Any tips on buying a boat?

Question

I would like to buy a small boat for cruising along the coast on weekends (I live in Spain). Any tips on buying, Im doing some research myself as I dont know very much about boats but any other help from people who have experience would be appreciated.
Thanks

Answer 1

dont buy one w/ holes in it

Answer 2

bayliner is not the best boat maker in the world A boat is a hole in the water that you throw a lot of money into. The first thing I would do is find a good boat shop mechanic who knows boats. This is critical to you getting a boat.Because no matter what you buy you need a mechanic to look it over and make sure its not a broken pile of junk. And believe me people do damage boats and try to dump the problem on someone else. Talk to the mechanic about ease of maintenance what set up is better? I like outboard engines personally. a 200 hp boat has enough get up and go for any body needs. you need to put the boat in a safe dry location for winter after preparing the fuel lines and stablizing any fuel left in the tanks.

Answer 3

This is a good topic.. I love boats and wanted to buy one myself.. I have been on many and the best i can say are the bayliners and the most expensive are the Boson Whalers and the best are those that are big and luxurious. I love Sail boats and someone living in Spain , must be familiar with the America Cups Race. Spain came close a couple of times. If your anywhere close to the coast of Madrid, than u should purchase atlest a 60 to 120 ft boat... i would recommend the most beautiful boat "the Fountain"
i woud say probably a 120ft if you have the cash, but if you don't i would say call the nearest boat dealer

www.yachtworld.com/boats/Bayliner-USA/1 - 31k - Cached - Similar pages

i would recommed this site and also go to Bayliner .com and u can always fly to the International boat expo in Miami Florida, they have a boat show every year... i hope that helps.... Oh and best of luck to Spain in the American's Cup Sailing...

Happy Sailig... I wish i could go out sometime..

Answer 4

I've owned a variety of boats from small outboard dinghys to large motor cruisers.
I'd recommend that you only consider GRP built boats. The wooden types popular with the locals really need plenty of upkeep. Inboard engines are generally to be preferred, I've found them to be far less bother. Petrol engines enjoy quicker pick-up and generally higher top speeds, but the trade off is fuel consumption. Diesel is much cheaper, especially from marinas where the tax on it is less. For just short trips a smallish cruiser, say 23' is ideal, I wouldn't go for a Bow-Rider, cos' although the Med' is quite good, it can get pretty heavy and you'd be safer in a cruiser with a solid fore deck, with maybe a double berth under.
Maxum, Rinker, Four Winns, Bayliner are all good boats and each produce a model to suit you.
Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Just like buying a car really. Decide what you want and go and have a look and test drive. If you've got some experience great, if not take someone along who has.

Otherwise, just use your common sense, have a good look for signs of abuse, especially damage to the hull, judge the owner (are they the type of person to have looked after the boat properly?), look through any paperwork and if you feel it's necessary, instruct a marine surveyor to inspect the vessell prior to purchase.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Glass fibre boats suffer from water getting under the layers of matting and forming blisters. Look out for this. Wooden boats suffer from rot and worm damage. The parts of a boat that are highly stressed are liable to damage so look at the Rudder stock mounting points, Engine mountings, and mast mountings. Also look at the winch mountings and frequently used parts. You need to see evidence of proper engine maintenance. You can get a qualified small craft surveyor to assess a boat for you.
The thing to bear in mind is that your life will depend on the condition of the boat and just as importantly , its equipment. Something as simple as water getting into the fuel tank can stop your engine, if this happens on a lee shore, ( where you are being blown towards the shore) you can be in real trouble very quickly.
Attention to detail is very important. I don't want to put you off enjoying a boat, but I have seen too many people sail off into danger, oblivious and unprepared!

Answer 7

How much can you afford?
If your looking for a small boat then spend half on the boat and the rest on equipment. (trailer, life jackets, flares, radio, tow bar for the car. the list goes on.)
If you can afford a bigger boat then buy some boating magazines and read the reviews.
When you go to sea safety is No1. NO SHORTCUTS.

Answer 8

You don't say how many passengers will be aboard or if you intend to overnight or not, or even whether you're looking for a motor boat or a sailboat.

The only advice that I could give for sure would be to absolutely make sure that you hire a surveyor before you buy any boat.

Answer 9

Huge topic!
Huge topic with not very much info to go on.
Do you know whether you would like a motor boat or a sailing yacht? What's your budget, experience & ability level, how many would the boat need to accomodate? ...
I'd be happy to help, but without knowing more I could be writing all day. If you would like to, please feel free to email me with more specific info and I'll do my best to suggest suitable options.
[e-mail]

Best regards,

Geoff
www.sailingunlimited.net

Answer 10

Bayliners are cheap. They are not worth spending the money on. Boston Whalers are nice and have a very strong hull design. If you looking more toward 30+ ft look into a Hinkley boat, they are incredible.

Answer 11

If you are a complete novice firstly ask around locally for a recommendation of type. when you find a boat you fancy employ a professional surveyor to check it out for you. as you live in Spain check what licences you may need for owning and operating a boat. do your maths boats are akin to standing in a cold shower tearing up 500 euro notes. look in local boating magazines for most answers.