| If you’re a first-time trawler yacht buyer the | | | | boater we are, so we know what style of trawler |
| choice of used yachts available for purchase can be | | | | yacht generally appeals to us, we know how much |
| overwhelming. How do you make sense of all the | | | | we expect to use it and about what to expect in |
| models and styles out there? | | | | the upkeep of her. So far so good! |
| The first time trawler yacht buyer needs to avoid | | | | Now comes the hard part; how to choose just the |
| buying on emotion and take a hard look at what | | | | right one? I have developed a purchase checklist |
| they intend on doing with the boat. Making the | | | | that I use with my customers to let them specify |
| wrong choice will be a major disappointment in the | | | | the critical features of a boat. This allows them to |
| long run and perhaps cost you thousands. | | | | choose features that they can live without and those |
| To start, are you a sailor or a motor cruiser? Some | | | | that are features that are must-haves. That |
| like the romance of a sailboat with the image of | | | | checklist then becomes the basis for the perfect |
| tropical islands in the picture; some don’t want | | | | boat search. When I am working with customers, I |
| the hassle of the sails, rigging etc. But a sailboat is | | | | then look for used trawler yachts that best meet |
| very inexpensive to operate if your plans include | | | | the customer’s wants recognizing that boat |
| traveling to far-away places. Still, power boating is | | | | purchases usually involve some compromise. Rarely |
| not expensive if you choose the right boat. | | | | do I find a boat with all of the desired features. |
| Powerboats generally come well designed with all of | | | | In the looking phase, I always say that you’ll |
| the creature comforts you could every need; | | | | know it when the right boat comes along; it will |
| generally more so than all but the largest of | | | | “talk” to you. Any potential boat will have |
| sailboats. And you don’t need to learn all of the | | | | the lines, the feel and the character that appeals to |
| sailing techniques either. | | | | you. Don’t settle for anything less than that |
| Once you have assessed your boat preference you | | | | pleases you. |
| can then decide on what you intend on doing with it. | | | | But what about the cost of that used trawler |
| Are you going to sail, cruise or fish from it? Of | | | | yacht? How do you know you are getting a fair |
| course, you could fish from anything if you wish, but | | | | deal? Borrowing from another posting at the |
| trawler yachts made for fishing are much different | | | | website Cruising Center about the True Value of |
| than those built for cruising. | | | | Boats, good boats always command higher prices, |
| How often will you use your new trawler yacht? I | | | | always! A newer boat in poor condition will bring |
| always say that there are “boaters” and | | | | less than an older boat in good condition always! |
| “boat owners”. Boaters use their boats; | | | | Never buy a trawler yacht based upon the price |
| boat owners just like to say they own a trawler | | | | alone or you’ll be selling it within 6 months. |
| yacht as their boats rarely leave the dock. Some | | | | And should you complete a survey, yes it’s |
| boaters may be full-time liveaboards using their boats | | | | always recommended. Choose a knowledgeable |
| as their home every day. Others may just use their | | | | surveyor that has experience with your desired |
| boats on nice weekends when time permits. | | | | boat. Ask him for references too. If you are |
| Next is the cost of trawler yacht ownership. You | | | | working with a reputable Trawler yachts Broker, he |
| must take this into consideration. The purchase | | | | will recommend several top-shelf surveyors but will |
| price is almost like a down payment. Boating has its | | | | insist you choose the one you want. |
| costs that you need to be aware of. If you are | | | | And lastly, locate a Buyer’s Broker to represent |
| mechanically inclined, you will find that the costs are | | | | you in your search, selection and purchase. It will |
| not substantial. Most boat owners do the majority | | | | save you lots of time, money and a lot of |
| of work themselves. I have posting at my Cruising | | | | disappointment. |
| Center website about the specifics of boating costs | | | | The author, Mike Dickens is a veteran liveaboard |
| that breaks it down into each expense. Feel free to | | | | boat owner, Yacht Broker and owner/operator of |
| take a look. | | | | Paradise Yachts in Florida USA. |
| So thus far we have determined what type of | | | | |