Before You Buy The Boat

LOOK CLOSELY BEFORE YOU BUY.

Buying a used sailboat or catamaran can be one of the most exciting decisions you make. It can also be an expensive one if important questions aren’t asked before the purchase.

Before You Buy the Boat is a practical, 19-page guide designed to help prospective buyers approach a used cruising boat with a more informed and independent eye—from the first conversation with a broker or seller through the survey, haul-out, sea trial, negotiation and final transfer of ownership.

Written by Terry M. Peck of Katmandu Global, the guide draws on more than 12,000 nautical miles of offshore and coastal sailing, ownership and cruising aboard a Lagoon 470 catamaran, and experience with yacht sales, deliveries and international logistics.

The philosophy throughout the guide is simple:

Stay friendly. Stay independent.

A helpful seller or broker can be an important part of the process, but the buyer ultimately needs to independently understand the condition of the boat, the findings of the survey and the potential costs that come after the purchase.

WHAT’S INSIDE

• Working with yacht brokers and private sellers

• Understanding representation, deposits and important deadlines

• Preparing for survey day

• A practical surveyor briefing sheet

• Hull, structural and moisture considerations

• Haul-out inspection of the bottom, rudders and saildrives

• Engines, electrical systems and onboard equipment

• Rigging, deck hardware and sails

• Conducting a meaningful sea trial

• Dinghy, outboard and davit systems

• Reviewing prior repairs and seller documentation

• Turning survey findings into realistic repair costs

• Registration, taxes and closing considerations

• Transferring electronics, safety equipment and onboard accounts

• A Buyer Decision Worksheet

• A Quick Rejection / Renegotiation Checklist

The guide also includes photographs from real cruising boats and Terry’s own sailing and crewing experience.

WHO IS THIS GUIDE FOR?

This guide is especially useful if you are:

• Considering your first cruising sailboat or catamaran

• Moving from smaller boats into a larger cruising vessel

• Buying a used boat through a broker or directly from an owner

• Preparing for a professional marine survey

• Evaluating a boat located away from home or internationally

• Trying to determine whether survey findings justify accepting, renegotiating or walking away from a purchase

THIS IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR A PROFESSIONAL MARINE SURVEY.

Instead, it is designed to help you become a better-prepared buyer—someone who knows what questions to ask, what areas deserve closer attention and when independent professional advice is appropriate.

A qualified marine surveyor, mechanic, rigger, maritime attorney, tax professional or other specialist should be consulted when appropriate.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Terry M. Peck is an offshore sailor, former owner of the Lagoon 470 catamaran SV Katmandu, and an experienced yacht delivery and sales professional. His sailing experience includes more than 12,000 nautical miles of offshore and coastal cruising, including extensive experience in Mexico and international waters.

Through Katmandu Global, Terry also provides personalized guidance for prospective yacht buyers, yacht sales and delivery support, and international logistics assistance.

19-page illustrated PDF • Instant digital download

Katmandu Global

Explore • Learn • Buy Wisely • Sail Further

Questions or professional inquiries:

svkatmandu@gmail.com