The global recreational boat industry is on the rise, with experts expecting it to grow by 4 percent between 2017 and 2023.
With the popularity of boating, and especially luxury sport yachting, increasing in the U.S. and around the world, it seems like most everyone is eager to own their own marine craft.
But transitioning from wanting a yacht to actually buying one is a big step. Shopping for a luxury yacht can be an intimidating process. With so many options out there, narrowing down your choices to find the perfect one requires time and careful consideration.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to simplify the process.
Whether you’re eager to buy your first yacht or lucky enough to be shopping for a new one to replace another model or add to a collection, keep reading. We’re bringing you a few essential tips helpful for anyone considering a luxury yacht.
Be Clear About Your Needs and Wants
Before you even step foot on a yacht that you’re considering buying, you and anyone you plan to share the yacht with should have a discussion about your expectations, wants and needs.
Are you an avid fisherman looking to enjoy modern comforts on the high seas while casting your lines? Or are you dreaming of an around-the-world adventure? Perhaps you love to entertain and want plenty of room to comfortably host guests.
Others are looking for a yacht that’s family friendly so that they can introduce their children to the joys of boating.
Whatever your reason for wanting a yacht, it’s important to be clear on your intentions right from the start of your search.
Put your exact needs and wants down on paper. Are a certain number of bedroom cabins a must-have? Is a spacious master suite a perk?
If you plan to enjoy fishing from your yacht, you’ll need to choose a vessel with plenty of open deck space and storage space for your gear. But baitwells and fish freezers are amenities that could be more of a want rather than a need.
If you start shopping without your wants and needs clearly defined, you might overlook the fact that a yacht you love the look or layout of lacks something very important to you.
Don’t Let Aesthetics Cloud Your Judgment
If you haven’t spent a lot of time around yachts in the past, you might have only a narrow idea of what they look like.
Sleek, sweeping bows with spacious decks, darkened windows and interiors gleaming with wood accents are among the most common, iconic images of luxury yachts.
But like any vehicle, they actually come in an endless array of styles and designs.
If you start your search with only a traditional image in your mind, you might overlook modern yachts that better meet your needs simply because they deviate from what you pictured in your mind.
Be open to looking at a variety of different types and looks. Look for the benefits and drawbacks of each design, and ask yourself whether it would suit your own unique wants and needs. Looks are important, but it is far more important to have a yacht that is functional and enjoyable.
Rent or Charter A Luxury Sport Yacht First
Unless you’ve previously owned a yacht or have rented or chartered hundreds, it’s a good idea to spend some time on them before you start shopping for your own.
If possible, rent or charter a yacht similar to the one that you are considering buying.
It doesn’t have to be an exact fit. But, renting or chartering a vessel of a similar size and style will give you a chance to assess how well the layout and features work for you.
This can help you better determine exactly what you want to have in your own boat. It might also help clue you in to features or designs that you dislike.
Touring yachts while shopping is always a good idea. But actually trying out the tech and testing the boat on the water before making a decision will help you feel more confident in your yacht purchase. You might notice things you’d simply overlook when the yacht is docked.
Consider Buying Used
If you’re on a budget or just looking to get more bang for your buck, buying used can be a great option.
Passionate luxury sport yacht owners usually maintain and care for their crafts, meaning that even a vessel that has spent a lot of time on the water may still be in excellent shape.
Buying used allows those on a budget to afford more amenities and features than they might be able to if they chose to buy a new boat.
Even those with a larger budget might benefit from buying a pre-owned yacht. It can mean the chance to get a larger craft or superior features for the same price as a new, more basic model.
Go Custom to Get Your Perfect Fit
While there’s nothing wrong with shopping pre-owned, if you have a long list of features you need and a specific look and style you want, custom is the way to go.
Custom-built luxury yachts allow you to hand-pick many of the features and style choices that go into building and designing your personal marine craft.
If you want to ensure that you’ll get exactly what you want, you can’t go wrong with a custom-built boat.
Choosing the Right Luxury Sport Yacht for You
Shopping for the right luxury yacht for you requires lots of time and patience. It’s a process that should never be rushed. After all, you’re talking about a big investment, not only financially, but also an investment in you and your family’s future vacations and adventures!
Finding a model that has the features you want and a layout that supports how you plan to use your boat is a must. The last thing you want to do is speed through the buying process and end up with a yacht that you don’t quite love.
If you’re ready to start searching for the perfect luxury yacht to suit your wants and needs, shop Intrepid’s range of custom-built models today!
