The process of buying a boat is complex and therefore we recommend future buyers to follow certain guidelines, especially in second-hand boats.

The second hand market facilitates the access to the nautical sport because the prices are cheaper, but you have to be careful and to be sure about what you are buying. For this reason, we give you the following 7 tips to make sure you don't fall for the famous saying "cheap turns out to be expensive".

   1. Buy the boat through an official dealer or a professional brokerage company

The decision to purchase a boat, new or second-hand, implies an important investment, therefore we recommend that you seek the advice of a professional nautical company of recognized reliability that can provide you with its experience and guidance throughout the whole process.

2.    Make sure you will have the mooring or stay in a dry marina for your new boat.

It seems like a no-brainer, but it's important to have the right mooring for the length and beam of your boat before you make your purchase.

If you plan to leave your boat in a dry marina instead of having it floating in the water, you should also make sure you have a place.

If you have any doubts, your local nautical company should also be able to help you in this regard.

3.    Visit the boat in person and check its current condition.

Especially if it is a second-hand boat, it is essential to visit the boat in person as early as possible in the purchase process to avoid unpleasant surprises or false expectations.

During the visit, inspect the bilges, start the boat's engine and check that all the electronics and systems are in proper working condition.

Also, don't forget to check that the safety equipment is updated and in compliance with the boat's navigation area.

Finally, look for signs of osmosis and check the condition of the patent. If you want to be sure, you can always go to an independent professional or nautical surveyor.

4.    Verify that the boat's documentation is in order.

Ask to see copies of all original ownership documents:

·        Maritim administration registration document or documentation proving ownership by the selling party.

·         Seaworthiness certificate

·         EC Certificate of Conformity of the boat and engines

·         Maintenance invoices to check the history of inspections and/or repairs that have been carried out.

5.    Order an independent survey or an appraisal of the boat.

If you are interested in making an offer for the boat, we recommend that you arrange for an independent inspection or survey, external to either party, before making an offer for the boat.

In case of opting for a quicker and cheaper option, you can always request an appraisal.

6.    Make the different payments through a nautical company or brokerage firm

When you buy a boat through a nautical company or broker, it becomes the guarantor of the operation to both the buyer and the seller.

Therefore, it is important that payments are made through this intermediary party in order to ensure that the transfer of money is made together with the transfer of ownership of the boat to the buyer.

7.    Contract an insurance policy

As soon as your offer has been accepted, hire an adequate nautical insurance to insure the boat.

Remember that “better safe than sorry" and that any boat should have active insurance both on and off the water, even if it is the minimum required by the law of civil liability.