New to Boating?

Boat buyers often recall their first boat purchase as one of the most rewarding and enjoyable decisions they made for themselves and their families. If you are new to boating, Brewer Yacht Sales can help guide you through the process by informing you about some important decisions, making what may seem a bit overwhelming into something simple and fun.

We find the best way to start shopping for a boat involves asking some questions that will guide you to the most fitting vessel for your needs. Here are some questions you should ask yourself; if you don’t know the answers, a BYS broker can help “shed some light” on things.

• Do I want a power or sail boat?
• How do I plan to use the boat? With family and friends? For day trips or day sails? Over-nighting one or two days at a time, or week-long trips and extended cruising?
• If I get a sail boat, do I want to club race it? What kind of rig will I get, sloop, yawl, ketch, or schooner?
• What is the difference in hull designs and why is that important?
• Gas or diesel engine? Will it be an inboard, outboard, or inboard/outboard?
• Do I want an enclosed head and/or a shower?
• Do I need heat or air-conditioning, and why?
• Am I going to keep my boat on a mooring, a dock, or trailer it?
• What are my options for storing the boat in the winter months if I keep it up north

These are just a few questions that will help narrow down which boat is right for you. A professional BYS broker can make sure you have all the facts so you feel confident in your decision.

Here are some other things that are good to know:

1. It is our recommendation you get a professional, independent survey done on any brokerage boat you plan on buying. We have lists of surveyors you can call and interview. This is very important, because if you finance your boat the bank will require a recent survey and proof of insurance coverage.
2. Not all states require titles on boats: we can tell you which ones do and what documentation will be required to register, document, or transfer ownership.
3. When you make an offer to purchase a boat, a 10% deposit is required. When using a BYS broker, you can rest assured that your money will be secured in a separate, non-interest-bearing escrow account, as per the guidelines of the YBAA (Yacht Brokers Association of America).