Buying your first yacht isn’t something to enter into lightly. Without knowledge or experience, it's easy to find yourself led astray by inspiring concepts of boundary pushing-design and features.
Here are a few things to keep in mind, what to look out for and what to avoid as a first time yacht buyer.
Appoint a Professional’s Services with a Yacht Broker
A broker will make selling your boat comparatively easy and stress-free for you managing the sale from beginning to end. Similar to a real estate agent, is someone who works on your behalf during the selling or buying process of a luxury boat, negotiating on your behalf, and ensures the entire transaction is completed.
Consider All of Your Options as a First Time Yacht Buyer
What will you be using the vessel for? Will you be navigating long distances? Are you planning fishing trips? Perhaps a flybridge would make your trips easier. Or will you be using your space for causing while parting with family and friends? You should consider plenty of seating space. Chances are you will have a combination of uses for your new dream yacht, but consider all of this carefully.
Along with the purpose of your yacht, you'll also want to consider what size will accommodate you best. More than length, there are countless features to consider when it comes to the size yacht you are searching for. For example, do you need to get into shallow marinas? It’s advisable to check the water depth at the dock you plan to store your vessel.
Pricing and Value
Naturally, you also have to consider the price of the yacht. But more than that, you also have to know the operating cost of maintaining a yacht. Initial costs that are not included in the yacht’s price tag include insurance and accessories. Smaller yachts are naturally less in price, but choosing a larger vessel may be more cost effective in the long run.
Remember everything about a yacht can be changed or improved. However, the size of the yacht will remain the same. It is advisable not to buy a yacht during your first visit. In fact, you should not buy the first yacht you see.
Is New or Used Right for You?
Once you have decided on the size and type of boat you desire, you will want to decide if you’re going to buy new or used. This decision comes with pros and cons that you will want to pay close attention to. Depreciation affects boats just like any other vehicle. Therefore, you will want to take this into consideration when you’re buying a new boat.
Embark on a Sea Trial
Before you purchase a boat, you will want to take the boat out on a sea trial. This is different from a joy ride. With a sea trial, you will want to check the boat’s maneuverability and speed. Pay close attention to the sound of the boat and other devices and systems that can only be tested in the water.
Ready to Find Your First Yacht? Gulfstream Yacht Sales is Here for You
Patience is a virtue when it comes to making sure that you get the right yacht. You do not want to rush into anything. A yacht is a big purchase, and you want to make sure that you are absolutely certain that you found the right boat for all of your needs. Take your time, and be sure that you are getting the yacht that you want. When you need trusted advisor on your side during your search or sale of your first yacht, Gulfstream Yacht Sales is here for you. Contact our team today to learn more!