterways, sailing round the coast, towing water skiers, heading out to sea or even living on a boat. Do you prefer sailing or power? How many people will your be carrying and how long will they be staying on board? You should ask these questions before you look at any boat more closely.

Boat brand?

Faced with a massive choice of manufacturers and models, how do you find out more about the boat that suits you best. The internet is clearly a great source of information. It is easy to look up essential information, download brochures and importantly compare potential prices. Specialist magazines review boats and you may be able to get archive reviews from the publishers’ websites. You could also visit boat shows to get a first hand view of the latest models and talk to manufacturers.

Second hand boat or Brand new?

Finance is the obvious deciding factor. Naturally new boats will come with a higher price-tag, however you can expect not to pay for maintenance and repair costs for a while - unlike an older boat. A used boat in great condition with a full service history and a warranty could prove a real bargain, but a boat with a less careful owner and no warranty could land you with some expensive bills.

You should consider the final cost. The price advertised might not contain all the eventual costs. Nearly all prices stated will cover the bare minimum, meaning you should always ask what is not included for the price point. You could be in for a few surprises. A used boat may come with a whole slew of additional items and gadgets that will save you money.

Private seller or dealer?

You would probably expect to pay less when you buy privately - dealers have to add a margin to cover their costs and run a profitable business. Like cars, the risks and rewards are largely the same. Dealers have their reputation to protect, so would be unlikely to try to offload a problem boat on an unsuspecting owner. They would also be able to offer you a warranty to protect you against unexpected repair costs in the initial stages of ownership. You will not likely get a warranty with a private owner and will have to some extent rely on the the owner’s description of the boat.

Inspect carefully

You wouldn’t buy a house or car without a careful inspection, particularly if you are buying used, so treat your boat purchase the same way. A Professional surveyor will be able to provide a full and objective report on the boat. It could well be the case that the finance house or insurance company sees this as a requirement.

Whether you use a surveyor or not, make sure you check these essentials:

Check the condition of the hull, the paintwork and fittings.

Look out for signs of damage or fresh paintwork which could indicate an accident.

Check the operation of ropes, cables, controls and operating systems.

Water marks are a good indication of leaks and you should keep your eyes open for any other tell tale signs.

Visually check the engine as well as letting it run for a while to see if there are any signs of a leak and general wear.

Financing your purchase

Don’t forget to include all likely costs in your budget - purchase price, additional equipment, transport to your preferred mooring place, insurance and estimated operating and maintenance costs.

Insuring your boat

You will need to insure your boat against theft, accidental damage and other risks. Don’t forget to include personal effects and cover against third party claims. A specialist marine insurance company can advise you on the most suitable cover.

Documentation

Even if you are buying privately, you should have a written sales agreement which sets out everything that is included in the price and gives the seller’s full details. You should also ask for registration documents and any available service records.

Boat shipping

If you are buying a boat in another part of the country, you will need some form of boat transport unless you plan to sail the boat back to your local mooring place. An useful tip: make sure you find a specialised boat transport company and not just a man with a van. You may not have a trailer that can move the boat you have decided upon and if this is the case then you will gave to use the services of a dedicated boat transport company.

If you need further information, it can be found on transport marketplace websites like Shiply.

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