Where do you shop for a sailboat?

quadrille38 · Feb 14, 2015

Depends on what you are looking for but local brokers can be a great source. Local avoids the transportation costs which can be significant on large boats. Plus being able to easily see the boats can make a big difference in your search.

Sprega · Feb 14, 2015

Craigslist.

justsomeguy · Feb 14, 2015

Down at the docks.

Phil Herring · Feb 14, 2015

If you're looking for THE deal, I would check yards and marinas where they may have a boat that they're selling for to pay off past due debt. If you're looking for a trailerable, the best deal is probably sitting on someone's front lawn.

Joe · Feb 14, 2015

I don't think craig's list is a good place to buy a boat.... I agree with the others to start in the area you want to sail or store your boat.... check the marina offices, local brokers, local papers classified section, walk around the marina, boat yards...

The online groups are good for helping you get a price range but... physically being at the boat is the best... I have bought boats of the "boat trader" magazine... I found and sold my laser at the bulletin board at local chandlery... you know where you post a picture of the boat with your phone number on little tear off tabs...

My neighbor sold his boat through a bulletin board ad at the local sailing center/school.

Ken Cross · Feb 15, 2015

This site then....

for obvious reasons I begin here:
http://sbo.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_adsmanager&Itemid=284

But also Yachtworld.com which only does dealers and brokers

Also Craigslist because everyone tries the "Free" advertising

Since I have one for sale I thought about trying boattrader.com but haven't gone there.

Newspapers are no longer as viable because of the cost per prospective buyer.

Ken

greenminnow · Feb 15, 2015

My favorite site is www.sailingtexas.com They are nation wide, not just
Texas. They also have many pictures and specs of the inside and outside of sailboats.

Hope this helps, Brian

Squidd · Feb 15, 2015

I bought my boat off E-Bay...

and yes, I had to travel to get it...

Joe Hamel · Feb 15, 2015

Where to look for boats

Look at all and any sites. I ended up buying off Graiglist, it was the right boat at a great price.

woodster · Feb 15, 2015

if you have connections to a dealer that buys auctioned boats you may be able to search the auction sites and find what you are looking for and strike a deal with that contact to purchase the boat for some modest fee but make sure you do your research and know what you are getting in to

dscribner · Feb 15, 2015

Dom,

Craigslist is fine provided you can view it easily before you buy it so it has to be local, bu that goes for everything really. Check local marinas in the fall. Folks don't want winter storage fees so will often sell at a lower price just to be rid of it. Look for a sailboat rescue. The can have some deals. I'd suggest a large trailerable. Even if you moor for the season, you can bringvher home for the long cold sleep

stephen Penny · Feb 15, 2015

Yachtworld.

I found my 386 Hunter and a 56 foot motor yacht on Yachtworld. Purchased both through the same broker. The sailboat was local while the motor yacht was found in southern California. The motor yacht was listed on Yachtworld by the same broker and sold quickly. Also a friend of mine just sold his 28.5 Hunter to a buyer in southern California that was listed on Yachtworld by a local broker.

Ted · Feb 15, 2015

Where do you shop for a sailboat

Sailboatlistings.com

Because most of the listings are from individual owners. Talking with the boat owner directly will usually give you a better idea of the history of the boat and more details about how it is fitted out. Many brokers do not have that intimate knowledge of the boats they are selling. Plus when you are dealing directly with an owner, there is no commission involved so the prices are generally lower.

Benny17441 · Feb 15, 2015

Look for brokers located in major sailing hubs like Ft Lauderdale, Deltaville or others. Quality boats are usually sold through brokers and you would want to be able to visit a place and see various boats for sale that might meet your criteria instead of just one. Look online as the brokers usually advertise and list their boats for sale. Before you visit any of these locations narrow down what you are looking for and the boats that meet your criteria then make an appointment and go shopping. Remember you are the buyer and are in the driver's seat.

sdstef · Feb 15, 2015

I too am seriously shopping for my new sailboat for this season.. I have been watching sailboat listings, sailing texas, and even traveled to Chicago since I am in Nebraska to look at used boats. I am down to two or three candidates. Newport 30 mk 3, and a Catalina 30 early 80's. Both have trailers. One at my marina, and other I found on craigslist. One way or another I am moving up a little.

Tom G P-21 · Feb 15, 2015

Also look at Colleges that may have a boat donation program. I bought mine through the Mass Maritime Academy, but I know Maine Maritime and URI also have donated boats for sale.

http://www.maritime.edu/index.cfm?pg=512

jerry · Feb 15, 2015

SBO, of course.

Hawk2204 · Feb 16, 2015

There's also sailboatlistings.com. The downside is many boats get posted there and are never removed, so be sure to check the date the ad is posted. They can be years old.

steve_hayes_maine · Feb 16, 2015

A bit longer term, but consider joining a local squadron of the United States Power Squadron (yes, it's for sailors too) or the Coast Guard Auxiliary. A local yacht club would work too. There are many sailors that are up-sizing, downsizing or simply retiring. You get the benefit of being part of a club and knowing the prior owner as well. Frequently, sales within the membership come at a discount (at least the amount of the avoided commission) and frankly, a lot of boat owners are simply happy that the boat is going to someone who will also love and care for the boat.

Where do you shop for a sailboat?

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