Buying a Used Sailing Yacht

Buying a used sailing yacht can be an exciting and rewarding experience — but it’s also a complex process with many potential pitfalls. You want to avoid hidden issues, verify fair value, and ensure the boat suits your needs (and budget).Here’s a step-by-step guide to give you the confidence when buying a used sailing boat, along with key things to inspect and red flags to avoid.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO BUYING A USED SAILING YACHT

1. DEFINE YOUR NEEDS

Start by identifying the kind of sailing you want to do:

Also consider:

• Budget (including repairs and upgrades)
• Sailing region (marina space, tide range, spares availability)
• Crew size and abilities

2. RESEARCH MODELS

• Join owner forums (e.g. Cruisers Forum, Facebook groups)
• Read reviews of the model’s sailing characteristics
• Check resale values and common issues
• Make a shortlist of boats to view, with an open mind

3. VIEWING A BOAT — WHAT TO LOOK FOR

 First Impressions:

• Signs of neglect (peeling varnish, mildew, clutter)
• Smell below deck – diesel, mould, or rot?
• Dry bilges and lockers?
• Exterior condition (scratches, faded gelcoat, deck hardware)

STRUCTURAL:

• Hull and deck: Tap with plastic mallet to check for delamination
• Keel–hull joint: Look for movement or weeping
• Bulkheads & stringers: Check for cracks, separation
• Deck: Soft spots or flexing underfoot?

RIG & SPARS:

• Standing rigging: Check age (often needs replacement at 10–12 years)
• Mast step: corrosion or movement?
• Running rigging: Chafe, UV damage, knots?
• Roller furlers: Smooth operation?

SAILS:

• Check age (are they blown out or baggy?)
• Look for mildew, UV damage, ripped stitching
• A full sail inventory list (mainsail, genoa, spinnakers, storm sails?)

ENGINE:

• Cold-start test: Smoke? Noise? Vibration?
• Check hours and maintenance records
• Oil condition (milky? metallic?)
• Fuel filters clean? Cooling system flushed?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:

• Battery age and type (AGM, lithium, etc.)
• Functionality of:
  • Navigation lights
  • Instruments (wind, depth, GPS, VHF)
  • Autopilot
  • Switch panel — no corrosion or melted wires
• Shore power and solar charger working?

PLUMBING:

• Leaks around through-hulls or pumps?
• Seacocks working and not seized?
• Toilet flushes easily? No backflow?
• Freshwater system working? Tank condition?

SAFETY GEAR:

• Lifejackets, flares, fire extinguishers (check dates)
• Anchor and chain – what condition?
• Bilge pumps (manual and electric)
• Life raft? When was it last serviced?

4. ASK FOR DOCUMENTATION

You should request:

• Title/ownership papers
• Builder’s certificate / registration
• VAT/import paperwork (especially in the EU)
• Engine service history
• Rigging & sail invoices
• Surveys (any previous reports)
• Insurance claim history

5. COMMON RED FLAGS (WALK AWAY OR BE CAUTIOUS)

6. GET A PROFESSIONAL SURVEY

Never skip a full pre-purchase survey by a qualified marine surveyor.

They’ll check:

• Hull and deck structure
• Keel bolts
• Rig, spars, chainplates
• Electrical and plumbing
• Moisture readings
• Safety compliance

Also consider an engine survey, especially for inboards or older engines.

7. FINAL STEPS TO PURCHASE

1. Make an offer subject to survey and sea trial
2. Draft a purchase agreement (especially with brokers)
3. After a satisfactory survey:
   • Pay deposit
   • Complete sale
   • Transfer ownership & registration
4. Arrange insurance and registration transfer

8. AFTER PURCHASE: POST-SALE REFIT & SAFETY CHECK

Expect to:

• Replace old lines and batteries
• Service or replace safety gear
• Inspect standing rigging and engine
• Refresh electronics or software
• Upgrade sails (if needed)
• Clean tanks, hoses, bilges, lockers

BONUS: WHAT TO BRING TO A BOAT VIEWING

• Moisture meter (or hire a surveyor)
• Head torch & gloves
• Phone/camera
• Notepad
• Magnet (for stainless testing)
• Multimeter (if you’re savvy)