April 25th, 2008 — Buying a Boat
Figures show that boat ownership is growing by approximately 3% per annum. Although the majority are buying small, trailerable boats there is still a significant increase in the number of larger boats on our waterways.
This puts an ever increasing pressure on where to moor these craft. It has long been a problem in heavily populated areas like Sydney but is now becoming a problem in all popular boating areas.
February 26th, 2008 — Buying a Boat
All States in Australia require most recreational boats to be registered. Each State has slightly different definitions and exemptions but by and large if its got an engine or is over 5m in length, registration will probably be required. This involves paperwork and of course a fee.
Every registered boat should have a registration certificate and a registration label attached to the boat. Transfer of registration and the documents required varies from State to State.
February 13th, 2008 — Buying a Boat, Selling a Boat
A cursory glance through the online ads quickly reveals that you can find similar boats for sale in the USA much cheaper than in Australia.
It has become popular in recent years for people to buy boats overseas and either sail or transport them back here. Motivations for this vary. Some want a bargain, others are looking to make a profit, and some just want to make a trip across the Pacific. Possibly the boat you want isn’t available in Australia.
Is it really worth it?
January 21st, 2008 — Buying a Boat, Selling a Boat
Many thanks to Nick Cox of Sunshinecoast Yacht Sales for sharing these tips on purchasing a used boat.
There is a lot more to buying and selling boats than initially meets the eye, and after 27 years in the business, I have learnt a bit and hopefully this experience should put me into a position where I can actually be of assistance to potential boat buyers even if I don’t have the perfect boat on any given day.
It is fair to say that no two boats are the same, even if they start life out of the same mould, and the same can certainly be said for buyers and sellers. Having said that, there are still a number of fundamental truths or facts that basically don’t change. I thought it might be of some interest to pass a few of these on!
January 17th, 2008 — Buying a Boat
Guy Cameron from Perth has very kindly shared his experiences buying a boat on the East Coast of Australia.
It has certainly been worth the effort, as the east coast has a far bigger range than Perth, but beware the costs and efforts involved.
Many speak of the cheap and numerous yachts on the east coast yet few Perth sailors buy from there. For those who are also considering the east coast, here’s my thoughts from a recent yacht shop.
Sydney has the biggest number and variety of yachts on the market, making it an obvious stop. There are many berthing locations, reflective of Sydney’s complex waterside geography - you definitely need a rental car to get around. Get some family or friends’ accommodation lined up, otherwise count on A$100/night plus. Pittwater is considered the place to start there’s many boats and 28 brokers. Vicsail and David Bray Yacht Brokers were two that stood out. I spent 4 flat out days in Sydney looking at 13 yachts.
December 14th, 2007 — Buying a Boat
How much does it cost to buy a boat? Well you could just hand over the money and that is all it will cost you. However most people will want a survey to ascertain the condition of the boat and often it is necessary to get insurance cover. If the engine(s) form a large part of the cost of the boat, or there is reason to doubt the condition, then having a diesel mechanic check it over is much cheaper than unforeseen expensive repairs. On a sail boat, if the age or condition of the rigging is of concern, a rig check by an experienced yacht rigger is relatively inexpensive.
December 14th, 2007 — Buying a Boat
What a boat is made of is one of the prime considerations when buying a boat. The main options are:
Each of these materials has its advantages and disadvantages and also admirers and detractors.
December 14th, 2007 — Buying a Boat
You’ve looked long and hard and finally found the boat you want and are ready to buy. So what’s the normal process?
Having looked at a few boats you should have some idea of the relative value of the boat you want to buy. You should expect to pay a fair market value. You are probably looking to buy as cheaply as possible but bear in mind that the vendor is looking to get as much as he or she possibly can. Boats often sell below the advertised price so don’t be afraid to make an offer but make your offer a reasonable one. It’s better to have your offer considered rather than rejected outright. If you can reach an agreement quickly and amicably from a reasonable starting point then the whole buying experience will be a better one. More than likely you will be negotiating with a broker. Their job is to get the best price they can for the vendor not help you get a bargain.
December 12th, 2007 — Buying a Boat
Owning a boat is a dream that many people have but it can be a bit daunting to take the leap and purchase something. This is particularly true if your boating experience is fairly limited and you haven’t already been through the process of buying a boat.
There are steps you can take to make that first purchase a bit easier.
Make a list of what you want to do with a boat when you get one. What is the primary purpose plus any secondary purposes? Do you want to do any offshore cruising? Do you need overnight accommodation and if so for how many people?
