Why Choose a Previously Owned Sailboat

Owning a sailboat is a dream that many people have, but few ever reach. There's nothing as wonderful as flying through the water, the sails cracking above your head as you chart waters that are new to you. It's a wonderful hobby and one that can be shared with friends and family members . . . but first, you need a sailboat.

The Cost of a New Sailboat

Sailboats are expensive. Even a fairly small one is going to put a big dent in your wallet and if you're interested in a proper boat with living space for longer trips out to sea, it's really going to cost you if you buy new. In fact, new sailboats cost a lot more than initially thought because not only do you have to pay for the actual boat, you will need rigging, sails, a trailer and other things to actually make the boat usable.

Many new boat owners didn't realize this when they purchased their first boat and the staggering costs just to kit the boat out can be overwhelming, not to mention damaging to the bank account. When you factor everything in, chances are you'll have to pay quite a bit more than you expected for your new sailboat.

This is a good reason to select a used sailboat to invest in.

Reasons to Buy a Used Sailboat

There are actually quite a few reasons to go with a boat that has been previously owned. While the price difference can be quite marked and is the main thing that buyers look at for their purchase, it isn't the only factor to consider. In fact, you'll find that there is far more to the whole buying process.

First of all, you have to look at what the used sailboat includes. Since most sellers are getting rid of their only boat, they will usually throw in the sails, life vests and even the trailer, which essentially eliminates the need to purchase all these things on their own. That's a huge savings right there, on top of the original savings of buying used instead of new.

On top of receiving the extras as part of your purchase, you'll find that you can often negotiate the price of a used boat, something that just wouldn't be possible when buying new. Everything can be reason to bargain with a boat, from the dents and scratches to possible repairs that need to be made. You may even be able to talk the owner into doing some of the repairs before you buy.

There are more risks assumed with a second hand boat, but you will also get more benefits. New boats instantly begin to depreciate in value once they are purchased, so your investment will never be recovered. On the other hand, a used boat probably won't lose much more off its value and you will find that in many cases, the sailboat will actually be worth more after a few years than it was when you purchased it. This is particularly true of limited edition boats that almost always appreciate in value.

Getting Experience

When it comes to working on boats, there's nothing as great as having one of your own to practice on. Sailboats require maintenance and you'll be able to work on your boat whenever you want, there's always something that needs doing. This can be an excellent way to build up experience with working on boats, but that isn't the only type of experience you can get.

Sailing can be tricky business and you probably don't want to try your newfound skills out on a brand new boat. A used one won't matter as much if you bump it a little too roughly against the dock while learning to dock or if you forget to drop the bumpers over the side. You'll feel a lot freer to make mistakes with an older boat and the consequences won't be as high.

This doesn't mean you should look for a total beater, but a used sailboat that isn't in perfect condition can be ideal for learning on. It's also going to be cheaper to repair since any damage isn't to a new boat. This offers a huge advantage for any new sailor.

Making Sure You Get a Good Deal

No one wants to lose out in a deal, so do your research and make sure you know just what you're dealing with. Know the price range that you are looking at before you go check out specific boats and if you don't know much about boats, make sure you take someone along who does.

An inspection is a good idea, since it could turn up some hidden problems that you don't know about. These types of problems may cost big time in the future. What you don't know could very well end up breaking the bank if you don't find this out now, before you've paid or signed anything. An inspection should cover all areas of the boat and make sure that it all runs smoothly, including the engine. The sails, if included, should also be checked for wear and tear, as should the rigging. Make sure everything that is supposed to be included is. This will involve taking the sails out and spreading them on the ground to check them, which may seem like a big task. The end result will be worth it though, when you have your sailboat.

A used sailboat is almost always a better investment than a brand new one and will ensure that you have the boat of your dreams without breaking the bank. You'll be able to enjoy taking friends and family out on the sea and impressing colleagues, or learning to sail without worrying too much about bumping up the boat.

There are a lot of places to buy a used sailboat, just make sure that you get it through a reputable seller or owner. Doing a thorough inspection is also a good idea, to make sure you are getting the best deal.