Where do you shop for a sailboat?

Nov 2, 2013
9
none yet Lake champlain
Hi all,

simple question: Where do you shop for a used sailboat?

I'm looking over the web for sailboats since more or less 3 years. I was browsing the net planning to buy a sailboat to sail beautiful Lake Champlain. It is finally gonna happen this year. I've been watching the game going on a few sites but I wanna make sure I dont miss THE deal! These are the sites I have been looking at:

- Yachtworld
- Sailboatlisting
- Kijiji (canadian site)
- LesPAC (canadian site)
- lespucesnautiques (canadian site)

Any other suggestions??

Thanks for your help!

Dom
 
Apr 11, 2010
969
Hunter 38 Whitehall MI
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.
 

Phil Herring

Alien
Mar 25, 1997
4,923
- - Bainbridge Island
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

.
Jun 1, 2004
8,184
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
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.
 
Sep 28, 2005
56
-Florida Bay Boat Co. -Peep Hen Minnesota
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

.
Sep 26, 2011
890
AMF Alcort Paceship PY26 Washburn Wi. Apostle Islands
I bought my boat off E-Bay...

and yes, I had to travel to get it...
 
Dec 31, 2014
2
Precision 23 Lake Mendota
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.
 
Sep 15, 2009
6,243
S2 9.2a Fairhope Al
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
 
Nov 9, 2008
1,338
Pearson-O'Day 290 Portland Maine
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
 
Nov 8, 2009
537
Hunter 386LE San Fancisco
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

.
Jan 26, 2005
1,272
C&C 110 Bay Shore, Long Island, NY
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.
 
May 24, 2004
7,164
CC 30 South Florida
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

.
Jan 31, 2013
140
Hunter 28 Branched Oak Lake
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.
 
Apr 18, 2014
1
C&C 29 MKII Knife River, Mn.
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.
 
Oct 4, 2010
7
Pearson 323 Rockland
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.