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Questions to ask when buying a Cuddy Boat

What is a cuddy boat?

A cuddy boat is a boat with a small shelter cabin with maybe a small head (toilet). It may have a small berth also. The cuddy on a cuddy boat is usually not tall enough to stand in. Typical lengths of cuddy boats range from 5.5 to 8.5 metres.

The term "cuddy” means cabin and is a common term among small boaters. Cuddy boats are popular as recreational boats with people who want a little shelter and storage space but do not want to upgrade to a full cabin boat. They serve as a great small-family recreation and overnighter. Cuddy cabin fishing boats are also used as near-shore fishing boats.

What is your budget?

Do some research to get an idea of what the sort of cuddy boat you are looking for may cost.
Cuddy boats like any of the smaller style boats can 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.

Something else you also need to remember is that buying a boat does not just stop at the purchase price, there are also ongoing fees to consider like mooring costs, running costs such as fuel prices, and maintenance costs.

What type of engine is best for my cuddy boat?

When buying a boat an important factor to think about is the engine. There are two choices of engine for most cuddy boats - an inboard engine and an outboard engine, the latter offering more cockpit space.
An inboard engine is mounted inside the boat and usually at the hull. An outboard engine means the engine is placed outside the boat, typically in the back or stern of the craft.

Both come in both petrol and diesel options, both of which have their positive and negative points.
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 - spark plugs, HT leads etc.

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

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 cuddy boat from?

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

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 cuddy boats and other smaller boats for customers, enabling them to detect a good deal when they see one. They will also have a variety of boats 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 cuddy boat?

Like with any type of boat, the costs of owning a cuddy boat will vary from boater to boater and boat to boat but working out the average running costs of owning a day cruiser and how you plan to use it is very important.

Boat maintenance for example can be a grey area as the cost of this will depend on the maintenance that 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.

Below is a list of some of the running costs that you will need to factor in when buying a boat:

Mooring fees
Insurance
Boat maintenance
Fuel
Heating

Has the cuddy boat 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. 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. 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.

What documents and paperwork will you need to buy a cuddy boat?

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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