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Questions to ask when buying a Cabin Cruiser

What is a cabin cruiser?

A cabin cruiser is a type of power boat that can provide accommodation its passengers inside the structure of the boat. They are like mini holiday homes that you can use to take the whole family on waterborne adventures. Even with small cabin cruisers you can have the flexibility to enjoy a day of swimming and relaxing on the water or spending long weekends enjoying the boating lifestyle
A cabin cruiser usually ranges in size from 7 metres to 14 metres in length. Many cabin cruisers can be towed with a trailer and are easily stored on land, which reduces maintenance and expense.

These boats are generally equipped with a toilet, a galley, and at least one berth. Most cabin cruisers usually have a small dining area, and some have an aft cabin (a cabin to the rear of the cockpit, with a double bed). Some cabin cruisers are equipped with heating, air conditioning, and power generators.

The cabin cruiser provides many of the amenities of larger yachts, while costing much less and is normally fully operable by the owner, whereas larger yachts often require a professional crew.

Cabin cruisers can handle the water well and give a stable ride because of their size.

What is your budget?

The initial cost of a cabin cruiser can vary wildly, depending mostly on the size you choose. They range from small cabin cruisers that cost a lot less than you might think to million-pound cabin cruisers.
Do some research to get an idea of what the sort of cabin cruiser you are looking for may cost. Prices vary in price depending on many factors like style, condition and age. Consider how you plan to use your boat, where you plan to use it and whether you are after a restoration project, something pristine or top of the range.

What type of engine is best for my cabin cruiser?

When buying a boat an important factor to think about is the engine. There are generally two options – petrol engines and diesel engines,

Diesel powered boats cost more to purchase as they are much more fuel efficient than petrol powered ones but will require less maintenance.

Boats with petrol engines usually cost less to buy. This is because petrol engines are less fuel efficient than diesel engines and therefore cost more to run. Petrol engines generally cost more to maintain as more parts are required for each service.

Petrol powered boats are usually quicker than diesel ones, so this is another factor to consider when buying one. Weigh up all the options and make the right choice for your situation.

Where can I buy a cabin cruiser from?

The first place to begin looking for a boat to buy is the internet. You can find thousands of cabin cruisers and other boats for sale on the internet either through dealers, brokers or private sellers.

Buying through a private seller or dealer has many advantages as you will always get more information on the true nature and quirks of a boat from the owner themselves and they are often more flexible. Make sure to avoid private sellers and dealers that do not have a credible reputation. Do your research on the seller and dealer if you are thinking of buying from them.

Alternatively, you could use a brokerage company. Reputable brokers will have a great deal of experience in buying cabin cruisers for customers, enabling them to detect a great deal when they see one. They will also have a variety of boats all in one location and they can help to make the buying process as stress free as possible. Find a good broker either through checking their advertisements or through recommendation from previous customers.

What are the estimated running costs of owning a cabin cruiser?

The running costs of owning a cabin cruiser will vary from boat to boat and for each boater but working out the average running costs of owning a boat and how you plan to use it is very important.

You also need to remember that buying a boat does not just stop at the purchase price, there are also ongoing fees that you need to factor in like mooring costs, running costs such as fuel and heating, maintenance and insurance costs.
You will need to make a consideration for the mooring or berthing of your boat in a marina, on a mooring or a private berth.
Boat maintenance for example can be a grey area as the cost of this will depend on what is needed and whether you plan on doing most of the technical work yourself or whether you will get a boatyard or marine engineer to do the work.

A great way of finding out about the estimated running costs of owing a boat is to ask other boaters for their knowledge and they should be more than happy to share their experiences with you.
Consider what you want to use your boat for, where you plan to use the boat and how many people you expect to be on board etc and most importantly what features you require. Knowing its purpose will assist you in having a greater idea of the running costs before you buy.

Has the cabin cruiser had a recent a survey?

When buying a second-hand boat, we would highly recommend that you have a survey done by a qualified marine surveyor. The surveyor will advise on any faults on the hull and with the boat’s internal systems and highlight any issue the boat may have so you have peace of mind that you know exactly what you are buying.

A survey is essential in providing both peace of mind and protection when buying second-hand boats and ensuring no important elements are missed in the boat’s long-term maintenance.

What documents and paperwork will you need to buy a cabin cruiser?

Making sure that you have all the correct paperwork in place when you buy a boat is important. This includes ownership papers, insurance and boat safety certificate etc.

Check all the documents and the boat’s VAT status. You should receive the original VAT paid invoice, which is essential if you want to sell the boat in the future. Once the survey has been concluded and the negotiations settled, you should receive the proof of ownership, Bills of Sale for the last 5 years at minimum, Certificate of Registry, if any, and proof of VAT status. Keep all these documents in a safe place since they are not easy to replace.

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