boat info

[scanman]

I would like any advice as i am looking to buy a secondhand yacht in the next few months.

I have looked at some brokerages on the internet for some ideas to which type to look at and i have come across a maxi 9.5 and a beneteau first30 &32.

any advice please.

 

[charles_reed]

It depends on what you want to use it for

There aren't many Maxi 9.5s around - but they're a good Elvstrom design if more suited to the Baltic tha our waters.

The French boats are designed down to a price, are well production-engineered and very much aimed at the weekend sailor - not the boat in which to attempt a circumnavigation

 

[claymore]

Excellent supplement on buying boats in this months Yachting Monthly. Deals a lot with raising the money but also focusses on price ranges. Like the Irishman, I wouldn't start from where you are starting. Try writing down things like where you will sail and what type of sailing you will do. Think about who will use the boat, abilities, number etc. Research costs - there seems an amazing leap in running costs per 5 feet of boat. A 25 footer will not need the rigging, mooring lines,blocks, shackles required of a 30 footer - nor will it cost as much to berth. My boat is 30 ft long, it is the biggest I've owned and coming from dinghies I started off with a Micro 18, graduated to a 23 footer, then a 25 footer. It was a natural progression which developed along with our navigation and seamanship skills as well as our developing need for adventure to places further afield. As I sail with my wife we have a boat on whch there is loads of space for 2 for a 6 week summer cruise, and enough room for 4 for a week. We never use the settee berth as there isn't really enough room for 6 people other than for a day sail. Have you come from dinghies? If yes, then you need something that will reflect that experience and background in that it has reasonable sailing performance. What kind of keel configuration might you need. In Scottish waters a long or fin keel is ideal as you have improved performance and few places that dry out. East coast waters might be better suited to bilge or lifting keels. If you sort out your needs then you will arrive at a shortlist. Yachting Monthly is also running a really good article at the moment reviewing 2nd hand boats. Boat reports are also available which you can access from this website and they are good for impartial advice. Finally try before you buy. if there is an Owners Association it ought to be possible to arrange a sail and they will probably know of boats for sail which you might be able to access privately and save some brokerage fees for the vendor which could be reflected in discount to you.
Happy searching
PS - Don't rush to buy - it's easier to haggle on price in midwinter which gives you 3 or 4 months of research time and should see you afloat and ready to go at the start of next season.