Buying Tips

The purchase of a boat whether it be a sail boat or motor cruiser, is most likely going to the second largest investment of your life. We have put together a list of buying tips for the would-be purchaser. Have a read, but remember that most of the time the purchase of a boat goes through a lot smoother than purchasing a house!

Purchasing a New boat

Here are some tips if you are buying a new boat.

• Have you checked out the dealer - are they recognised by the relevant boat manufacturer?
• Dealers or Boat Builders should be a member of the British Marine Federation (BMF)?
• Do you have a valid and recognised contract. The BMF and Royal Yachting Association provide standard contracts which should be used.
• Make sure you know exactly what will be included in the price you are paying. Extras added can easily make the price increase quickly.
• Check that the price you are paying is fixed and make sure you know when deposits and payments are to be paid.
• If using Marine Finance to make the purchase, will the finance company be responsible for registering the boat for you. Part 1 Registration is recommended and some finance companies insist on this, particularly if a Marine Mortgage is being used for the finance.
• Is the delivery date guaranteed?
• Will clear title be guaranteed and if so how can this be proved.
• When do you become responsible for the boat and therefore have to ensure that you have the vessel insured.
• Will the boat be CE marked?

Used boat

Running Costs

Before buying a boat remember that the purchase cost is only a part of the finance required for enjoying your new dream boat. Find out about these running costs before going ahead with the purchase as it would be a shame to not be able to use the boat once it is yours.

• Insurance
• Boat and trailer registration
• Taxes
• Fuel
• Docking and mooring fees
• Storage
• Equipment such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, marine radio, anchor and dock lines
• Maintenance
• Trailer
• Survey

Running costs of boats vary dramatically and therefore it is not really feasible to put in examples. However, you should expect to budget several thousand pounds per year if you own a boat that cannot be stored at home as mooring costs can be £2,000 upwards per year.

Licensing and Registration of Boats

It is not a legal requirement to register your boat if kept and used in UK waters. For overseas use it must be registered. It must also be registered if it's company owned or subject to a mortgage.

If you plan to keep a boat on or visit a British Waterways (www.britishwaterways.co.uk) canal, Environment Agency (www.environment-agency.gov.uk) river or the Broads (www.broads-authority.gov.uk) you must first obtain a licence and ensure that your vessel conforms to the Boat Safety Scheme (www.boatsafetyscheme.com).

If you use a VHF radio (which you should have) you'll need a personal licence which can be done via a one day course and most sailing schools. An annual fee is payable to the Radio Agency. For further details click here to visit the Radio Agency website,