Boat and yacht buying guide
Make the purchase of your yaht;boat;vessel a simple and rewarding adventure
Simplify your yacht purchase with our comprehensive guide
At Pelagia Yachting, our mission is to make every stage of your project as smooth and straightforward as possible. Buying a yacht, whether new or used, can quickly become complex when you have limited knowledge of the market or the industry. Drawing on our maritime expertise, acquired in France and abroad, we provide you with personalised support throughout the buying process, from the initial consideration to the completion of your purchase. Our aim is to provide you with accurate information to minimise unnecessary risk or loss of money, and above all to optimise your investment and your time. We understand that the length and complexity of a purchase (or sale) varies according to many factors: your specific needs, your priorities, the size of the boat, your resources, as well as the choice of a new or used yacht, etc. That’s why we’ve put together a practical guide to provide you with a clear overview of our methodology and the steps that lie ahead. At Pelagia Yachting, we turn complexity into opportunity, allowing you to sail with peace of mind towards the realisation of your yachting project.
Step 1: Understanding your needs for a successful yacht purchase
In order to provide you with a precise response to your request and to assist you as quickly as possible, it is essential that you give us as much information as possible about your project during our initial contact by telephone or at our office. This will enable us to advise you effectively and guide you towards the boat models and brands best suited to your needs and expectations. We’re always on hand to understand your motivations and desires, and to find out what type of future use you envisage for your boat. Your passion for the sea, combined with the details of your project – such as your budget, your sailing experience, your preferred sailing areas, the desired location of your main berth – are key factors that we take into account to offer you a coherent and tailored solution.
Buying a boat is an extraordinary adventure, provided that it is carefully thought through and aligned with your objectives. At Pelagia Yachting, we put our expertise and network at your service to make your project a success. Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of the market, we can offer you an exclusive selection of exceptional boats, whether new or pre-owned, power or sail, combining luxury, performance and peace of mind.
Stage 2: Initial discussions and personalised yacht selection
The initial discussions with our team are a key stage in identifying your expectations, presenting our services and informing you of current market trends. At Pelagia Yachting, we are committed to being responsive and efficient: one of our experts will contact you within 24 hours of receiving your request. This initial contact will enable us to complete the necessary information while getting to know you better. This will help us to select an initial list of yachts that perfectly match your criteria. You will receive all the essential information by email or via WhatsApp, including detailed brochures, technical specifications of the vessels, photos and associated prices.
We know that buying or selling a yacht is a complex process that requires time and thought. It’s essential to consider several options before making a decision. That’s why we work with you every step of the way, providing personalised advice and a tailored service to ensure a smooth and satisfying experience. At Pelagia Yachting, our priority is to turn your nautical ambitions into reality, by combining professionalism and expertise.
Stage 3: Visiting the yachts and analysing the opportunities
Unless you’ve really fallen in love with a boat, when you identify one that interests you, we organise an initial visit to all the vessels selected so that you don’t miss out on a great opportunity. This allows you to assess the general condition of each boat, meet the crew on board, and obtain essential and relevant additional information. The owner or broker in charge of the sale will need to provide you with full documentation, including the latest invoices, recent overhaul reports, the previous bill of sale and any other relevant information. These documents are essential to justify the value of the boat, check the repair history and confirm the validity of current certifications. Every vessel has its own history and on-board history, so it’s vital to know these things before you buy.
The visit is a key stage in the buying process. Not only does it allow you to see the quality and assets of the boat, it also allows you to plan for its future use. You’ll be able to envisage any changes or modifications, such as redecorating the interior or optimising the exterior spaces, to make the boat a truly personalised project that meets your needs and desires. If this visit meets your expectations, you can submit an offer via our team, who will forward it directly to the owner.
Stage 4: Negotiation, preliminary sale agreement and marine survey
With all these elements now at your disposal, you can make a considered decision on whether or not to buy this vessel, and possibly negotiate the sale price on a few details. If there is mutual agreement on a purchase offer between the owner and the buyer, then a binding sales agreement must be signed between the parties involved, which will serve as a written record, and an initial deposit is required. At this stage, the boat cannot be visited, taken out to sea or hired out to another potential customer for between 15 and 30 days, depending on the boat. This document sets out the delivery date, the final negotiated price and a number of special clauses, such as guarantees from the shipyard, repairs to be carried out, and liability cover.
At this stage, lawyers are involved to ensure that the sale goes smoothly. One or more marine surveyors are also involved in the purchase process to carry out a full marine survey of the vessel – inside and out, which includes an out-of-water inspection and a sea trial afterwards to check the vessel’s proper operation and behaviour. In addition, all documents and certificates of conformity must be up to date and present no anomalies from a legal, safety and financial point of view.
Step 5: Finalising the purchase and commissioning your yacht
When the marine surveyor in charge of the case delivers his report on the general condition of the boat, and the result is as expected, with no or minimal defects, damage or administrative irregularities, then a deed of sale must be signed between the various parties, with the remaining funds transferred to a secure escrow account.
Once you are the new owner of the boat, then the administrative paperwork such as flag registration, taking out insurance to cover risks at sea and civil liability, as well as hiring a new crew (if required) must be completed. Don’t worry, Pelagia Yachting is there to help you from A to Z, to make your boat purchase as simple, quick, efficient and easy to understand as possible. We can train you in navigation if necessary, and we will help you with the boat’s service: maintenance, equipment, installation in port.
Questions to ask yourself : BRAINSTORMING
Buying a yacht is a once-in-a-lifetime project that requires careful thought and organisation. Before taking the plunge, it’s essential to clarify your expectations, needs and objectives. These questions will guide you in your thinking, taking into account your personal preferences, your budgetary priorities and the specifics of your project. At Pelagia Yachting, we’ll help you turn this brainstorming into a concrete, tailor-made plan that’s perfectly suited to your sailing dreams.
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