Are you looking to buy a new or used yacht and want to make sure you get it right? Then it’s worth taking a close look. If you know what to look out for when buying a yacht, you’ll usually have a much better gut feeling when it comes to signing the contract.
But what details are actually relevant when it comes to buying the “perfect yacht” like a “ZOUT” MAIORA, “ELYSIUM” SANLORENZO SL104 or a “HERCULES” FEADSHIP, for your own purposes? The following article will help answer this and other pertinent questions.
Checklist for buying a yacht
Regardless of whether you are interested in one of the smaller models or a large version: This checklist covers all the important points that you should consider before possibly signing the purchase contract. A reputable seller will always be ready to answer your questions transparently.
After all, the ultimate goal in buying a yacht is to create the basis for wonderful experiences on the water and to enjoy a very special attitude towards life.
Check the hull of the boat for defects
Take the time needed to check the hull of the boat for defects. Keep in mind that even minor damage can sometimes result in high costs. Conversely, it is often possible to save money by tackling repairs as early as possible.
If the hull of the boat shows several defects that have probably been present for some time, this indicates a general lack of maintenance by the owner. Typical issues that often arise in this context include insufficient material thickness and poor workmanship of the welds.
Additional tip: If you discover rust on the hull of the boat, the next step is to find out whether it is only superficial or already deeper.
Checking the engine
Does the yacht just look good or is it also able to move on the water? Turn the engine on and off, making sure that it starts quickly. “Strange noises” can also indicate a defect and should not be ignored under any circumstances.
Check the boat’s electrics
Depending on the design, more or fewer electrical systems have been installed on the yacht. Check thoroughly whether all functions can be used as intended. Whether it’s the lights, radio or kitchen equipment: if the electrical system is faulty, user comfort automatically suffers.
Check the pumps before buying a yacht
Check whether all the pumps installed on the yacht (and not just the bilge pump, for example) are working properly.
Condition of the interior
Many people now place a high value on the highest possible luxury factor when furnishing their yacht. However, this does not mean that they always treat the furnishings with care. Take a close look at seating, furniture and other furnishings and look out for signs of wear and damage. Of course, it is at the discretion of the potential buyer which traces are considered “normal”.
Is the steering still intact?
For a yacht to be reliably maneuvered on the water, it is important that its steering system works properly. So if you are careless here and, for example, do not have regular maintenance carried out, you risk safety issues arising over time. Therefore, it is essential to take the yacht you have in mind for a test drive at least once to experience how it handles on the water.
Is a surveyor worth it?
In principle, it is not possible to answer this question in a standardized way. Because: whether or not a surveyor is worthwhile depends above all on your personal and professional judgment. The following applies: if you are unsure whether a price is justified and if you want to know what repairs will be needed in the future, it makes sense to work with a professional surveyor.
They will not only be able to tell you more about the condition of the respective yacht, but also show you what follow-up costs you can expect in the future. This will help you quickly determine whether it might be worthwhile to enter into price negotiations with the seller or to ask them directly to have repairs carried out before the purchase.
Buying a yacht: Inspection on land and on water
A yacht that looks perfect on land does not necessarily have to meet the high expectations placed on it on the water. Conversely, damage that has formed on the hull of the boat is not always visible when it is in the water. This makes it all the more important to inspect the yacht you are considering buying both on land and in the water.
Don’t forget the test drive!
Before you sign the contract of sale, a test drive will help you to learn a little more about the yacht. Questions such as “How does the boat lie in the water?” and “What is the general driving experience like?” are best answered by you briefly becoming the captain. A reputable seller should have no problem allowing you to gain insights of this kind.
Hello!
Click on the contact below to chat with us
