Buying a boat – second hand or new? The most important things to consider

Especially for beginners, it is difficult to assess which advantages and disadvantages to include when buying used and new boats.

The best tip we can give you at the beginning is this: don’t find the boat, but find out what type of boat you are! So what does that mean?

The answer to the question of old or new depends very much on you:

• How much choice do you need to make a decision?
• What is your budget?
• Do you have technical knowledge?
• Do you love shiny new things or do you like to give things your own personal touch?

Once you have a rough overview of these initial questions, we can now move on to the main advantages and disadvantages of buying used and new (sailing) boats.

Following we list the main advantages of buying a new boat. Of course they can vary, depending on the buyer’s desires and the situation on the boating market:

• Choice: When buying new, you can choose the manufacturer, the design, the features and much more, and often even put together the equipment of your dream boat yourself.
• State-of-the-art technology: New boats are usually equipped with all the technology you need to get started. Just get on and go!
• Warranty claim: If something does not work or breaks during the warranty period, the seller is liable.

From our own experiences, these are the main disadvantages of buying a new boat. Of course they can vary, depending on the buyer’s individual situation:

• Price: All of the above advantages do not come free of charge, of course, and usually require a bulging wallet.
• Decrease in value: already in the first year, a new boat loses 30 percent of its new value due to ageing and wear. From the second year on, the loss in value is still 5 percent per year.

Here you will read about the main advantages of buying a second hand boat. Of course they can vary, depending on the buyer’s desires or what boats are currently on sale on the second hand market:

• Several buying options: you can either buy used boats from a dealer who offers good advice and service, or you can buy from a broker to reduce overhead costs. You can also find a private seller on many online platforms or in magazines.
• Price-performance: especially for boating beginners, the performance of a used but well-maintained boat is usually quite sufficient. For many, the price is the biggest obstacle to buying their own boat. Buying second-hand can, under certain circumstances, ensure that the dream of owning a sailing or motor boat comes true more quickly.
• Extras: Often a private seller will add a few extras such as lines, life jackets, radio and other safety items. This can save you additional costs.

Derived from our own experiences, these are the main disadvantages of buying a second hand boat. Of course they can vary, depending on the condition of the boat.

• (Hidden) defects: when buying used boats, the entire risk lies with the buyer. If you do not test and inspect the boat and the technology sufficiently before buying, you may experience unwanted surprises. Tip: If possible, have the boat inspected by a surveyor before buying. This gives you more security and possibly the option to lower the price a little.
• Necessary refit: from our own experience we know that it usually does not remain at the purchase price. Depending on the age of the boat, some instruments, the interior, engine parts, sails etc. have to be repaired or replaced. This can mean a few thousand euros in additional costs.

There are people who love beautiful new things. Others take more pleasure in the uniqueness of second-hand items. This can be just as true for furniture or cars as it is for boats. If you have decided to buy a used sailboat or motorboat, here are the most important tips for buying one:

1. Be aware of the purpose for which you are buying the boat.
2. Compare offer prices online in the desired boat category
3. Actively search for used boats on online platforms, in boating magazines, at your local boat broker or at boat shows.
4. Be patient! If you don’t find your dream boat straight away, keep at it and look around regularly.
5. Extend your search to international sales platforms.
6. Make appointments to view boats, even if they don’t meet your expectations one hundred percent. This way you can further orientate yourself as to what you find important or beautiful.
7. If not offered by the seller, have a surveyor check the entire boat and its technology for hidden defects and technical deficits before the final purchase.
8. If you buy from a dealer, be sure to ask for an extended warranty.
9. Make sure you buy at the right time of year. Depending on the time of year, the supply on the boat market can vary greatly.
10. Not a must, but it would be nice to have the minimum safety equipment on board from the beginning.
11. Don’t be afraid that technology might be missing or needs to be upgraded. With the AyeAye® boat computer, you can equip your boat with a punch of all the necessary instruments and features you need for safe boating.

If you don’t have any financial worries and you can easily afford a new boat, we want to give you a little start-up help here. Even if boats are fresh out of the boatyard, you shouldn’t go for them blindly, but do your homework before investing:

1. When buying a new boat, you should also be clear about the purpose it is to fulfil
2. Research which boatyards enjoy the greatest confidence of their customers
3. Test reports from (online) magazines select the best boats in the respective class every year. This is also worth a look!
4. Boat shows are an excellent way to get an overview. In addition, you can find new boats at lower introductory prices, one-year old demonstration boats or predecessor models, where you can also get good deals.
5. It is also worthwhile to hire a surveyor when buying a new boat, as the quality of the handiwork can vary from shipyard to shipyard.
6. It may not be very sexy, but research the difference between warranty, guarantee and liability for defects when buying new boats. There is often cheating here, but as a well-informed buyer, you will enjoy an eye-to-eye negotiating position, especially on warranty issues.
7. Patience always pays off when buying a new boat. Even if you don’t have to pay attention to the price, the time before the purchase is already an adventurous journey that you should enjoy. After all, you are fulfilling your dream of freedom on the water.

If you decide to buy a new boat, you must have one thing above all: a fat bank account. In return, you will be offered a lot. The latest technology and materials and, above all, the feeling of being the first to steer the boat towards the horizon.

If you don’t value this or only have a small budget at your disposal, you will usually decide to buy a used boat.

If you don’t have a clue what you’re looking for, here’s our best tip for beginners: you can get the best deal on used boats that are 2-3 years old and that you buy from a dealer with an extended warranty.

However, you should always be aware: anyone can buy a boat, but maintaining a boat, that is the art!