How to choose your first yacht: the ultimate guide

Much more than a simple purchase, owning a yacht gives you access to an exceptional art of living. From intimate family holidays on crystal-clear waters to organising your own private parties, owning a yacht is a unique privilege. To help you choose your first yacht, discover the 4 essential steps you need to know before completing your transaction.

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Step 1: Select the yacht you need

Of all the yacht models on the market, yours should be perfectly suited to your needs. There are several types of boat to choose from, depending on their length, average cruising speed and on-board comfort features.

The motor yacht: the most versatile boat

The motor yacht is the boat par excellence that lets you organise mini-cruises or simple cruises at sea. With a cruising speed of between 20 and 30 knots depending on its size, this type of boat can be over 100 m long. The interior of your boat can include a saloon, a fully equipped galley, several sleeping cabins and customisable rooms.

Sailing yachts: easy to handle

Sailing yachts range in size from a few metres to 90 m for the largest. It is equipped with an automatic pilot navigation system, depending on its original configuration. When it comes to choosing your first sailing yacht, it’s best to opt for the model you’re most familiar with. Among the most common are :

  • The sloop, which is the most commonly used sail design and the easiest to handle. It consists of a jib at the bow, used to steer the boat, and a main mainsail at the stern of the yacht;
  • the ketch is a 2-masted yacht, with the main at the bow and the mizzen at the stern, which balances the sail and propels your boat. This is the ideal model if you are sailing with a small crew.

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Step 2: focus on yacht comfort and safety

The comfort of your first yacht is directly linked to its size and layout. These criteria have a considerable influence on the living space available and the various on-board amenities. With more space, you can fit out your yacht with warm, welcoming lounges, comfortable, well-appointed cabins and modern facilities. What’s more, it’s worth having an experienced crew if you want to sail in complete freedom, without having to pilot your boat.

As far as the safety of your first yacht is concerned, make sure that all marine safety technologies are available:

  • automatic fire detection system ;
  • life jackets ;
  • life raft;
  • emergency communication system.

Step 3: Estimating the annual budget for a yacht

To get the most out of your first yacht, even before you buy it, you need to estimate the annual budget your boat will represent. Pleasure boating involves essential and compulsory costs.

Regular maintenance of your first yacht

The maintenance of your yacht requires the intervention of a specialist company to regularly clean the deck, hulls and equipment of your boat. The same applies to engine maintenance, navigation systems, electrical systems and any other repairs that need to be carried out. These operations are essential to keep your yacht running smoothly.

Compulsory yacht insurance

Yacht insurance is compulsory. When you buy your first yacht, your insurance must include compulsory elements such as civil liability. Cover may also include theft of equipment from your boat or the boat itself, as well as bodily injury and property damage that may occur during navigation.

Step 4: Choosing a berth for your first yacht

Before you finally purchase your first yacht, the last step is to choose your mooring. Depending on the geographical area in which you want to moor your boat, you should start by finding out what space is available and making one or more reservations if necessary. During this research phase, take care to analyse the characteristics of the harbour. For example, if you’re buying your first yacht, a mooring facing into the wind makes it easier to manoeuvre your boat. You should also check that your yacht is directly accessible, and that you have access to all the services you’ll need. You can either rent out your berth or become its Property Owner.

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