Things to Take Into Consideration When Deciding On Your First Vessel

Things to Take Into Consideration When Deciding On Your First Vessel

It is hard to describe the excitement of buying your very first boat. It often gets compared with many other firsts; the first car, first house, even the first child, in some cases. Yet, it does not really make sense to compare it with any of these things, because sailing is such a unique experience. Ultimately, the freedom that comes with owning a boat is unlike any other.

Things to Take Into Consideration When Deciding On Your First Vessel

The problem is that, once you get a taste of it, the urge to get out there and explore the world is pretty strong. It can persuade first-time sailors to make hurried and impractical purchases. Buying cheap motor boats for sale or sailing boats, whether it is a yacht or a catamaran, requires lots of careful planning. It is a significant investment, so you need to be sure of picking a vessel which suits your needs.

Fortunately, there are lots of great companies in Australia that can help you find your dream multihull. In some cases, they may suggest investing in a charter boat, as an alternative, particularly if you only plan to use it for part of the year. Keep reading to find out more.

The Decision to Charter

Before you think about making a purchase, it is worth considering how much use you are likely to get out of a multihull. If you are not retired or able to free up a reasonable percentage of the year for sailing, owning a vessel outright might not be the most economical option. However, buying a charter boat allows regular, working families to maximise their investment.

EEsentially, it operates in the same way as buying a holiday home. You own the boat, so you still get to use it whenever you like. When you are not using it, it is maintained and cared for by a charter company, who rent it out to holidaymakers and tourists. Charter boats provide a second sour

The Size and Handling

One of the most common mistakes made when buying a first multihull is the temptation to go too big. People get excited, and they plump for a sprawling vessel, packed out with mod cons, and they never stop to consider the handling. You must be realistic when selecting the size of your new yacht or catamaran. Otherwise, you might find it difficult to sail.

It is always preferable to own a smaller boat, which you can control with ease. Besides, even something as ambitious as sailing around the world does not require the biggest multihull in the marina. Many providers will let you take their cats out for a test drive, so it is worth asking if you find xzone which meets your needs. 

The Cost of Ownership

Don’t forget that the cost of owning a multihull does not stop at the first purchase. To ensure you get the most out of your boat, you need to budget accordingly. As mentioned, buying a charter vessel is an excellent way to help with upkeep and maintenance expenses. Most charter agreements only last for a year or two, and you get a safe docking space and daily care.

Once the charter period is up, the boat gets released to you. You can sell it, or you can keep it on as a full-time vessel. It is not the only way to afford a multihull, but it can make ownership much easier. If chartering doesn’t suit your lifestyle, make sure to factor in the cost of secure seasonal docking spaces, winterising resources, and insurance.