Buying Advice
You want to buy a yacht but have no plan? – Let's change that!
Island hopping or a 3-year sabbatical on the barefoot route?
Buying a boat is about more than just the price – it's about condition, safety and longevity. With my buying support you have a reliable partner at your side who scrutinises every detail of your potential dream boat. I check the technical condition, assess the value and support you with advice and hands-on help, to make sure you make a well-founded decision. Rely on expertise and find the boat that really suits you!
Tips for a successful boat purchase
Realistic use instead of over-the-top dreams
The dream of a grand circumnavigation is tempting, but unrealistic for most. Work, family and time can rarely be reconciled with a long-distance cruising project.
- Financial consequences: Large yachts cause high fixed costs that hardly match actual use.
- Pragmatic solution: Start with a small boat or daysailer – gather experience without overstretching yourself financially.
The system price – more than the purchase price
A low purchase price says little about the actual total cost. What's decisive is maintenance, repairs and ongoing effort over the entire lifetime.
| Factor | Important questions |
|---|---|
| Age & material | How old and care-intensive is the boat? |
| Follow-up work | Can you manage the work involved, both in time and skill? |
| Financial reserves | Is there enough budget for repairs, tools and materials? |
| Running costs | Are insurance, berth and upkeep realistically calculated? |
Keep it simple – less technology, more joy
The simpler the boat, the more time you have to enjoy it. Excessive technology frequently leads to repair effort, cost and frustration.
Example: hot water on board is a luxury – but it requires a boiler, pumps and pipes that have to be maintained. Likewise, beautiful mahogany superstructures only make sense if you're prepared to put in the high upkeep on a regular basis.
Inspect before buying – construction and condition
A thorough technical inspection protects you from expensive surprises. Small differences in material or workmanship have big consequences:
An independent surveyor costs little – compared with later repairs.
The VAT trap
If proof of the VAT paid is missing, back-payments of up to 25% of the net price loom. Only the following count as valid evidence:
- The original invoice showing VAT.
- An official import document with proof of payment.
In cruising areas such as the Mediterranean or the Baltic, checks are increasing – any other "confirmations" are worthless. Without proof, you should factor in the possible back-payment from the outset.
Survey vs Project
This is the point where you have to decide. If you already know exactly what you want and have picked out a boat, a yacht survey is exactly the right thing for you. But if you're not yet sure what you want, or which boat might even be the right one for you, then carry on here to your project.