Buying a boat need not be a daunting experience. Get in the know with some sound advice and research.
Expectations can be high for your first purchase so rather than immediately going for an all-rounder its best if you can thoroughly identify you likes and dislikes in terms of boating activity and then select the boat that will best meet those needs. For example a fast ski boat is not going to perform well as an off shore fishing vessel and a sailing yacht is not going to work for estuary recreation. These are extreme examples but the point is that no one boat is going to be ideal for every situation.
Most first time recreational boaters enjoy 18-24 foot, towable bowriders, deck boats and cuddy cabins.
Check out the waterways where you live. What type of boat is most common? The most common type will have better resale in your particular area.
When buying a boat try to spend as much time as possible on the vessel (or one similar) before purchasing.
| Yacht | Sailing, racing, cruising |
| Flat Boat | Shallow water fishing |
| Bow rider | Water sports, day trips |
| Jet Boat | Water sports (good for shallow water) |
| Cuddy Cabin | Water sports (good for an overnight trip and also offers shelter from sun and rain and so is ideal if you have children) |
| Deck Boat | Cruising day trips with lots of people. Often referred to as “party boats” |
| Trawler | Longer cruising trips |
| Sports Fisher | Offshore fishing (good for an overnight trip) |
| Express Cruiser | Entertaining small groups (a good overnighter or weekender) |
| Rib Inflatable | Transport (tender) General play (good for shallow water) |
Study the boating market thoroughly by looking through classifieds of both new and used boats in the category of interest to you. Prices can vary significantly even within the same make, model and age so it pays to do your homework and find out what good value is for yourself.
It is best to look a variety of makes and models whilst conducting your research. You may find that you end up buying a completely different make and model than you originally thought you would. You can search the Yacht and Boat CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTORY for more detailed information including.......
If you intend to keep one boat for 5+ years and are able to afford it, buying a new boat can be a good option
Read as many reviews as possible and ask for an on-water test sail. This will help familiarise you with the boats layout and features.
You can start your research today on our NEW BOATS search page or view all the Yacht and Boat Brands.
The average Australian boater gets out on the water once a month so even if you’re buying a used boat, statistically it probably hasn’t clocked up many miles or hours. There are some other advantages and savings too.
Safety equipment and other fit out extras may come included.
It will have a few cosmetic blemishes that you will inevitably add to whilst you gain more boating experience. Scratching or dinging a brand new boat will almost certainly make you feel worse than adding to existing ones on a used boat.
Having an independent assessment done by an independent professional is a wise move under any circumstances.
Some things to look for:
If you are considering a fibreglass boat look for cracks that could have occurred from structural failure or an impact. Deep ones should alert you to potential problems as opposed to superficial ones from normal wear and tear. If there have been repairs made see that they have been done by a quality repairer – ask to see receipts.
In aluminium boats look for bad corrosion of the metal and cracks at welding joints.
Mismatched or patchy paintwork indicates repairs and that the vessel may have been in an accident.
Is the keel run straight both horizontally and fore to aft?
Check for internal rust marks or lines of rust, which could indicate that the boat has taken on water at some stage.
Lift up and look under any objects on the boat – ropes, articles on deck, flooring etc. and look for discolouration that could indicate a poorly maintained vessel.
Ensure that the ropes and rigging are not deteriorated or weak.
Check interior for soft spots in the floor, condition of upholstery, windows for operability and internal water stains. Use your nose – does it smell musty or mouldy inside?
Ensure that the bulkheads are not loose.
Make sure the motor secured well and if an inboard check to ensure the shaft doesn’t wobble. Have a look for cracks and on the prop as well as looking under the outboard hood for corrosion. Check to see you have good water flow when the engine is started and that it tilts properly.
Ensure that all handrails are securely bolted and that all the required safety equipment is on board.
The above is just a brief guide and does not take the place of a professional surveyor.
Additionally, try to keep in mind that all used boats will have obvious signs of use and should not be dismissed hastily when reviewing them. However a neglected boat is best avoided unless you have the time, money and patience to restore it.
When conducting your market research it is a good idea to have a list of questions and criteria (see below). Make plenty of copies of the list so you can compare boats with consistency. An excel spreadsheet can be helpful too.
One you have narrowed your broader search down to a dozen or so boats that you’re interested in you are in a well informed position to begin to make offers.
It is unrealistic to expect an incredible deal. Remember that if something looks too good to be true, it probably is. As long as you know the reasonable price for the vessel try to negotiate that with the seller. Price is not the only thing that can be negotiated. Consider the trailer, motor and equipment to use when in the negotiation process.
Make sure you test drive the boat before agreeing on the final price.
Value the boat, motor and trailer separately as boat dealers do, to make sure you are getting a good deal. If the trailer or motor that are on offer with the boat it may pay to negotiate to either remove them from the deal or budget for replacements.
Reconditioned motors are easy to find and you can pick up a near new motors are traded in frequently by commercial users and will cost you much less than a new one.
To avoid any repossession issues, do a REVS (Registration of Interests in Goods) check (like you would with a vehicle) to ensure there is no finance owing on the vessel.
Keep an extra 5% of the purchase price aside for unexpected repairs or additions in the first 6 months.
You may also find the following pages of interest.....