With the rise of the market, more and more people begin to pay attention to life, not only new boats, second-hand yacht market is also quietly emerging.
When it comes to buying a used yacht, it’s not hard to decide whether you should write a check or search for it thoughtfully.
However, it is essential to grasp the most basic knowledge of shopping.
There are a lot of people call to offer second-hand yacht for sale or want to buy a second-hand yacht, but we are too strange to this market, for the purchase of second-hand yacht of basic knowledge is full of doubts, the next content will answer this aspect for you.
1. Be as precise as possible about the type, length, propulsion system and brand of yacht you want.
Know the brand of the yacht you are considering and its place in the brand range.
For example, this is a “good value” brand — why are its prices low?
Is the brand still in production?
What is the brand reputation?
High-volume brands tend to sell fewer models and types.
Know the ranking of brands in the region and what is considered a “yacht or” or a “Chevy”.
Make sure you know what’s going on with the engine — that is, is it the latest, outdated, inefficient, or has some hidden “baggage”?
For example, two-stroke diesel engines are generally less ideal than four-stroke diesel engines.
Electroinjection engines are generally easier to start and more fuel efficient than carburetor engines.
Less desirable engines cost less, and you have to figure out that buying a yacht at a lower price means compromising performance, handling, and resale.
Historically, many owners have been able to afford superyachts, but it’s important to remember that bigger boats mean more money to run.
2. Consider clearly how much money you can comfortably afford, including the budget at the time of purchase and the monthly cost of berthing maintenance.
3. Determine the life of the engine — both the year and the age of the engine.
Browse different Internet sites to find out the sale price of your dream yacht.
4. Look for a state-of-the-art yacht that uses the least amount of fuel. Make sure to include this on your list of essential factors.
5. Check if they are eligible to transfer the yacht.
If so, how much is the boat worth?
If not, you can usually buy a service contract for the boat for the last six years, which will help you find out. (Check out SeaSafe.com to see how much a service contract costs.)
6. Why is the boat being sold and what is its history?
It is important to know the “provenance” of the boat you are buying (each owner since it was first sold and their historical relationship).
There are apparently plenty of “good deals” — even “steals” — in the used yacht market.
“Apparently” is the key word here.
In fact, some were stolen;
Some survived hurricanes, were salvaged, refurbished and sold;
Some are yachts that owners have neglected for years and finally stopped paying for.
In general, buyers are more likely to choose a yacht that has had only one owner than one that has had several.
Check its HN number and make sure it hasn’t been tampered with.
Obtain ownership and register with relevant departments.
Try to obtain maintenance records and select vessels that are in good repair and maintenance.
Make sure the seller has title to the boat.
7. What is the configuration of the boat?
First, make sure you have all the necessary equipment on board and that it’s working properly.
Secondly, there are many used yachts on the market, and you can usually find one that not only has the necessary equipment, but also meets your special requirements.
8. Check yourself carefully.
You want to look for signs of damage, poor workmanship, bad use and abuse.
Check for obvious features such as gelcoat, woodwork, and upholstery.
If these are not well maintained, then the rest of the details are predictable.
For example, the gel coating has cracked, and there are spiders or spider webs in the corners.
Check each deck for weaknesses. Has the deck become loose?
If so, abandon the ship immediately.
Check whether the engine in the equipment room is aging and whether the hose is rusted.
Look for waterlines inside the boat or on the engine, etc.
These could indicate whether the boat had been subjected to seawater in the past.
The appearance of the paint or gelcoat whether there is an obvious mismatch.
This will indicate whether the boat has been involved in previous accidents.
Check that all controls (steering wheel, throttle, etc.) are in good working order.
Open and close all hatches and cocks to ensure they are in good condition.
Water marks on hatch covers indicate that they are no longer waterproof.
You should test all systems such as bilge pumps, winches, fresh water systems, etc., water heaters and air conditioners, generators, cooktops, etc.
Check that all hardware connections are firm and that electrical parts are not rusted or corroded.
9. If you have good reason to believe you have found the yacht you want, proceed to sea trials.
Don’t think it’s fine just because it looks good on the water. You have to steer the yacht yourself.
Whether the steering room is comfortable, how to operate the yacht, whether the steering wheel is flexible, when turning at different angles, whether the waves will wet the body of the boat, and whether the hull is stable during driving?
Make sure all the instruments are working properly, and check to see if the engine overheats after running long enough.
Check the maximum engine speed, whether it is above or below the yacht’s carrying range.
10. The next step is professional inspection.
Once you have found the yacht you want to buy, done your own inspection and negotiated a satisfactory price, the next step is to have the hull and engine inspected by an expert.
The cost of hiring a professional surveyor is well worth it.
Most surveyors don’t understand mechanics. You’ll also need a mechanic to check the engine, check the pressure pumps, analyze the wear and tear on the cylinder metal, and make sure everything is working well.
Whatever the price of the yacht, spending money on inspections will help you ensure (but not guarantee) that the yacht you are buying is reliable.
11. Beware of fraud.
Just like any other business, you must guard against fraud when buying a used yacht.
Is the preferred price real?
If such a good deal does exist, it may be that shipowners are desperate to raise money and have resorted to selling at low prices, but this is a tactic often used by scammers.
I suggest you find a reputable dealer or broker who can guarantee the vessel.
12. Be careful when buying a yacht directly from the owner.
It is best to buy your best friend’s yacht and you already know it well.
Money should be given to a trusted third party in escrow until all checks and certificates have been made clear.
The boat could have been stolen or the seller could have received the money and never been contacted again.
Be sure to get the seller’s real address, you should be suspicious of anyone who only uses a post office box.
Pay attention to every detail of your contact with the seller.
If it gives you an email address, make sure you can get a reply through that email address.
Get its phone number and make sure it’s not empty or down.
Visit the homes of yachts and boat owners.
Especially if the seller is in a different country.
If anything seems out of the ordinary, trusting your instincts is usually the right thing to do.
If in doubt, drop it.
13. In order to resell your yacht at the best possible price in the future, you must offer a good price for it.
Buy the best yacht for the best reason to negotiate the best price.
