Usually when you get to the stage of buying a boat, you will have had some previous experience of boating. You may be looking for a replacement, new or used, or it could be that after spending many a good time on a friends boat that you feel it time to have your own. Check out the market. There are various ways to find your type of vessel. Boat builders, dealers, brokers, and private sellers who all use the old and new methods of advertising such as magazines, news papers, brochures and of course the biggest medium available is the web.

There can be many traps when buying a boat, particularly if pre-owned and you’ve not had the experience. If not sure always seek advice from an experienced person. For example; a good coating of paint on an older wooden boat can hide rot and other nasties. If a glass boat has lived its life in the sea have the hull checked for osmosis. Hulls delaminating have been a common problem. Marine Electrical and Electronics need to be checked and tested and made safe if required. There are specialists who survey vessels. Mostly their expertise is applied to vessels that live in the water all their life but there are plenty of reputable dealers that give good advice on smaller boats. Money spent with a Marine surveyor will always be a good investment and can save you a lot of financial heartache in the future. And if still not sure get a second opinion.