BUYING A BOAT

Avoid the pitfalls with technical expert Tony Brooks

- Tony Brooks

People who have hired or share owned boats for years will know what features they want in a boat, but people who have only had the odd holiday will almost certainly not. They may think they know – but after a year’s boating they often change their minds.

If insufficient time is given to deciding what you want it may turn out to be an expensive mistake. Hire brochures show internal plans and outside pictures. Boat shows and visiting brokers give the opportunity to go over boats. Do not be tempted to part with money at this stage.

Whatever else you do take, time visiting boats and seeing how plans work in practice.

Think about getting right through the boat in an emergency, how using the toilet/ shower/galley will affect people moving through the boat and where your guests will sit in the open. Most important of all, involve your partner otherwise you might get a quick course in single-handing!

Having defined what you think you need hire a few similar boats. Make sure some trips are in the winter, you may alter your plans! This will give you the opportunity to sample different types of equipment such as heating, toilets, cookers, engine type, the need for a cratch & cover (the “tent” at the front) and type of water tank (some need regular cleaning and painting). Try walking along the outside of the hull and decide what style of handrail you feel safest with. Use the opportunity to talk to boaters you meet. Most will happily tell you why they chose what they did and some may show you over their boat.

Hiring also gives a yardstick to judge boats against. Read the newsgroups and other boat-related sites on the internet and do not be afraid to ask for advice – you will probably get too much, a lot conflicting.

Download or send for the latest Boat Safety Scheme regulations, study and learn them. This will allow you to judge the validity of a boat’s certificate..