Seeking Advice: First-Time Boat Buyer in Whitstable

[rajvalley]

Hello everyone,

I own a house in Whitstable and have been considering purchasing a boat. However, as someone completely new to the world of boating, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the information out there and not sure where to begin.

I’d love to get some advice on the initial questions I should be asking as I start this journey. Here’s what I know so far about what I’d like:

• A boat that can comfortably sleep a minimum of 4 people.
• The ability to moor it locally in or around Whitstable.
• Something suitable for sailing along the coast and exploring nearby areas.

Are there specific types of boats or features I should focus on for these needs? What are the essential considerations for a first-time boat buyer—things like costs, maintenance, mooring options, or licensing?

I’d also appreciate recommendations on where to look for second-hand boats or trusted local resources that could guide me through the process.

Thanks in advance for any tips or guidance—you’d be helping a complete beginner take their first steps into boating!

 

[Tranona]

Piece of string question that is almost impossible to answer. However perhaps the first thing is to find out if you actually like boating - and if so what type. Perhaps the most common way of finding out is to join a local club and get involved with the pastime. Owning a boat is a massive commitment in terms of both effort and money and not easy to bail out if you find you don't like it.

There are no constraints in owning and using a boat in terms of regulations - no licencing of either boat or yourself, although many people do get some form of training through the RYA qualification route. Moorings are often a challenge. Whitstable is very exposed so not sure there are many good moorings for keeping a boat afloat so you will be probably looking at the various local river estuaries where there are moorings and marinas. Access is often tide constrained.

Some general pointers on boats. For sailing boats you would be looking perhaps at something in the 25-30' range to be moderately comfortable for 4 people. There is a huge range to choose from in prices from a few thousand to tens of £000s. The market is very fragmented and a mixture of individual owners selling and brokers who act for owners. Older boats almost inevitably need more maintenance and replacements so it make sense to buy a boat that is in good condition rather than a cheaper one that requires work. Assuming you get a boat that is in decent condition you are looking at annual costs in the region of £3-10k, largely depending on the type of mooring you have and how much work you do yourself.

I think it is fair to say that very few people jump in without previous experience, often learning to sail dinghies when you are young, sailing as crew with friends, participating in organised sailing experiences such as charters. Hence the suggestion of joining a club - many of these have tatser opportunities and classes of dinghies which allow you to learn the basics and then maybe crew with other members on bigger boats.

Hope this helps, and BTW probably better to post this type of question on the more general forums rather than this specialised one. Your question comes up regularly and worth scrolling down to see other threads on the subject.

 

[rajvalley]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply—I really appreciate it! You’ve given me a lot to think about, especially when it comes to the commitment and costs involved. Joining a local club and getting a taste of the lifestyle before diving in sounds like a really smart idea. I’ll definitely look into that.

Your point about moorings in Whitstable and looking at river estuaries is super helpful. It’s clear there’s more to this than just picking out a boat! The advice on costs and going for something in good condition rather than cheap but needing work is also something I’ll keep in mind.

Do you have any recommendations for websites or forums where I could browse boats for sale or ask more beginner questions? I’d love to check out some resources to get a better idea of what’s out there.

Thanks again for the advice—it’s really helpful, especially as someone completely new to this!

 

[Boathook]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply—I really appreciate it! You’ve given me a lot to think about, especially when it comes to the commitment and costs involved. Joining a local club and getting a taste of the lifestyle before diving in sounds like a really smart idea. I’ll definitely look into that.

Your point about moorings in Whitstable and looking at river estuaries is super helpful. It’s clear there’s more to this than just picking out a boat! The advice on costs and going for something in good condition rather than cheap but needing work is also something I’ll keep in mind.

Do you have any recommendations for websites or forums where I could browse boats for sale or ask more beginner questions? I’d love to check out some resources to get a better idea of what’s out there.

Thanks again for the advice—it’s really helpful, especially as someone completely new to this!

Good advice is available on these forums
Practical Boat Owner's Reader to Reader and
Yachting Monthly's Scuttlebutt

You have already registered for these by being here. Have a read through various post as your type of question comes up a lot. Tranona's reply in post 2 is good advice.

I don't think Whitstable Harbour has yachts moored there so you are looking at Faversham creek, The Swale, Ramsgate or possibly Dover.

Where to buy / look, I don't know but a lot will vary on how much you want to spend on the boat to start with, and then running costs such as mooring, insurance, general maintenance and repairs. Maintenance and repairs costs can be kept lowish if you are capable of DIY.

 

[Egret]

Visit Whitstable Yacht Club to start with. They will let you know what the options are in the area. Mainly dinghies but they have or had a cruising section moored in nearby creeks - and some RYA training - may have opportunities to crew to start with, to see how you like it. Also visit the Medway clubs that are more cruiser orientated. Gillingham / Rochester half hour from Whitstable on train

Find place you would like to keep boat first - boat type, keel(s) etc will follow - Key question is how much do you want to spend - anything possible from a few thousand pounds to millions Good luck

 

[newtothis]

Another route in is by doing the RYA system on holiday somewhere nice. You can go from Intro to Sailing, Comp Crew (best place to start if completely new), Day Skipper and beyond.
You get to find out if you enjoy it, and if you do, learn how to do it better. You then don't need to invest in a boat until you know more about it. And you get to have a holiday at the same time; much as Whitstable has its charms, it's not the greatest sailing location in the world. You may find you want to sail but not full time, and then charter instead of own, which makes the world your oyster for locations.

 

[Egret]

But the OP likes Whitstable. Wants to walk down after work and go sailing. Good for dinghy sailing - and there is nothing quite like being on the mud of the Swale at low tide with just a few wading birds for company, reading a Maurice Griffiths book.

 

[Boathook]

Or Oare Creek ...