Find an affordable boat to renovate
Philippe, a young retiree, has been involved in sailing for over 20 years. Faced with the time now available, he set out to find a sailboat to renovate. But his financial envelope remains limited. " I had fixed a budget between 3 000euros and 4 000euros for the purchase of the boat and as much for the renovation work "he explains.
So he scours the ports looking for bargains. " There are many possibilities. You have to get out in front of it. If they can't give you the contact information for a boat's owners, you can always ask the harbormasters to send yours if you see a boat you might be interested in that you don't think is being used much. I've had responses, even if it didn't pan out. Especially right now, there are people who need to get rid of their boats, for reasons of time or money "says Philippe.
An English sailboat abandoned in Arzal
While inquiring about an abandoned boat in the port of Arzal, he discovered an opportunity. " This English sailboat had been rotting in Arzal for several years, the owner no longer responding. I learned that a procedure of forfeiture of property was in progress. So I took the initiative and contacted the prefectural services "says the boater.
Purchase of the sailboat for less than 1,000 euros
The procedure followed its course. The sailboat, Arthur a Bayliner Buccaneer built in the United States, finally became the property of the Compagnie des Ports du Morbihan, to compensate for the unpaid debt left by the British owner. Philippe was asked to make a purchase proposal. This was finally accepted and he became the new owner of this 7 meter boat for less than 1,000 euros.
" The boat is however in much better condition than many private boats that come from 3 000euros to 4 000euros "underlines Philippe, satisfied with the operation.
Some administrative details
If the story has something to make you dream, there are still some constraints linked to the purchase of this boat after seizure. It was obviously necessary to evacuate Arthur from the dock of Arzal as soon as possible. If this boat had been flying the French flag, Philippe would have had to take care of all the registration and transfer of ownership procedures. In the case of this British sailboat, it is the Compagnie des Ports du Morbihan that has to take care of it, but the delays are longer. Philippe can therefore not sail for the moment. " Today I only have the deed of sale. Nevertheless, it is not a problem because I gave myself for the moment 12 months to renovate it "concludes the happy boater.
