11 Vital Questions For Boat Buyers

Buying a boat is a big deal!

It’s a significant investment and as a VIP member of GulfStreamBoatSales.com I want to help you make sure that you buy a great boat for you and your family.

Being aware of the potential issues that can arise in the boat buying process will help you to avoid the pitfalls and ensure that your money is well spent.

You should be able to enjoy your new boat, safe in the knowledge that your title is good and the boat is in seaworthy condition.

Do NOT buy a boat without knowing the answers to the following questions

1. Is the broker a member of a relevant trade association and do they adhere to a code of conduct?

2. If buying a brokerage boat, will your purchase monies be paid into and held in a designated client account until the transaction is completed?

3. If buying a new or used stock boat, are you aware of the stage payment arrangements and when title in the boat transfers to you?

4. Is there marine finance on the boat you are buying and what are arrangements for discharge of it prior to completion of the purchase?

5. Will you be issued with appropriate Title Documentation when you purchase the boat? What forms of Title Documentation will be provided? E.g. Bills of Sale, original purchase invoice, evidence of VAT status, Part 1 Registration, builder’s certificate, evidence of compliance with the EU Recreational Craft Directive etc

6. Does the broker use approved standard forms of contract between seller and purchaser?

7. Will you have suitable opportunity to inspect, sea trial and/or have the boat surveyed prior to payment of a non-refundable deposit and completion of the sale? Is the broker accommodating in helping to arrange inspections, sea trials and surveys?

8. What exactly is included in the purchase price of the boat? Do you have a written inventory list?

9. Is the broker completely transparent about the purchasing process? Do you know at what stage in the process the title in the boat transfers to you and you become responsible for insurance and/or costs associated with the storage, transport of the boat etc?

10. What are the specific arrangements for handover of the boat to you upon completion?

11. What support, if any, is available to you once the purchase is completed? Is there any warranty on the boat or engine? Will the broker assist with arrangements after the purchase, such as storage, delivery, maintenance, boat registration, training etc?

I take these considerations very seriously and find that the better informed you are through the buying process the more smoothly it goes for everyone involved.

My aim is to ensure that you know exactly what you are getting when you buy a boat from GulfStream Boat Sales, and the details are taken care of, so that all you have to worry about once the deal is done is the weather!

I know it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a boat and over-look issues, whether with the integrity of the boat or the legalities of the purchase, that can later come back to bother you.

I urge you strongly to pay attention to the essentials above and I can assure you that if you buy through us you will know the answers to these questions and more, so that you can buy with confidence and get a boat that you and your family can enjoy with complete peace of mind.

If you have questions on anything mentioned please leave a comment below or call me on +44 (0) 28 7136 8779.  I’ll be happy to hear from you!

Niall Heaney MEng, Managing Director, GulfStream Marine Ltd