Sales Home

Charter Home

Use your back button to return to where you came from or:

Use the drop down menu above, or visit these links

Choosing the right boat

Which Boat is right for me?

This discussion assumes that you are looking for a boat that is capable of doing some serious longer distance and offshore cruising as well as a boat that would be suitable and comfortable for living aboard for extended periods. I?m also talking about a boat that is comfortable to handle by a couple?basically one person able to sail it, and a boat two people can comfortably dock in virtually any weather.

In the past 32 years I've sold 100's of boats, talked to owners, surveyors, banks, insurers, manufacturers and designers, delivery captains, charterers for both racers and cruisers--monohulls and catamarans.. 

In order to answer this question, you need to answer some other questions first. (And I hope that you have Web access for some pertinent answers?our site has over 4,000 pages of information?now you?ll begin to see why. We have simply distilled years of experience and interviews with captains, surveyors, brokers and clients into information you can use now.)

Eric Smith   President

A Bay Yacht Agency technical paper?

Index 

1. Questions you should ask
2. What's important in a live-aboard boat?
3. Monohull or Catamaran? What about center cockpits.
4. New or used?
5. Should I buy a boat and put it into charter to reduce costs?
6. How will I be using the boat.
7. Choosing who you work with
8. Support services--Docking, insurance, financing, commissioning, managing (whether you charter your boat or not.)
9. The best time to order a new boat.
10. More about experience, chartering and a free: Try before you buy Program.

 So here are some questions you need to ask...

• Power or Sail? It?s up to you. Just two thoughts. The new generation of serious Cat-Trawlers reduce the excessive rolling and pitching of their Monohull brethren and offer more room for a given size. Check them out at: www.bayacht.com/trawler.htm  Also, today?s modern light but strong sailboat equipped with modern sail-handling equipment can be surprisingly easy to handle by a retired couple. In fact, with powered winches, there?s no reason why these cruisers can?t be sailed by anyone of any physical capability, and especially can be single handed. This applies right up to the 50 foot size or so.
• What resources do I want to commit? With marine financing, you can keep other lines of credit free (home equity, business, etc.) and just use the boat as the collateral. Loans can be arranged with, typically 10-20% down, though well qualified buyers may qualify for $0 down! Another approach to reduce or eliminate monthly cash flow is to use our Boat-As-A-Business program. If you are willing to give up about 1/3 of the available use time on the boat, you may own with virtually no out-of-pocket costs--follow the links. www.bayacht.com/invest.htm

Return to Index...

   Good Cat, Bad Cat-Sail What's the difference.

?         Quality, Monohulls-Important considerations

?         New Trawler Catamarans! Important information  

What?s important in a live-aboard boat?.

 While Strength handling characteristics and quality are important for offshore sailing, probably the most important aspects for living aboard that we hear about from experienced cruisers are load-carrying ability and storage space.

Obviously the boat has to be livable and one that you feel comfortable with, but once that?s determined, load-carrying becomes crucial. By the time you load up all of your belongings, fill the tanks, put on all the comfort gear (Gen-set, A/C, micro-wave, etc.), if the love of your life wasn?t designed to handle all of that, she?ll be inches below her waterline and the performance shot to h?  No one wants a sluggish, hard to handle cruiser. This is also an indicator that you probably won?t have the storage space you require for all of your gear.

Just a couple of notes that may not be immediately obvious. The old technology monohulls that glopped on fiberglass to get strength and stuck with traditional, longish keels, because that?s the way it?s always been done?leave you with a lot of dead weight and no more strength than a modern cruiser constructed with modern materials and unibody construction techniques. In fact, this extra weight may actually take away from load carrying ability, motion comfort, and result in the need for more sail (horsepower) to drive it with bigger (more expensive) hardware?all at odds with a boat comfortable for a cruising couple. The comparable issue with cats is that the older generation boats were patterned after racing boats and had very narrow hulls. This translates into greatly diminished load carrying capability and actually reduced performance when fully loaded.  Read the articles under Monohull or Catamaran-above left, for more detail.

Return to index

Monohull or Catamaran

Follow your instincts. Either type can be right for you?don?t let other?s prejudices overly influence your decision. In the end, you sometimes need to simply go with what feels right.

If a Monohull, aft or center-cockpit?

• The cockpit. It?s bigger. It?s aft where there is less spray in your face and you have a better view of the sails. It?s lower so you don?t get the feeling of being on top of a condo looking down (and suffering the motion affects of being so high. Another benefit, often mentioned, is the lower profile appearance is simply more pleasing.) It?s easier to get in and out of. It has higher back rests (The center cockpit version is so high already, that if you make the backrests higher, they you now just about need a ladder to get back over and down to the deck and the profile appearance really starts to suffer!). It?s easier to get around the wheel(s). (By the way, be especially careful of a center-cockpit with a rounded coaming at the back where the helmsman sits. There's no corner to get into to be comfortable when sitting sideways--and you will. Often. On autopilot, reading or dreaming? test that helmsman's position!) You have immediate access to the swim platform and when that is properly designed, it?s a great dinghy boarding platform, and even a private cockpit for two as you sail along under autopilot with your feet dangling in the refreshing, streaming wake.
  • Why am I going on so about the cockpit? Because, this is where you will be spending a majority of your waking hours. If this isn't the best it can be, you'll never be happy with your new boat!

This configuration also facilitates?

• Better engine access. What if you need major work done? It?s one thing to give you access to service items, but what if you need to replace a head gasket or water pump? What if you need to pull the engine? Aft cockpits, generally, give better access.
• Where do you really want to sleep? At the boat show, that aft island berth really looks inviting. However, time and again I?ve seen owner?s cabins aft that require A/C to be comfortable. Up forward, you?re where the natural breeze is, and as a bonus, you can hear if the anchor starts slipping and get up through the hatch immediately if you need to attend to it. At anchor, owner's cabins belong forward--period!
• On an overnight passage, where do you sleep? On an aft-cockpit the one or two aft quarter cabins make great offshore berths. A center-cockpit aft berth is virtually unusable.
• Center-cockpits push the accommodations forward into a narrower part of the boat--there is simply less living room in the area where you spend most of your waking hours--next to the cockpit.
• I could go on. Get an experienced broker to discuss what?s most important to you?but don?t just look at the boat in the showroom?imagine yourself at sea?

Today, we're seeing fewer center-cockpits and also a trend towards deck saloon models that are replacing them. Check out a deck saloon alternative by visiting the Jeanneau 43-DS as a good example of the type.

Return to index

New or used?

A used boat doesn't necessarily cost less--you need to plan for extra expenses.

Most people want a used 3-5 year old boat. Often times, the original owner kept the boat just this long to try it out. He often put in minimum upkeep. Without a well planed preventative maintenance program, most of the problems start occurring just about at the 6-7 year mark?right when you?re about to take over the boat from the previous owner! When you add the unexpected expenses of new sails, canvas, rigging, engine rebuilds, etc. these extra costs come very close to equaling the first few years depreciation on a quality new boat.

In addition, the used boat doesn?t offer the reliability, and you will face downtime as you deal with the problems. I?ve seen owners also face the dilemma of having out-dated equipment that still works! Do you throw it out to invest in state-of the art equipment, or suffer along,

So when should you consider a used boat?

?         If you enjoy working on a boat as much as sailing it?by all means.

?         If you just don?t have the money for the downpayment or the capability to finance the more expensive boat up front. (This doesn?t let you off the hook, however, you will eventually need to rebuild and replace).

?         If you are getting an older boat you plan to fix up and use this concept as a way to stage your payments (another kind of financing problem? Why not consider our YPSMP (investment plan) instead? www.bayacht.com/invest.htm )

?         If you?re just planning on keeping the boat for 1-3 years tops. Get the right boat with a good survey, try it out, and keep it up or sell it soon.

Sometimes there's just too long a lead time for ordering a new boat and you simply don't want to wait that long--try to find a good used boat.

There are other considerations?but these are the major ones. Use your own judgment and get your broker to help show you your options.

The most important thing?

If you go away with nothing else, remember: Buying a used boat involves entering into a negotiation with the seller (with or without a broker). 

Do you really want the seller's broker representing your interests? Generally, when you see boats advertised or with signs--the person you will contact is the seller's broker! 

A better approach is to retain your own buyer's broker who will represent your interests exclusively. We offer complete services as a buyer's broker at no cost to you. We also offer an on-line brochure--"The 22 secrets the Seller's broker won't share with you." If you're already registered with us, just call or email us and ask for it. If you're not, go to our registration page and get registered now. REGISTER HERE.

Return to index

Should I use a Charter Company plan to reduce costs?

Probably not! Generally, the depreciation will offset any equity you may get.

Alternatively, consider setting your boat up as a business by using our Boat-As-A-Business Plan (BAB). This is not a charter company plan. You may simply consider it an alternative way to finance--own it in 1/3 the time for 1/3 the cost?

• You own the kind of boat you want to end up with?not a charter company boat.
• You qualify for significant tax advantages which translates into building equity sooner.

Consider this an alternate way to finance your boat, not a charter company program. Consider this a retirement plan?Own outright in 5 years. Consider this a way to eliminate all of the costs of ownership. This is a custom program designed just for you. To learn more, go to: BAB vs Charter Company Plan. This page offers a point by point comparison!

Return to index

How will I be using the boat?

How will I be using the boat? In the end, there?s lots of questions that you have to ask yourself. It makes a difference in how you equip your boat if your style is to live-aboard at Marinas all of the time, vs anchoring out. Whether you like lots of company, or just the two of you. What?s your physical stamina like? Do you need powered winches? Guess what? We?ve taken the work out of it. Simply go to: www.bayacht.com/choose.htm and fill out the form. There?s even a test that looks at your age and typical exercise program to tell you at what size boat you should be considering powered winches, etc.

Return to index

Related Links

Financing

Commissioning

What about customizing

One of the best scenarios, if you can find a fit, is to buy a quality, production boat (lower price) and modify it as needed (rather than a more expensive limited production or custom boat). This approach offers several advantages.

?         The boat is less expensive to start with. The economy of scale and long production runs.

?         Better resale than a limited production or custom boat--it appeals to a broader audience and has a track record.

?         With larger production runs, there is more feedback and refinement. In general, the boat works well and functions well for most people.

?         Often there are only minor areas that need to be customized to make the boat ideally suited for you. A few examples: We?ve built in separate offices. A pantry (in place of one of the aft cabins in a monohull, or forward cabins in a Multihull) This pantry incorporates a washer/dryer, separate deep-freeze, storage space and utility space and even a work-shop. Go to: www.bayacht.com/custom.htm  to learn more.

?         Finally, there are the systems. On a modern boat, everything is interactive. Put in more electrical stuff and you need to re-look at the battery banks, alternator size and controlling devices. Is the A/C for only at the dock or offshore as well? What about load distribution (both as to displacement and electrical!).

We use a system engineering approach to take into consideration all of these interactions. In the end, we will consult with you, offer you alternatives and then do whatever design or drawing work  needs to be done to implement your custom boat plan. We specialize in live-aboard/offshore boats. If that?s what you want to end up with, talk to us first. If you want to get started today, and see the kind of questions that need to be answered?go to: www.bayacht.com/choose.htm

Return to index

Choosing who you work with...

• I have to put in a plug here. Choose us and then let us use our experience and resources to help you find the boat that?s matched to your needs. That?s what we specialize in.
• Price?we guarantee that you won?t get a better price anywhere else for the same level of quality equipment that we will offer. It?s in writing and it?s spelled out below. We want to be your broker!
• Information. We offer more information than anyone. To help with the decision and planning phases but on an on-going basis. We're here for you personally, and our web site offers answers 24 hours a day. (We even have a warranty page on the Web. If you're traveling and have a service problem, you can contact us over the web (or have a local service yard do it) 24 hours a day.
• For used boats--all of the above, plus we represent you--the Buyer. Buying a used boat is a combination of an auction, negotiation, and sales transaction. Normally, the person advertising or offering the boat is the Seller's broker. He does not represent your best interest! You should hire your own, Buyer's Broker. That's what we specialize in--being your buyer's broker. Right off the bat, when you contact us, we'll give you the 22 secrets the Seller's broker won't share.

Support services...

• What about Financing/Insurance/Dockage?

We arrange it all on your behalf, or work with your agent(s) A special note on financing. This is a big subject with many interesting aspects. To get answers now, go to: www.bayacht.com/finance.htm. Here you'll find information on qualifying, documenting, incorporating, even a loan calculator which, uniquely, gives you your out-of pocket costs after your second home deduction for interest--no one offers more!

Remember, we have affiliates in New England, Florida, the Virgin Islands, Belize and the Grenadines. Whether you would like your boat delivered to one of these remote spots, or want it commissioned or serviced there as you travel--we're there to help. 

       Our services follow you before, during and after the sale. Should you need Warranty service, our WEB site offers 24 hour a day support. See:  www.bayacht.com/warranty.htm. Service available at all of our affiliates and more.

Return to index

What is the best time of year to order?

The worst time to make a decision? Right at the boat shows. If you?re a year away, go to the boat show for ideas. If you?re less than that, use what you know, narrow your choices now and make a tentative commitment before the show. 

Give your chosen broker an opportunity to spend the time with you that you deserve. With BYA, you can make a small, refundable, option  deposit and we will work with you on all of the issues discussed in this paper. While we're working out the details, we'll lock in the price and any specials, and give you a specific delivery priority. We'll work out custom designs and systems that meet your needs. Get approved financing. Answer all of your questions. Then when you go to the shows (or get all of your questions answered, or get done whatever is standing in the way)  you can confirm your decisions, borrow more ideas from other boats and then concentrate on the equipment tents. This is your chance to talk to some of the most knowledgeable equipment suppliers in the industry?and you can enjoy it without the pressure of having to make the major decision. Of course if by some miracle some revolutionary new boat pops in from outer space?you can always cancel your reservation for a full refund and, hopefully, most of your research will still apply. 

(Don?t forget?we guarantee the best price, and a 100% refund of your reservation deposit if you change your mind for any reason so you have absolutely nothing to lose!) 

Return to index

Watch for more articles...

You don't need experience! Try before you buy. 

Over 35% of the boats we sell get sold to people with little or no sailing experience. 

Don't be bashful. We have had clients purchase a 2, 3, 4 even a $600,000 boat as their first boat. We taught them to sail, and supplied instructors, captains, management companies and other resources that allowed them to fulfill their dream. 

We can set you up with a captain on one of the charter boats you're thinking of eventually owning. 

We also offer a TRY BEFORE YOU BUY program. Simply contact us, arrange a charter with one of our participating bases (through SailScape), and we'll reimburse you for up to 3 days of your sailing vacation. This is a great way to try a boat out and the reimbursement applies to any boat you purchase from us whether it's the one you tried or not. Call for complete terms and conditions.

Call us when you're ready to find out how to turn your ideas and dreams into reality.

 410-263-2311 1-800-YACHT20

Return to index

Quick Access to our pages-Click on any link below.

Contact us! Email us immediately

Or use our handy form so we can get you information quickly! Once you register, you will have access to even more information
1-800-YACHT20 (1-800-922-4820)  

Visit our main office, Annapolis site. Directions, maps, links, Sail the Chesapeake-itinerary, Best of Annapolis, America's Sailing Capital--and we're on the harbor.