The International Sailing Yacht Buyer's Guide

Before choosing a yacht, define the experience you want.

Do you want to:

• cruise locally at weekends;
• sail with family;
• live aboard;
• cross oceans;
• race occasionally;
• race seriously;
• explore shallow anchorages;
• sail short-handed;
• spend long periods at anchor;
• charter the yacht commercially; or
• combine several of these?

The answer will influence almost every major design choice.

A fast cruiser may be ideal for somebody who values sailing performance.

A heavier displacement yacht may appeal more to an owner prioritising load-carrying ability and offshore comfort.

A large cockpit may be wonderful in the Mediterranean but less attractive for some offshore passages.

There is no universal sailing-yacht specification.

There is only a specification that suits a particular owner.

Labels vary between builders, but most sailing yachts sit somewhere on a spectrum.

Performance Cruisers

Designed to provide strong sailing performance without abandoning cruising comfort.

They may feature:

• lighter construction;
• larger sail plans;
• deeper keels;
• efficient hulls;
• responsive steering; and
• performance-oriented deck layouts.

Cruiser-Racers

Designed for owners who want genuine racing capability while retaining some cruising accommodation.

Compromises may include:

• lighter interiors;
• larger sail wardrobes;
• more complex deck equipment;
• deeper draught; and
• greater crew involvement.

Bluewater Cruisers

Generally designed around long-distance self-sufficiency, comfort and robustness.

They may prioritise:

• tankage;
• storage;
• protected cockpits;
• sea berths;
• heavier construction;
• manageable sail plans; and
• systems redundancy.

Coastal Cruisers

Often designed for shorter-range cruising with emphasis on convenience, interior volume and straightforward handling.

The right category depends on where and how you intend to sail.

One of the biggest choices is whether to buy a conventional monohull or a multihull.

Monohulls

Advantages can include:

• traditional sailing feel;
• narrower marina berth;
• strong upwind performance on many designs;
• predictable handling;
• easier berth availability; and
• wide choice across virtually every market segment.

Catamarans

Catamarans can offer:

• enormous living space;
• wide deck areas;
• minimal heel;
• shallow draught;
• excellent anchoring comfort; and
• separate hull accommodation.

But they can also bring:

• higher berthing costs;
• limited marina availability;
• different heavy-weather considerations;
• greater windage; and
• different handling characteristics.

Neither is inherently better.

They offer very different ownership experiences.

A few additional metres can fundamentally change a sailing yacht.

More size can provide:

• extra cabins;
• larger tanks;
• greater storage;
• more stability;
• larger tenders;
• additional systems; and
• improved long-range capability.

But it can also mean:

• larger sails;
• greater loads;
• heavier anchors;
• more expensive rigging;
• higher berthing costs;
• more difficult maintenance; and
• greater dependency on powered sail-handling equipment.

Choose a yacht you will confidently sail.

A yacht that intimidates its owner often spends too much time in the marina.

Many owners imagine a large crew.

Reality is often different.

If the yacht will regularly be sailed by one person or a couple, investigate:

• sail controls;
• winch positioning;
• powered winches;
• furling;
• reefing;
• autopilot;
• visibility;
• cockpit layout;
• bow-thruster availability;
• docking controls; and
• line handling.

Ask the owner or broker:

Can two people genuinely manage this yacht without needing marina staff or additional crew every time conditions become difficult?

The answer matters more than nominal passenger capacity.

Hull form affects:

• speed;
• stability;
• motion;
• interior volume;
• directional stability; and
• behaviour when heavily loaded.

Modern yachts may have:

• wide sterns;
• hard chines;
• twin rudders;
• flat underwater sections; and
• large aft cabins.

These can provide significant interior space and performance.

More traditional hull forms may offer different motion characteristics and handling.

Do not judge hull design solely from appearance.

Ask what the shape is intended to achieve.

Displacement gives an indication of how heavy a yacht is.

Lighter yachts can accelerate quickly and perform well in moderate winds.

Heavier yachts may feel more substantial and can carry greater cruising loads without affecting performance as dramatically.

Neither approach is automatically superior.

What matters is how the design performs when equipped for the way you intend to use it.

A yacht tested empty for performance figures may behave differently once loaded with:

• water;
• fuel;
• tender;
• tools;
• spare parts;
• provisions;
• safety equipment; and
• personal belongings.

Rig design determines much of the yacht's sailing character.

Common configurations include:

• sloop;
• cutter;
• fractional rig;
• masthead rig;
• ketch; and
• other specialised arrangements.

Consider:

• sail area;
• mast material;
• standing rigging;
• running rigging;
• reefing;
• furling;
• ease of handling; and
• redundancy.

A powerful sail plan is attractive.

But an owner must be able to manage it when conditions deteriorate.

Most cruising yachts use aluminium masts.

Higher-performance yachts may use carbon fibre.

Aluminium

Advantages can include:

• established technology;
• widespread service knowledge;
• lower cost; and
• straightforward repair options.

Carbon

Potential advantages include:

• lower weight aloft;
• increased stiffness;
• performance gains; and
• improved sailing characteristics.

But inspection, repair and replacement can be more specialised and expensive.

The correct choice depends on whether the performance benefit justifies the cost for your style of sailing.

Standing rigging supports the mast.

It can include:

• stainless steel wire;
• rod rigging;
• synthetic rigging; and
• associated terminals and fittings.

On a pre-owned yacht, establish:

• age;
• inspection history;
• replacement history;
• manufacturer recommendations;
• condition; and
• insurance requirements.

Rig replacement can represent a significant expense.

It should be included in acquisition planning.

Sails are one of the most important consumable assets aboard a sailing yacht.

Check:

• age;
• material;
• condition;
• shape;
• UV damage;
• stitching;
• reefing points;
• furling systems; and
• sail inventory.

A yacht advertised with "full sail inventory" may still require substantial expenditure if the sails are old or stretched.

For performance sailing, sail condition can dramatically affect the yacht.

Common approaches include:

• conventional slab reefing;
• in-mast furling;
• in-boom furling.

Conventional Mainsail

Can provide excellent sail shape and relatively simple systems.

It may require more physical handling.

In-Mast Furling

Can make sail handling easier, particularly for short-handed crews.

But system design, maintenance and sail shape deserve careful evaluation.

In-Boom Furling

Can combine easier sail handling with good sail shape but generally involves greater mechanical complexity and cost.

No system is perfect.

Choose according to your priorities.

Modern cruising yachts often use furling headsails.

Consider:

• number of headsails;
• furler condition;
• sail area;
• overlapping or non-overlapping configuration;
• self-tacking arrangements;
• storm sails; and
• performance in lighter winds.

A self-tacking jib can make short-handed sailing extremely easy.

It may not provide the same sail-area flexibility as other arrangements.

Again, convenience and performance need to be balanced.

Keel design affects:

• draught;
• stability;
• pointing ability;
• shallow-water access; and
• grounding behaviour.

Common options can include:

• deep fin keel;
• shallow keel;
• bulb keel;
• lifting keel;
• centreboard; and
• twin keels.

A deep keel may provide excellent sailing performance.

It can also exclude attractive shallow anchorages and marinas.

Choose for where you intend to sail.

On a pre-owned yacht, inspect carefully for:

• grounding damage;
• movement;
• cracking;
• corrosion;
• keel bolts;
• fairing damage; and
• water ingress.

Evidence of grounding should not automatically end a purchase.

It should trigger proper investigation.

Keel integrity is too important for assumptions.

Sailing yachts may use:

• single rudder;
• twin rudders;
• skeg-supported rudders; and
• other arrangements.

Twin rudders can provide strong control on wide-sterned yachts when heeled.

Single rudders can offer different handling and engineering simplicity.

Inspect:

• bearings;
• stock;
• seals;
• movement;
• moisture;
• steering linkages; and
• autopilot connections.

Wheel steering dominates many modern cruising yachts, although tillers remain common on smaller and performance-oriented designs.

Check:

• steering feel;
• cable or linkage condition;
• quadrant;
• bearings;
• emergency steering;
• autopilot integration; and
• access for maintenance.

A steering system should be understood before heading offshore.

The cockpit is where much of your sailing life happens.

Evaluate it while imagining real conditions.

Consider:

• helm position;
• visibility;
• seating;
• bracing;
• winches;
• lines;
• traveller;
• mainsheet;
• shelter;
• drainage;
• access below;
• access to side decks; and
• security offshore.

A cockpit designed for relaxed anchoring may behave differently when sailing in rough weather.

Walk the deck as if you were reefing at night.

Check:

• handholds;
• lifelines;
• jackstay positions;
• deck hardware;
• non-slip surfaces;
• hatch locations;
• foredeck working space;
• anchor handling; and
• movement around shrouds.

A sailing yacht should allow crew to move safely when conditions are poor.

Cruising owners may spend more nights at anchor than in marinas.

Review:

• anchor type;
• anchor weight;
• chain size;
• chain length;
• windlass;
• controls;
• bow roller;
• anchor locker drainage; and
• backup arrangements.

Anchoring equipment should match the yacht's displacement and intended cruising.

Sailing yachts still rely heavily on their engines.

The engine may be needed for:

• manoeuvring;
• calm conditions;
• battery charging;
• emergencies;
• harbour entry; and
• maintaining schedules.

Check:

• engine hours;
• service history;
• cooling system;
• mounts;
• exhaust;
• belts;
• fuel system;
• filters;
• accessibility; and
• spare-part availability.

Engine access is particularly important.

Some yachts package engines tightly beneath accommodation, making maintenance unnecessarily difficult.

Many modern sailing yachts use saildrives.

Others use conventional shafts.

Both can work well.

Saildrive

Potential advantages include:

• compact installation;
• efficient thrust alignment;
• reduced vibration.

Maintenance considerations can include:

• seals;
• corrosion;
• anodes;
• oil; and
• manufacturer service intervals.

Shaft Drive

Traditional shaft systems can be simple and robust.

Check:

• shaft;
• bearings;
• seals;
• alignment; and
• propeller.

Do not choose between them solely on reputation.

Condition and installation quality matter.

Cruising yachts may use:

• fixed propellers;
• folding propellers; or
• feathering propellers.

A fixed propeller is simple.

Folding and feathering systems can reduce drag while sailing but introduce more moving components.

Inspect:

• blades;
• hub;
• corrosion;
• bearings;
• mechanism; and
• anodes.

For short-handed and long-distance cruising, the autopilot may be one of the hardest-working systems aboard.

Consider:

• reliability;
• drive unit;
• redundancy;
• power consumption;
• spare parts;
• controls; and
• integration with navigation systems.

Offshore sailors may place far more value on autopilot reliability than on many visible interior features.

Some long-distance cruisers use windvane self-steering.

Advantages can include:

• very low electrical consumption;
• mechanical independence; and
• excellent long-distance capability.

Whether it is suitable depends on yacht design and sailing style.

For bluewater buyers, it deserves consideration alongside electronic autopilots.

A cruising sailing yacht has limited electrical energy compared with a house ashore.

Think about:

• batteries;
• alternators;
• solar panels;
• hydrogenerators;
• wind generators;
• shore power;
• inverter;
• battery monitoring; and
• generator if fitted.

Long-distance owners should calculate realistic daily electrical consumption.

A large lithium battery bank is only useful if you have an effective means of charging it.

Solar is increasingly important on cruising yachts.

Evaluate:

• panel area;
• shading;
• mounting;
• charging capacity;
• controller;
• battery compatibility; and
• daily energy requirements.

A system that looks impressive at the marina may produce less energy when sails, boom or rigging shade the panels.

Fresh water becomes important very quickly away from marinas.

Consider:

• tank size;
• number of tanks;
• tank material;
• inspection access;
• pumps;
• filtration; and
• water-maker if fitted.

For long-distance cruising, redundancy is valuable.

One failed pump should not leave the entire yacht without water.

Water-makers can provide significant independence.

Check:

• output;
• power consumption;
• age;
• membrane condition;
• pump condition;
• maintenance;
• flushing requirements; and
• spare parts.

A water-maker that has been neglected can be more trouble than benefit.

Sailing reduces fuel consumption considerably, but fuel still matters.

Consider:

• engine range;
• generator use;
• heating;
• tank condition;
• filtration; and
• ability to carry additional fuel safely if necessary.

Long-distance cruising yachts often benefit from excellent fuel filtration and contamination management.

Sailing-yacht interiors need to work both in harbour and underway.

Look beyond visual appeal.

Check:

• handholds;
• secure seating;
• galley layout;
• sea berths;
• lee cloths;
• ventilation;
• natural light;
• storage;
• headroom; and
• movement while heeled.

A huge open-plan saloon can look spectacular at a boat show.

At sea, wide open spaces may offer little support when the yacht is moving.

Imagine preparing food while the yacht is heeled and moving.

Consider:

• secure footing;
• bracing;
• cooker gimbals;
• pot restraints;
• refrigeration;
• work surfaces;
• storage;
• ventilation; and
• ability to secure doors and drawers.

Offshore practicality can be very different from marina convenience.

For longer passages, sleeping arrangements matter.

A large island bed can be perfect at anchor but difficult to use underway.

Look for:

• sea berths;
• lee cloths;
• ventilation;
• noise;
• access;
• proximity to machinery; and
• movement.

If ocean passages are planned, evaluate the yacht as a moving environment.

Ventilation is especially important for yachts cruising in warm climates.

Consider:

• opening hatches;
• portlights;
• dorade vents;
• fans;
• air conditioning where fitted; and
• airflow at anchor.

A yacht dependent entirely on air conditioning can consume significant electrical power.

Natural ventilation remains valuable.

Extended cruising requires an extraordinary amount of storage.

You may need space for:

• tools;
• spare parts;
• sails;
• food;
• clothing;
• safety equipment;
• lines;
• fenders;
• cleaning supplies;
• medical equipment;
• tender equipment; and
• personal belongings.

A yacht designed for weekend cruising may struggle when provisioned for several months.

A tender becomes essential for many cruising owners.

Consider:

• storage;
• davits;
• garage;
• deck stowage;
• launch method;
• weight;
• engine;
• lifting points; and
• ease of daily use.

An excellent tender that takes 45 minutes to launch will rapidly become irritating.

Safety equipment should reflect where the yacht will operate.

It may include:

• liferaft;
• lifejackets;
• EPIRB;
• PLBs;
• AIS beacons;
• fire extinguishers;
• jacklines;
• harnesses;
• emergency steering;
• storm sails;
• medical kit;
• flares or electronic distress devices; and
• satellite communications.

International cruising may bring additional regulatory requirements.

The equipment should be reviewed for both compliance and practical usefulness.

For coastal sailing, mobile connectivity and VHF may be sufficient.

Ocean passages require greater communication planning.

Options can include:

• satellite telephone;
• satellite messaging;
• satellite internet;
• HF/SSB radio;
• EPIRB; and
• tracking systems.

Select equipment based upon where you will sail rather than simply what is popular locally.

A proper pre-purchase survey should look far beyond cosmetic condition.

Depending upon construction and yacht type, the survey may cover:

• hull;
• deck;
• keel;
• rudder;
• mast;
• standing rigging;
• running rigging;
• engine;
• saildrive or shaft;
• electrical system;
• plumbing;
• steering;
• safety equipment;
• interior;
• moisture;
• structural areas; and
• documentation.

Use an independent surveyor familiar with the construction type.

An out-of-water inspection is particularly valuable for sailing yachts.

It allows examination of:

• keel;
• keel joint;
• rudder;
• bearings;
• hull;
• saildrive or shaft;
• propeller;
• through-hulls;
• anodes; and
• underwater damage.

A beautifully presented deck does not tell you what is happening beneath the water.

On GRP yachts, surveyors may investigate moisture and signs associated with osmotic blistering.

Not every high moisture reading indicates a serious structural problem.

Interpretation depends upon:

• construction;
• materials;
• location;
• age;
• previous repairs; and
• measurement conditions.

Do not diagnose a yacht from a moisture meter alone.

Use an experienced surveyor.

Metal yachts require different survey considerations.

Issues can include:

• corrosion;
• electrolysis;
• coatings;
• insulation;
• welds;
• electrical bonding;
• dissimilar metals; and
• inaccessible areas.

A surveyor experienced mainly with GRP yachts may not be the right specialist for a metal yacht.

Match expertise to construction.

Wooden yachts can be exceptional boats.

They also require specialist knowledge.

Survey considerations can include:

• planking;
• frames;
• fastenings;
• rot;
• moisture;
• deck structure;
• caulking; and
• previous repairs.

A properly maintained wooden yacht can remain strong for many decades.

Neglected structure can become very expensive.

A sailing-yacht sea trial should include actual sailing where conditions permit.

Evaluate:

• steering;
• sail handling;
• reefing;
• winches;
• furling;
• engine;
• autopilot;
• vibration;
• propeller;
• manoeuvring;
• rig behaviour; and
• general systems.

A five-minute motor around the harbour is not a meaningful sailing-yacht sea trial.

Where practical, hoist sails.

Try:

• tacking;
• reefing;
• furling;
• different points of sail;
• autopilot;
• sail controls; and
• helm positions.

This gives far more information than viewing the yacht tied to a dock.

Sailing yachts can carry a substantial amount of valuable removable equipment.

The sale inventory should clearly identify what is included.

Potential items include:

• sails;
• tender;
• outboard;
• safety equipment;
• navigation electronics;
• tools;
• spare parts;
• crockery;
• bedding;
• covers; and
• specialist equipment.

Do not assume everything visible during inspection forms part of the sale.

Before completing a purchase, establish that the seller has authority to sell.

Due diligence may involve:

• registration;
• bills of sale;
• ownership history;
• mortgages;
• liens;
• finance;
• yard debts; and
• other claims.

Requirements vary internationally.

For substantial transactions, obtain appropriate maritime legal advice.

A sailing yacht's registration can influence:

• ownership requirements;
• documentation;
• safety obligations;
• mortgages;
• commercial operation; and
• administration.

There is no single best flag for every owner.

Choose based upon the owner's circumstances and intended operation.

Many sailing yachts change countries during their lifetime.

Before buying abroad, establish:

• legal ownership;
• registration;
• tax status;
• customs status;
• export requirements;
• import requirements;
• transport or delivery costs;
• certification; and
• insurance.

The advertised price does not represent the total cost of moving a yacht permanently into another country.

Tax rules vary significantly.

A purchase can potentially involve:

• VAT;
• GST;
• sales tax;
• use tax;
• import VAT;
• customs duties; or
• other taxes.

The result can depend upon:

• buyer residence;
• yacht location;
• delivery location;
• ownership;
• importation;
• private/commercial operation; and
• cruising area.

Obtain advice before structuring an international purchase.

Eligible non-EU private yachts may potentially enter EU customs territory under Temporary Admission subject to the applicable conditions.

This can permit temporary use without permanent importation and payment of import VAT.

Temporary Admission is not equivalent to having EU VAT-paid status.

Owners planning extended cruising within Europe should understand the rules applicable to their circumstances.

Some sailing-yacht owners make their yacht available for charter when not using it.

This can contribute towards ownership expenditure.

Commercial operation can, however, introduce additional requirements relating to:

• certification;
• inspections;
• safety;
• crew;
• insurance;
• tax;
• registration;
• charter permits; and
• local regulation.

If charter forms part of the plan, investigate commercial requirements before buying.

A sailing yacht can potentially enter different types of charter operation.

Bareboat

The customer hires the yacht without professional operating crew.

This model is common among smaller cruising yachts in established charter destinations.

Skippered or Crewed

The yacht is supplied with professional crew.

Larger and more sophisticated sailing yachts are more likely to operate this way.

Each model has different operational, regulatory and commercial implications.

Charter revenue can contribute towards:

• berthing;
• maintenance;
• insurance;
• management; and
• other costs.

But increased charter utilisation also creates:

• wear;
• sail usage;
• engine hours;
• cleaning;
• damage risk;
• additional servicing; and
• reduced owner availability.

Calculate the likely net contribution rather than simply multiplying the advertised charter rate by a number of weeks.

If charter is important, think about the guest market.

Useful features can include:

• practical cabins;
• easy water access;
• air conditioning in warm destinations;
• good outdoor dining;
• simple sail handling;
• reliable systems;
• tender;
• water toys;
• attractive interiors; and
• good crew facilities where relevant.

A pure performance yacht may attract a different charter audience from a spacious cruising catamaran.

Sailing-yacht berthing requirements depend heavily on:

• length;
• beam;
• draught;
• keel type;
• mast height; and
• marina infrastructure.

Catamarans may require substantially wider berths.

Deep-draught yachts can face restrictions.

Tall rigs can prevent access beneath bridges.

Check the places you intend to keep and cruise the yacht before buying.

Air draught matters.

It can affect:

• bridges;
• canals;
• marina access;
• inland waterways; and
• route planning.

A yacht may physically fit into a marina yet be unable to reach it because of a bridge or overhead restriction.

Insurance terms can depend upon:

• yacht value;
• construction;
• age;
• cruising area;
• storm exposure;
• owner experience;
• crew;
• survey;
• commercial use; and
• ocean passages.

Long-distance cruising or hurricane/cyclone regions can create additional conditions.

Obtain indicative insurance terms before completing the purchase.

If ocean passages are planned, focus on:

• redundancy;
• energy;
• water;
• fuel;
• storm sails;
• safety;
• communications;
• autopilot;
• repair capability;
• storage; and
• ease of system maintenance.

A bluewater yacht does not need every available gadget.

It needs systems that can be understood, maintained and repaired.

When sailing internationally, availability of replacement parts matters.

Carry appropriate spares for:

• engine;
• pumps;
• filters;
• autopilot;
• rigging;
• electrical system;
• plumbing; and
• other critical systems.

A simple component can stop a voyage if the nearest replacement is thousands of kilometres away.

Older sailing yachts can often be transformed through refit.

Possible work can include:

• rigging;
• sails;
• engine;
• electronics;
• batteries;
• solar;
• plumbing;
• interior;
• deck;
• paint; and
• safety equipment.

Before rejecting an older yacht, calculate what it would cost to make it exactly what you need.

Equally, do not buy a cheap project without calculating the total refit.

Future buyers may care about:

• builder;
• model;
• condition;
• rig;
• keel;
• engine;
• sails;
• equipment;
• maintenance;
• survey history;
• tax status;
• documentation; and
• cruising specification.

Highly specialised modifications may increase value to one type of buyer while reducing it for others.

Buying for Marina Comfort Alone

A sailing yacht also needs to work underway.

Buying Too Large

Large sails and equipment create large loads.

Ignoring the Rig

Rigging replacement can be expensive and safety-critical.

Ignoring Sail Condition

A full replacement sail wardrobe can represent substantial expenditure.

Choosing Draught Without Thinking About Cruising Area

The wrong keel can exclude destinations you wanted to visit.

Underestimating Electrical Demand

Modern cruising equipment consumes significant power.

Buying a Project Without a Budget

Refits nearly always involve more than cosmetic work.

Ignoring Berth Width on a Catamaran

Availability and cost can be materially different.

Assuming Charter Will Fund Everything

Commercial utilisation also increases cost and wear.

Choosing by Interior Alone

The real yacht reveals itself when the sails are up.