The quality of the interior of a yacht;

[Becky]

how much does this influence you when looking at a used boat, especially when considering its purchase?

And secondly, in the general assessment of the qualities of a prospective purchase, how much relative emphasis do you give to the exterior, the sails, the interior, and finally the equipment?

Would be interested, as to me, the way a yacht has been looked after is very much reflected in the state of the interior woodwork and upholstery. Equipment, sails, etc. become outdated after a few years anyway, the state of the hull, within reason, can be refurbished, but the interior can swallow a fortune (even in yachting terms) when being fully restored.
IMHO anyway. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[ubuysa]

Interesting question. We've just bought our new (to us) boat - a 1995 Jeanneau 45.1. The quality of the interior and the way in which it had been looked after was a big factor for us - mostly becuase we'll be living aboard her, so she's as much of a home as a boat. Although the state of the sails/rig/deck/etc. were important I trusted the surveyor to tell me the true state of the "machinery".

Funnily enough, one thing I learned during the long months we've spent looking for our boat is that a quick look at how the ropes are stored can tell you a lot. I've lost count of the boats we've been on where they're just left in a pile or simply draped over the winches - says a lot about how "loved" the boat has been. On the boat we've bought all the ropes were properly coiled and tied neatly in place. The boat had been very well looked after and had been much "loved", even the surveyor was impressed by the state of her considering she's 10 years old.

Tony C.

 

[aluijten]

I would say it depends what kind of boat your after. If you buy the boat strickly for (day)sailing, the interior is of lesser importance. The boat I currenly own has jus been bought to experience sailing, becase of this the interior is quite tacky. The hull and the rigging are actually in very good shape. The boat is quite small and hardly capable to live on for more then 2 days.
My next boat (if all goes well) would have much more space and spending a few weeks on board is by all means possible. Thus the interiour should look much nicer. I agree that buying a (larger) boat with a tacky interior is not my plan, choosing between old sails or a bad interior would for me be the first option.
On the other hand, it's like with a kitchen, if you have to put in a new one, you can totally make it to your liking. If you enjoy woodworking, you might even enjoy the process...

Arno

 

[Samphire]

I'd say the layout is the first thing,is it what you want to live with.In terms of wear and tear,so long as it's structurally sound condition is less important as it can be reflected in price offered,and rectified later.
Second hurdle is hull and rig condition,not to mention engine and expensive ancillaries.However unimportant equipment and electronics may seem in the overall package,cost them if they need replacing and get a fright!

 

[Swagman]

Important also for me for much the same reasons as you gave to start with - it does reflect general usage and care overall.
That in turn should mean you do not have to spend any more money that required to bring it back to an acceptable specification for you - and if you maintain that standard - means you maximise (ie loose the least) when you in turn wish to sell it and move on.

 

[Sans Bateau]

When we sold Out To Play, the buyer commented how clean and tidy she was, how well cared for. When we viewed our 'new' boat, we were impressed how well looked after she looked. The way the boat appears to have been looked after reflects the care and love that has been given to the boat during the ownership of it.

But Becky, your question is about the quality of the interior of a yacht, a yacht of good quality will carry its years well, a lesser one will age badly. Makes you wonder how some of the yachts will look in a few years time where the tester has made comments such as, "the joinery is very much down to a price".

 

[npf1]

IMO, the interior is perhaps most important when advertising the boat for sale. When I was looking to buy, my first glance at a boat was the photos on a website or a brokers particulars. I didn't enquire any further on those where the inside looked dated, dark or in poor condition.

Also, I guess that in some cases the photos may not have done the interior 'justice', so it's probably also important to get some nice pics.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Exactly

 

[fireball]

We had a look at a few boats last year - one that sticks in my mind was a Dufour 30. First impressions were ok - she was ashore and "laid up" although the mast was up.
However, when we got down below we noted empty beer bottles left under the galley equipment and other little bits where who ever had last been on had obviously not bothered to tidy up. Iron filings were in the engine oil and where they had fitted hot water they managed to damage the galley surface (already highlighted in the details)
All that just brought the boat down in our estimation ... if the owner couldn't be bothered to present the boat properly then the rest of the boat is likely to be just as ill treated...

The boat we bought was clean and tidy and well maintained. Very basic in the electronics area, but then there were no extra holes either!

 

[ashanta]

When I bought my current boat it was in need of total restoration. Inside and out. The mast, engine, hull and sails were in good nick but as it's a composite I had all the wooden deck replaced and the cockpit rebuilt. The interior is being done bit by bit and now looking quite nice (lots of lovely teak) I knew what was required when I bought the boat. It's a traditional layout and is very comfortable but doesn't have the modern comforts such as a double berth or shower. I keep the electrics simple although I have got a fridge installed. It's not what my wife would have chose but then I'm the keen sailor. The boat is an ex racing yacht (1/2 tonner) fron the late 60's early 70's and is what I would call an excellent cruising yacht. Therefore before you buy I feel you should investigate fully what it is you want to get from your boat and can you afford everything attached to buying, updating and the ongoing costs of keeping her afloat.

Regards.

Peter.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

As a current prospective buyer it has hugely influenced us...... we're not looking for perfection, we know that boats in our budget means a bit of work needed here and there, but we would expect care and attention to have been taken in at least cleanliness.....

One of the boats we looked at last weekend, had an oven and hob that was disgustingly dirty, and empty plastic bottles in the cupboard under the sink.... we immediately discounted it..... if they didn't care enough to clean her for sale, then what else would they have neglected?

 

[FullCircle]

To be honest, I look in order of costly replacement:
Engine
Mast/Rigging
Sails
Cushions/Headlining
Electronics/Instrumentation
Winches/Cockpit
Galley/Gas/Water
Windows/Hatches

Osmosis - because I haven't cared one way or thge other.
The interior can be refurbished at a reasonable cost, but a lot of elbow grease and effort. A nice layout counts though.


Still won't be looking for a while now. 18 hours to go.

 

[Sans Bateau]

The way this post is going, it should serve a good reminder for anyone who is about to put their 'pride and joy' up for sale!

 

[Krusty]

If this is what matters most to you (tidy week-end hideaway down on the coast) then take notice: If that is what mattered most to the seller, for the same reason, you might buy a neglected engine, aged rigging and distorted sails fit only for dust-sheets. Boats are for sailing, in safety, first and foremost!

 

[Birdseye]

People will tell you that the interior doesnt matter much, and I suppose if it is a man only decision that may be true. But in most cases there is a female input and then the cleanness and presentation of the interior are vital. certainly, we sold our last 2 boats on the basis of really well looked after interiors, and a new boat that we nearly bought was picked by my wife withoput even looking at the deck!

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Piotaskipper,

I couldn't agree with you more, a boat is first and foremost for sailing in.... but while I am checking the interiors very closely, I am also looking very closely at sails, rigging, etc etc...

my point is not necessarily about trying to find a 'pretty' or 'modern' interior, but more a 'well cared' for interior, as I think this suggest a positive attitude towards maintenance generally... in a well cared for boat, you are more likely to find an engine that has had regular oil changes, sails that have been removed over the winter, rigging that has been regularly checked, chain plate covers that have been regularly reseated and sealed etc etc....

And besides... I want a boat that both myself AND my family love... and that means looking at the bigger picture....

 

[Stemar]

Whwn I bought Jissel, she got SWMBO's vote, at least in part, because the interior was clean and tidy - and didn't smell!

I don't know if it's just SWMBO and me, but I always tend to see what a boat/house/car can become with "a bit if TLC"* and could be tempted if the price is right, whilst she sees the hard work and aggravation and wants to walk away. Women - doncha hate 'em when they're right!!!!

*Which, being interpreted, means major aggro and shedloads of money /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Stemar]

Whwn I bought Jissel, she got SWMBO's vote, at least in part, because the interior was clean and tidy - and didn't smell!

I don't know if it's just SWMBO and me, but I always tend to see what a boat/house/car can become with "a bit if TLC"* and could be tempted if the price is right, whilst she sees the hard work and aggravation and wants to walk away. Women - doncha hate 'em when they're right!!!!

*Which, being interpreted, usually means major aggro and shedloads of money /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[jonjo]

[ QUOTE ]
put their 'pride and joy' up for sale!

[/ QUOTE ]
This is the point you are missing.

Adverse circumstances frequently precede a decision to sell ones pride & joy up. Once the decision is made many don't want to look at the pride and joy again, this is why boats end up on the market with food festering in the coolbox.

 

[Sans Bateau]

So do you think someone would take care of the interior of a boat and ignore engine safety equipment etc? You might but I certainly would'nt!

The reverse is true, yes a boat is for sailing, but even a boat that has been sailed hard over thousands of miles sould be clean and tidy in EVERY area. A good clean tidy boat is just good discipline.

If you think that someone who cannot be bothered to tidy up his living quarters, but will change the engine oil, service his life jackets, ensure the flares are in date etc. I think you should be the cautious one!