Im considering buying a previously chartered boat

[ted]

The prices sure look attractive. I am looking at 50/51' Benneteau's to live-a-board. They are all for sale by various Caribbean charter companies. Obviously being chartered, they have more wear-n-tear but if the survey looks good, are there any other things I should be concerned about?thanks..Ted

 

[Harman]

Buying a charter boat

It is really important to get a really good survey of the boat. It is also wise to try buy from one of the higher end charter businesses like Mooring or Sunsail as there maintainance tend to be better and the boats newer. You can find a few articles on buying a charter sailboat on http://usual-suspects-sailing.com/boat.htm.If it is possible try to find out or talk to the owners of the boat as you can get a feel for how much money they put back into the boat. It they didn't put any money back into the boat while it was in charter you can bet there are some issues with her that have not been addressed.

 

[Tim]

Go see it as well

Several months ago I inquired about a boat the Moorings brokerage, YES MOORINGS, had for sale.After several emails with the broker, I mentioned coming down to actually see the boat and be present for the survey. The broker NEVER AGAIN responded to me, even after several more emails to make sure he got them.I wonder why the loss of interest in a buyer when the buyer mentioned he wanted to actually LOOK at a boat and not buy it sight-unseen?Makes me wonder.Also, look at ex-charter boats on Yachtworld sometime (the ones already sold to private owners who are now trying to sell them), they are always priced well below similar models that were never charter boats.Be careful!Tim

 

[Pete]

Ted/charter boats

Ted, I know that the Hunter dealer here in Ct. has "program boats". These are used by a sailing school and returned to Hunter to be "refurbished". They then are sold to public (I think they sell with new boat warrenty-double check)Given your location you may want to go over to the factory and talk with them (or local dealer)They go over them repair and replace anything that is not right.Might be an alternative to buying a charter boat.Be careful of charter boat as they are used pretty hard and can be in rough shape. I'm not sure why the broker/agent did not want Tim to see the boat but that would set off a red flag to me !

 

[Jack]

Ask yourself this.....

Would you marry a women who used to be a prostitute?Sure the price is good, but at what cost?Good LuckJack