Although there are a wide range of sports cruisers to choose from, they have two basic requirements that make them a sports cruiser. Firstly, it will need to be a sporting vessel with a sleek design that is designed to cruise. And secondly, it will need to feature a dedicated cabin with decent berthing capable of accommodating at least two people.
Sports cruisers can range from 25-40 feet in length.
If you a looking for a sports cruiser, you need to decide whether the ‘sports’ bit (its dynamic performance) or the ‘cruiser’ bit (the internal accommodation) is more important to you and your family.
Sports cruisers can range wildly in price and these prices will differ depending on size, style, condition and age. Analyse your needs and think about what you are looking for. Are you after a restoration project, something pristine or top of the range? Do a bit of research to get an idea of what the sort of sports cruiser you are looking for may cost.
Something else you need to remember is buying a sports cruiser does not just stop at the purchase price, there are also all the ongoing fees to consider like maintenance costs, running costs (such as fuel prices) and mooring costs.
What type of engine is best for my sports cruiser?
One of the most important factors when choosing an engine for your sports cruiser is to estimate how far you want to cruise. You need to consider the economy of your engine choice.
There are two choices of engine for your sports cruiser – petrol engines and diesel engines, both of which have their good and bad points.
Boats with petrol engines often cost less to buy because they 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 of the options and make the right choice for your boat and how you plan to use it.
Make sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications, it is advisable to choose the maximum horsepower (HP) recommended to be fitted, especially if you plan for your boat to be heavily loaded up for extended stays.
Once you have decided the type of sports cruiser you want and how much you want to spend, you can begin your search. The first place to go is the internet; you will find hundreds of sports cruisers for sale on the internet either through private sellers, dealers or brokers.
Buying through a private seller or dealer has its 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. Avoid private sellers and dealers that do not have a credible reputation.
Alternatively, you can use a brokerage company. Reputable brokers will have a great deal of experience in buying sports cruisers 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 by checking their advertisements or through recommendation from previous customers.
Buying a used boat can be a good idea for boaters with experience. If considering a used boat, it is advisable to research the best used boat brands and models. You may be limited by the available stock that is for sale but the savings on a used boat can be considerable.
New boaters might benefit from buying a new boat as this will be delivered with a manufacturer’s warranty for at least three or more years, so there are no maintenance surprises. You will also be able to choose the brand, size, colour and options you actually want.
It is advisable to take the time to visit a few showrooms, take a tour through a marina and look around as many boats as possible in order to have a better picture on what sports cruisers are for sale.
Like with any type of boat, the costs of owning a sports cruiser will vary from boater to boater and boat to boat but working out the average running costs of owning a sports cruiser and how you plan to use it is very important. Try talking to owners that have the same boat you are looking for and obtain feedback. Below is a list of some of the running costs that you will need to factor in when buying a speed boat:
Mooring fees
Insurance
Boat maintenance
Fuel
Heating
If you are not especially experienced, it may be best to start with a small sports cruiser before tackling something larger. Not only does this minimise the financial commitment, but it also enables you to decide which of the key elements of the sports cruiser are most important to you.
When buying a second-hand boat, it is advisable to have a survey done by a qualified marine surveyor. They 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 sports cruiser?
Having the correct paperwork in place when you buy your boat is important. This includes ownership papers, insurance, boat safety certificate etc. Make sure you have all of these in place when you buy
