Buying a yacht can represent a significant investment.
If you are going to get maximum enjoyment from yours, you will need to think carefully about the combination of features it offers. A little bit of research, and some educated examination of the vessel under consideration, could help save you the trouble of buying a yacht that isn’t quite suited to your needs.
Let’s take a look at five key features to look out for when considering buying a yacht.
5 Features You Should Look For When Buying a Yacht
Hull Material and Construction
Different kinds of yacht are made from different kinds of materials.
You might find fiberglass, steel, wood, aluminium, and even cement used in various parts of the vessel. It is worth understanding exactly what differences these materials make to the performance when buying a yacht.
Wood is a material that has been with us for as long as boats have been built. It tends to be reliable, if properly maintained. However, they react differently in different kinds of water. Mahogany benefits from saltwater, because of its antiseptic characteristics; in freshwater, it is vulnerable to rot. Steel tends to be more resilient to bumps and scrapes, while aluminium is strong and lightweight. You will often need to pay more for the latter, however.
Propulsion and Performance
Know when buying a yacht how it is going to be propelled?
Typically, you will be faced with a choice between sails and engines. You might find engines housed within the hull of the ship, or outboard in the form of a motor mounted to the back of the vessel. The size and weight of the vessel, along with the shape of the hull, will inform the fuel efficiency you enjoy. The stability of the vessel might also be paramount – which is why the catamaran is preferred by many.
Onboard Systems and Amenities
Getting the best from the yachting experience means having access to the right features within the vessel.
These might relate to things like climate control and entertainment, or to the running of the ship. Being able to effectively navigate with the help of a specialised computer system, or an app, might make a big difference to your quality of life at sea.
When considering the features of a yacht, you’ll want to think about exactly how you will be using it. If you are going to be entertaining guests, then it’s vital that you have the room to accommodate them.
Layout and Accommodation
Speaking of guests, it is worth thinking about the number of cabins your yacht has to offer.
For solo adventurers, compromises here can help to free up resources for other priorities. If you know that you are always going to have company aboard, then having space for extra cabins, and for communal entertainment, might be critical. Bear in mind that larger yachts will also need space for the crew to live – and that the crew might value privacy during their downtime.
Safety Features and Regulations
All yachts should come equipped with a variety of key safety features, which can often make the difference between life and death in the event of a disaster. Abiding by the regulations will help to keep you, your guests, and your crew safe. It will also reduce your exposure to legal risk in the event of a problem.