This week has been a whirlwind of activity! Today, I want to share a specific experience: a pre-purchase inspection, or as some call it, a yacht survey. We were contacted by a client interested in buying a sailboat, and our task was to thoroughly examine the vessel’s condition.
The key wasn’t official registration paperwork, but rather to assess the yacht’s suitability for the potential buyer.
(Spoiler alert!) Ultimately, neither yacht inspected was purchased. I’ll delve into the reasons behind those decisions in a future post.
Choosing Your Dream Yacht: Beyond the Photos
In today’s digital world, yacht selection often starts online, with hopeful buyers browsing captivating photos. This can feel like a virtual “Tinder” for boats, but unlike a quick swipe, choosing a yacht requires careful consideration.
The Challenge of Online Photos:
Relying solely on photos presents limitations:
Focus Mismatch: Photographers naturally highlight aspects they find appealing, which may not align with your priorities as a buyer.
Limited Scope: Photos capture a single frame, making it difficult to grasp the overall layout and functionality of the yacht.
Incomplete Information: Even exhaustive photo galleries might not showcase the specific details you’re looking for.
A Better Way to Explore:
Short, informative videos can significantly enhance the online yacht selection process:
Visual Clarity: Videos offer a dynamic perspective, allowing you to virtually “walk through” the yacht.
Targeted Focus: You can request videos showcasing specific areas or functionalities.
Descriptive Details: Video titles or captions can provide contextual information about each scene.
Instead of just photos, imagine a video titled “Starboard Galley: Stern to Bow,” or another titled “Refrigerator – Port Side.” This approach reveals more of the yacht’s layout and features, bringing you closer to making an informed decision.
Ultimately, the goal is to bridge the gap between the online experience and the reality of the yacht. By requesting videos alongside photos, you’ll be better equipped to find your dream boat and avoid potential disappointments down the road.
Going Beyond the Beautiful Brochures: Key Yacht Specifications
While captivating descriptions and stunning photos are a great way to showcase a yacht, serious buyers need more than just aesthetics. A truly informative yacht listing requires detailed technical specifications.
Key Technical Information:
Engine Details: This should include the engine brand, model, and year. Ideally, a photo of the engine nameplate would provide instant verification.
Transmission Information: Similar to the engine, specifying the gearbox brand, model, and year is important. Adding a photo of the gearbox nameplate would be a big plus.
Yacht Dimensions: The listing should provide the yacht’s main dimensions like length, beam (width), and draft (depth). However, for online yacht browsing, including some additional measurements can be incredibly helpful.
Examples of Helpful Minor Measurements:
Headroom: Knowing the headroom in different areas of the yacht can be crucial for comfort, especially for taller individuals.
Cabin Berth Sizes: Providing the dimensions of berths in each cabin allows potential buyers to assess sleeping arrangements.
Galley Countertop Space: For those who enjoy cooking onboard, knowing the available countertop space in the galley is valuable information.
Benefits of Detailed Specifications:
By including a comprehensive list of technical specifications alongside photos and descriptions, sellers can attract more serious buyers. This transparency fosters trust and allows potential buyers to efficiently shortlist yachts that meet their specific needs and preferences.
Remember: The goal is to equip potential buyers with the information they need to make informed decisions. A well-rounded description, combining captivating visuals with detailed technical specifications, is the key to a successful online yacht search.
From Pixels to Reality: Inspecting Your Potential Yacht
So you’ve narrowed down your online yacht search – congratulations! Now comes the exciting but crucial step: seeing the chosen sailboat in person.
Bridging the Digital Divide:
Remember, photos can be deceiving. In person, a yacht could be even more impressive than it appeared online, or it might reveal unseen flaws. So, a thorough inspection is essential.
Planning Your Inspection:
Here are some tips for maximizing your in-person yacht inspection:
- Start with a Systematic Approach: Whether you begin your inspection inside or outside, plan a methodical route. Don’t miss any nook or cranny!
- Documentation is Key: Take detailed notes, photos, and even short videos to help you remember specific details later.
- Essential Tools: A flashlight illuminates dark spaces, a tape measure verifies dimensions, and a notepad helps you capture observations.
The Power of the Checklist:
A well-crafted yacht inspection checklist is your invaluable companion. While it might differ slightly depending on the specific yacht, most cover key areas like:
- Interior: Salon, cabins, galley, heads (bathrooms), navigation station, electrical systems, etc.
- Exterior: Deck layout, rigging, winches, hatches, hull condition, etc.
- Engine & Mechanical Systems: Engine compartment, fuel tanks, generator, etc.
- Safety Equipment: Life rafts, life jackets, fire extinguishers, emergency equipment, etc.
By following these tips and utilizing a comprehensive checklist, you’ll gain a clear and accurate picture of the yacht’s condition. This information is vital for making informed decisions and potentially negotiating the purchase price.
Remember: A thorough in-person inspection is an essential step in the yacht selection process.
Example
We pay attention to details. For example, on both yachts the jib halyard was not installed correctly. Which led to the halyard wrap. I’ll show you in the picture. See below.
In the third picture, halyard wraps may occur due to an insufficient angle between the halyard and forestay.
I don’t think this is critical and should influence your decision to buy a yacht but you should know it before purchasing. For example, impropriety condition of keel bolts deserves much more attention.
Questions for the Yacht Owner
While the checklist provides a starting point, don’t hesitate to ask the owner insightful questions. This can help fill in information gaps and clarify anything unclear:
History and Usage: Ask about the yacht’s history, maintenance records, and typical usage patterns.
Upgrades and Modifications: Inquire about any upgrades or modifications made to the yacht.
Reason for Selling: Understanding the owner’s reason for selling can provide valuable insights.
Congratulations, the checkup is finished! While they say that the first impression is crucial, take your time to review your notes, photos, and videos from your visit to the yacht the next day to make a well-informed decision. Happy shopping, everyone!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me here.