Jason here! I don’t often get the chance to write like this—life gets pretty hectic with the daily struggles of being a father to three beautiful children, managing various projects, and keeping up with all of you lovely folks online. Balancing all the daily tasks that real life throws at me is tough!
The hardest part? Not just wrestling with my mini-me son every morning before school, but also battling writer’s block—writing doesn’t come naturally to me. But this topic has been on my mind for a while, and I thought it was time to share some insights!
Over the years, we’ve bought and restored countless quality boats, and we’ve learned a thing or two about buying second hand vessels. While we’d all love to have £180k+ to spend on a brand-new boat, that’s not the reality for most. It certainly hasn’t been for us!
Buying a second hand boat can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield, but I want to highlight a few key things to watch out for. These are just our thoughts, and others may have different opinions, but I hope you find this advice helpful either way.
If you stick to these key points, you should be on to a winner. With regular maintenance and upkeep, boats can typically last 40+ years before needing any major work. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, but they are few and far between.
Shell builder
Believe it or not, the builder of a boat’s shell is crucial. Some builders have earned a strong reputation over the years for producing high-quality hulls that hold their value very well. These include companies like Colecraft, GJ Reeves, Tim Tyler, Jonathan Wilson, Pinder and Sons, and Peter Nicholls.
We also can’t forget some of the legendary names from the past, most of which we’ve owned ourselves. While their boats are older, they were well ahead of their time. Builders like Marquee Narrowboats, John White, and Les Allen fall into this category.
Builders to avoid
Now, there are some builders whose boats you might want to steer clear of. Sorry in advance to anyone who owns one of these, but it’s better to be honest! Liverpool Boats and Dartline, for example, may have looked great with lots of headroom, but their steel quality was cheap and poor. Boats built after 2000, in particular, often require overplating or have already been overplated. Early models were better, but in general, we recommend passing on these at all costs.
Overplating
Overplating is a process used when a boat’s hull has deteriorated to the point where it’s no longer insurable due to excessive thinning or pitting. It involves adding a new layer of steel over the existing hull, but it’s important to understand that this is a temporary solution. While overplating may offer a few more years of use, it doesn’t extend the boat’s life indefinitely.
From our personal experience with our first boat, which had been overplated, it led to constant anxiety. Almost any boat from the 1980s will have either undergone overplating or will soon need it, even those built by the most reputable builders. The cost of overplating can easily run into the tens of thousands, so it’s wise to approach with caution.
Hire boats
Hire boats can also fall into this category. While most reputable hire companies take excellent care of their boats, resale can be more challenging. This is mainly due to the wear and tear on the hull from inexperienced users and the high engine hours. That being said, if you’re looking for extra space as a family or for friends, hire boats can be a great option since their cabins are typically designed to accommodate larger groups. It’s not a complete “no” from us, but make sure to consider how you plan to use the boat.
Always get a survey
We can’t stress this enough: always get a survey! Especially if you’re a first-time buyer. If a boat hasn’t had a survey within the last five years, we’d recommend not going ahead with an offer. A good survey can cost around £2,000, but it provides peace of mind and can give you leverage in negotiations. Typically, the seller may lower the price by up to 10% if significant work is required.
Check the basics
Lastly, ensure the boat has a valid boat safety certificate, properly installed electrics, and a recently serviced engine. Look for an inspection hatch to the cabin bilge to check for any water or rust—it’s worth keeping an eye on these areas.
IMPORTANT: If you’re buying (or winning!) a boat built after 1998, make sure it comes with a Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) certificate. The seller or broker will technically be breaking the law if this is not provided. Without this, you won’t be able to sell the boat legally, and getting one can cost between £3,000 and £5,000—this is something you do not want to overlook at any cost.
Buying a second hand boat can be tricky, but paying attention to key factors like the builder, whether the hull has been overplated, getting a survey, and ensuring the basics (like safety certificates) are in place can make the process smoother and very enjoyable. For boats built after 1998, an RCD certificate is essential for future resale. Keep these points in mind, and happy boat hunting—or winning!
Jason x
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