Essentials

Whatever you are buying you need to consider:

Payment

1. make sure you buy from a reputable source
2. where possible try before you buy
3. always keep your receipts
4. check what to do if you have a problem with your purchase
5. find out who you are buying from and where your money is going. This is  particularly vital for larger purchases and entering into a contract is always recommended.

Contract

This is a formal agreement between you and the seller. Don’t be tempted to make a second-hand or new boat purchase without one, although if you are making a smaller purchase, such as a canoe or second-hand dinghy, you are unlikely to enter into a formal written agreement.

VAT
Avoid the pitfalls

Finance
Obtaining it and checking for outstanding finance

Surveys
You probably wouldn’t be tempted to buy a house without knowing more about its current state. It’s just the same with boats! For larger purchases it’s always wise to have one.

After sales
Things to consider once you’ve bought your boat

For further advice and information

Download the New and Used Boat Buyer’s Guide produced by the BMF and RYA packed with even more information.

Just pick up the phone to the company you are thinking of buying from and don’t be afraid to ask all you questions and iron out any potential worries.

If you are member of the RYA call their legal department for plenty of sound advice on sailing and power boats

Pick up a boating magazine which often has articles on this type of thing