When most people decide to look at boats for sale, they usually browse either new boats or used boats. However, they can also look at leasing, fractional ownership or chartering options as well. If you don't live right on the water, then it might make more sense to spend the money on a sailing vacation. While your day or weekend trips may leave you feeling like you could have bought one at that price, consider the maintenance, fuel costs, insurance and docking fees. In the words of JP Morgan, "If you have to ask how much it costs, you can't afford it." For the rich elite, luxury yachts are waiting.
Going through a certified yacht broker is a great way to discover both used and new boats that are up for sale. In this way, you will find your dream boat much the same way you would find your dream home; by enlisting the help of professionals who have access to multiple listing services, insider connections and sweet deals that have not been advertised. The broker will work with you to define your needs and find all the amenities you desire. Brokers can also help you with financing, deal brokering, setting up an inspection, title clearing, procuring docking space and yacht services to ensure a smooth closing and transition to boat ownership. Check out www.yachtcouncil.com for more information on yacht brokers.
When you are browsing boats for sale, you will need to consider a number of other factors. Sailing yachts are undoubtedly as big an investment as an automobile or a house and, similarly, you can expect a fair amount of maintenance costs associated with your purchase. New boats won't need much maintenance for the first three years. However, major repairs often rear their ugly heads when your purchase hits the 5 to 7 year mark. If you buy one of the new 40-foot motor yachts and sell it in 3-4 years, your annual maintenance will average around 4% of the total cost, but if you own it ten years or longer, then you are looking at paying roughly 7% of the boat's total cost in maintenance each year.
A great resource for consumers seeking boats for sale is www.newboats.com. Here you can read reviews, watch videos and even take a virtual test drive. The site is loaded with manufacturer information, as though you were attending an actual yacht industry showcase. You can browse both new boats and used boats here and learn more about engines, electronics and GPS gear. There are sections devoted to boat maintenance, insurance, boat buying tips and financing. This site literally has it all! If you don't find what you're looking for, then Yacht World (www.yachtworld.com) has hundreds of thousands of boats available for sale.
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