Here’s a Boatshed guide to choosing the right boat for you.

What type of boat?

Under the ‘Used Boats For Sale’ tab at the top of our site you will find boats clearly divided into sail boats, power boats, and other specialist types of boat. You will also be able to browse by size from small dinghies and tenders up to large sailing yachts. Under the ‘My Boatshed’ tab you will find our ‘Boatfinder’ function. Fill in the details of what you are looking for and the system will recommend boats for sale to you. It will also email you if a new listing comes up that might fit your requirements - so you will be the first to know when your ideal boat arrives!

After spending some time looking at our listings you will be able to make a short list of your preferred boat categories and write down the main features you are looking for in a boat, also bearing in mind the needs of your family. If you’re a first time buyer consider also researching the relevant berthing fees, insurance and running costs so that you can plan ahead for being a boat owner.

Viewing boats

To get a feel for different types of boats visiting a boat show is fun. A Google search for UK boat shows may help you to find out if there is an event coming up where you could view a selection of boats all in one place. The next big one coming up is the annual London Boatshow in January.

Even though you may not know the exact boat that you want yet it can be helpful to speak to a broker to talk over the options in your price range. Our brokers are happy to answer any questions to make the process easier for you. We are proud to give potential buyers the most complete and accurate picture of the boat that they want to buy. If you visit our office in Fambridge you can view large screens with high quality images of the boats, plus up to date weather, tidal and nautical information. You can expect a professional but relaxed environment at the Boatshed Essex office.

What to take

When you go to a view a boat take a notepad and pen to record your personal reactions and comments about the vessel. You may also like to take along a checklist of your must-have features. You may like to take pictures with your phone to record particular details, although at Boatshed we do take up to 80 photos of each boat, so you may have already examined many details on line before visiting the boat.

How long will it take?

There is no standard amount of time that it should take to find your perfect boat so don’t try to set yourself a time limit or persuade yourself that a boat is for you, when your gut feeling does not agree.

When you have found the boat that seems to meet your needs you can employ a professional surveyor to fully investigate the condition of the vessel. As the surveyor is contracted by you the survey is done with only your interests in mind.

Read more abut How to buy a boat with Boatshed and we look forward to arranging some viewings for you soon.

Peggy

You may also like:
Free ebook: Boating in Essex / Thinking about selling your boat? / Sailing – The Antidote to Stress / A slideshow of our boat of the moment. / Don’t miss: The Boatshed Essex Daily/ More news articles and stories.

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