What program?
How will you use your boat? Do you plan to go out only for the day, spend a weekend, a cruising vacation or do you plan to go on a long trip? Will you use your boat only for pleasure or will you participate in regattas?
It is a question here of defining the use you will make of your boat. This will allow you to determine its size, its equipment and its layout.
With whom?
Are you planning to sail single-handed, with a small crew or with family and/or friends? Do you want to sail in a sportive way or on the contrary, in a more quiet way? Will you be the only expert on board or can you count on the know-how of your crew?
in Euros, will you be the only one who knows how to navigate or can you count on the help of crew members? In the first case, what is the maximum length you are able to manage?
Which navigation area?
Are you planning to do coastal navigation, deep-sea sailing or sailing in inland waters? You will not need the same boat to navigate on the Arcachon basin, in Brittany or in the Mediterranean.
Depending on where you will be sailing, you should also determine your draught. Do you want to sail close to the coast or the beaches - you will need a shallow draft or a lifting keel - or on the contrary, do you want to sail offshore and therefore choose a deeper draft?
If you want to go sailing without necessarily making a stopover, the choice of your boat will be different.
What storage?
Do you have a berth or are you planning to take one? Find out about the availability of berths in your area. Do you prefer a mooring on a mooring? In the case of a transportable boat, do you have a shed or a garden to store your boat dry on its trailer?
Once again, this data will determine the length of the boat, but especially the width, which determines its transportability.
What is your budget?
We are talking about a global budget and not only a purchase budget. Because a boat requires an annual operating budget (maintenance, storage, handling, use). You will also have to renew your equipment and the price is not the same depending on the size of your boat.
The larger the boat, the higher the maintenance, port and running costs (fuel). The style of the boat will also play a role in your calculations. Indeed, a wooden schooner does not require the same operating budget as a modern boat.
New or used?
Do you want to buy a new boat or a used boat? Do you prefer to buy through a private individual or a professional? Will you be accompanied in your purchase ? Do you want a boat ready to sail or are you willing to do some work ?
Do not hesitate to call upon a marine expert to determine the condition of your future boat and to estimate the cost of the work.
You can ask directly at a dealer's, browse the classified ads on the Internet, or scour the aisles of boat shows to find the boat of your dreams.
What's next?
Buying a boat is good, but you have to think about the future. How long do you plan to keep it? Do you plan to sell it later? Your tastes and projects may evolve, as well as your level, and you will then decide to invest in another boat.
Evaluate the value of your boat to see if you can resell it easily. A new boat can quickly lose its value and become worthless on the used market.
