There are a million ways to buy a sailboat. There is no right or wrong. I am going to attempt to detail how we did it. Maybe this will help others. Probably not. And why should others be spared the the exquisite mind blow that comes from boat brain overload.
1. Endless research. Web, books, magazines, other sailors.
2. There is no perfect boat. It is a mater of use, location of use, sailing skill, comfort, priorities and oh yeah.....$$$$$$$$$$$$.
3. None of the boats are in the same place. Most are not even in the same state. Comparison side by side impossible.
4. Unlike a car, there generally isn't a test sail. Weird, I know!
5. Even like models of a boat are impossible to compare. Spreadsheeting is the only way to go but it will still bend your mind.
6. Too much research can cause analysis paralysis. We got it frequently as we zero'd in.
7. Shopping trip to see boats can be fun but soon add up if you are flying across the country.
***And I have already started to block out the other stuff since we now own her.
So once you find the boat, make the offer and come to an agreement, the real fun starts. It all happens very fast. Great if you live in the area. A bit tough if you don't.
8. We hopped a plane so we could be there for the sea trial and survey. Of course it was springbreak so flights were nice and pricey last min, hotels scarce and rental cars twice as much. But it was kewl to be there in person of all of that and very important.
9. Paperwork flew around via the internet, overnight and snail mail.
10. Boat porning didn't stop, oh no. It merely shifted. Instead of looking at Yachtworld, we now found ourselves searching for boat insurance, towing insurance, marina's, equipment, software, gpss', captains, boat haulers, cruising routes, etc.....
11. Clarification on taxes was big fun. Almost as much fun at April 15th each year! NOT!
But in the end it has all worked out and come together. The PO (previous owner) has been a great guy to work with and very helpful. And now the real fun starts.
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