There are many things to think of and many questions to ask when choosing your next new yacht - from design to safety. It's very important to check and then recheck each and everything possible. It's surprising to see how something small like the height of the windscreen plays an important role in selecting you next million dollar baby.
Below follows a list of things to think of:-
o Does the HULL CONSTRUCTION have an integrated rubrail on the sides? The rubrail not only protects against scratches, it also keeps the dirty and sandy fenders away from the freeboards. The rubrail makes the freeboards look lower and therefore more elegant.
o When an ELECTRIC WINDLASS has been mounted, is the motor placed in a dry, protected area free from condensation? Is the chain running above the deck? This gives maximum height for the chain, which contributes to best possible conditions for proper self-stow of the chain without piling up.
o Are there sufficient GRAB RAILS on deck and on the ceiling inside the boat?
o Are the SAILS made by a sail maker well known internationally? Is the design adapted for extremely tough conditions? Are the sails sewed in the special offshore designed with additional leather reinforcements? This gives longer service life.
o Is the boat DESIGNED by a well known naval architect with a well known reputation all over the world? Is the boat built by a yard known world wide?
This is of vital importance for the long term second hand value of the boat.
o Has the boat sufficient FUEL CAPACITY? Is it possible to drain the diesel tank easily? Is the engine strong enough? Are the tanks constructed with built in wash plates? Are the tanks specially adapted to each boat model so that maximum tank volume is obtained?
o Are the sides of the DRAWERS made of plywood or of elegant, solid wood? Have the floorboards real teak veneer with bright wood stringers? Are the sides of the floorboards varnished? Is inside woodwork varnished with minimum six layers of varnish?
o Does a WINDSREEN protect the cockpit well? Is the height of the windscreen high enough to protect the cockpit but still low enough to ensure good looks? Is the design of the windscreen a part of the boat design so that it harmonises with the rest of the boat? Has the windscreen an opening window in the middle to ensure sufficient ventilation when needed?
o Are the MATTRESSES made for comfort? Are all mattresses tailor made to suit well? Do the mattress boards have enough ventilation holes and are these boards unvarnished, both for the best ventilation? Is the carpet secured by press studs to prevent movement?
o Is the boat well ventilated? Are there enough ventilators on board? Are the cupboards louvered?
o Is there adequate LIGHTING onboard? Are all cables wired in a reasonable way, and put in conduits wherever possible.
o Is there a proper BILGE, not too shallow and still not too deep? A too shallow bilge is not able to collect drained water and if it is too deep it will be difficult to keep the bilge clean.
o Is the boat built by a yard that takes pride in DELIVERING on the agreed date?
All these points are equally important and they do not come in any order of priority and NONE of them are to be compromised for the best ownership and sailing experience to an owner.
So next time you set out to buy your new yacht or if your friend's contemplating buying one, make sure you have a look at the buyers' checklist before going ahead...
