The popularity of boat ownership has skyrocketed in recent years. Heck, boat sales were up 10% in 2020! That’s a whole lot of new people hitting the water and enjoying the immense benefits boating has to offer.
Not all boats are made equal though. And, of all the diverse vessel options available, there’s one, in particular, that’s sought after more than most: yachts.
Yacht ownership is the holy grail of boating. Buy a yacht and you can go on a luxury vacation whenever you want, take amazing day trips with friends and family, and revel in the simple joy of being on the open water. It’s deluxe, fun-filled entertainment at its finest.
However, there’s also a lot of learning to do. First, you have to buy the best yacht for your needs. Next, you need to know how to maintain, drive, and look after it to get the most from your investment.
Want some help doing exactly that? Keep reading for the only guide to owning a yacht you’ll ever need.
Shop Around
Owning a yacht is a privilege that few people ever get to experience. Why?
Because they don’t come cheap! You don’t necessarily need to be a millionaire, but it certainly helps…
With a lot of money on the line, it’s imperative that you pick the right yacht for the job. You’ll enjoy the experience of yacht ownership far more if you take the time to find your ideal vessel. Put some thought into what you want (in terms of size, features, and aesthetics) and shop around until you find it.
Trust Your Gut
Doing your homework’s important. As we noted above, this isn’t a decision you want to rush. Take that tack and you risk spending huge amounts of cash on a yacht you don’t even like.
Even worse, you could buy a vessel that’s riddled with underlying issues.
However, some people take so long searching for the perfect boat that they forget why they wanted one in the first place! They go from boat show to boat show, speaking to countless companies and private owners. Many lose all heart along the way; many more lose patience and make unwise decisions in the process.
Both cases lead to a bad outcome: a bad yacht or no yacht at all.
Sometimes it’s enough to trust your gut. Always pay attention to your reaction to the boats you see. If it’s love at first sight, then that’s often reason enough to buy it.
Learn to Drive
Driving a yacht isn’t easy. Remember, these are large and complicated vessels. Even experienced boaters can struggle to master them.
If you want to drive your own yacht, then you’ll need to invest in your learning too. Practice makes perfect, but taking official training courses will speed up your progress.
Oh, and be sure to check the rules around licensing and qualifications in your state as well. You might need to get a license before you can legally operate the yacht. Clarifying your legal obligations could save you a world of trouble down the line.
Likewise, if you want other people to pay you to drive the yacht (i.e. you’re starting up a business), then you’ll need a captain’s license first. This may also prove important when arranging insurance for the vessel.
Or Hire a Driver
Of course, not everybody wants to drive their own yacht. Many people prefer to sit back and relax while a captain they’ve hired does the work. Others want a full crew onboard- especially on larger boats that demand more hands on deck.
In some cases, the size of your yacht could make this decision for you. If it’s too big for one (inexperienced) person to handle, then hiring a captain will be key.
Never rush the decision. Ask around for referrals, do a rigorous search, and double-check their documents to ensure they’re legit. You could also consider doing a ‘trial run’ to ensure you’re happy with their capabilities and trust them at the helm.
Get the Right Gear
Buying a yacht is one thing. Kitting it out with all the necessary equipment is another. Trust us, having the boat is great, but investing in high-quality equipment will be the cherry on top. From sailing the boat to staying comfortable on it, first-rate gear is key.
Of course, most yachts come with everything you need to run them. Yet many new owners decide to upgrade some (or all) of it if the current systems are old and outdated. Everything from modern boat props and electric winches to bow thrusters, heating systems, and dishwashers make a difference.
Understand Yacht Maintenance
Alas, owning a yacht isn’t all sunshine, rainbows, and sipping champagne at sunset! It takes a lot of work to keep it running and looking its best. Let the maintenance slip and you open the door to expensive issues that can impinge on the yacht’s operation (and your bank balance).
There’s cleaning to do (inside, outside, and underneath), services to arrange, and systems checks to complete. You’ve got to wax it, repaint it, and do whatever it takes to ensure the yacht’s safe and seaworthy at all times.
Read the manufacturer’s ownership manuals, read articles on the topic, and watch relevant YouTube videos to upskill yourself. Or, if you don’t fancy the hassle, pay someone to handle it all for you…
Don’t Forget This Guide to Yacht Ownership
In the pecking order of brilliant boats, yachts stand out from the crowd. They’re the crème de la crème of the boating world. Luxurious, extravagant, and elegant vessels, they’re also highly sought after around the country.
Yet yacht ownership isn’t all about knocking back caviar and champagne! It can entail lots of time, work, and energy too. Have you just bought one for yourself?
Well, with any luck, this guide will have provided all the information you need to make the most of it. Browse the ‘Travel & Leisure’ section of the website to read more articles like this one now.
