When buying a catamaran, it is reasonable to want to jump right in and start shopping for your boat.
Whether buying a new or renewed boat, it’s not all about large cockpits and anchoring in blue water. For example, many people may overlook boat coverage and surveys, but they’re critical when acquiring a large vessel.
Let’s check it out with Windrider of the Rockies!
#1. Performance And Space
When looking for a cat, spacious space generally comes at the decrease of performance, etc. A catamaran’s performance improves as it grows longer and slimmer.
When looking for a balance in the watercraft market, space and performance are important factors to consider. You can typically have some combination of the two, but the more you want, the higher the price you have to pay.
Many consumers lean one direction based on how they intend to utilize the boat because they cannot afford the best of all worlds. People frequently allude to the yacht charters when they talk about the large, floating apartments.
These boats are pretty pleasant to live in and make excellent floating homes. But, for the performance, they are not generally the most incredible cats. Because charter boats keep a considerable amount of their time anchored near the islands, it appears mostly in the Caribbean.
Many catamarans are not known for their speed. That is something to be aware of, and you must design your cruises appropriately.
You will be able to travel securely regardless of the boat you buy as long as you grasp its strengths and drawbacks.
#2. Designs And Features
Manufacturers design catamarans in various ways, and there will be benefits and drawbacks to any design. When looking into sailing catamarans, you will see a few things:
- The fly-bridge is one of Helm’s designs (The most important thing when looking for a catamaran with a fly-bridge are safety and vision, and if it is single-handed)
- Choosing between galley-up and galley-down (Keep in mind ventilation and safety are the most important things)
- Maneuverability in the cockpit and on the deck (Look for safety when entering these areas)
- System and engine access (Remember to question how hard it be to operate)
All the design elements come at a cost. But the most important thing is how much do the drawbacks influence your desire to travel on your boat? In the end, your decisions will depend on what is essential to you.
Within that field, getting experience by chatting with other boat sailors would be pretty beneficial.
Chartering a watercraft, attending boat exhibitions, or sailing on a friend’s cat will rapidly enhance knowledge about the benefits and drawbacks of various designs and features.
#3. Boat Insurance
Insuring liveaboard boats is getting increasingly difficult. It would be best if you began your study as soon as possible in the purchasing process.
It is typically not a question of cost (although this is a consideration), but you should get insurance in any way. Boat insurance is influenced by several factors, including:
- The region you are boating
- Do you spend your life on board?
- Your location
- The lifetime of your old boat
- How long did you own your old boat?
- Your sailing experience, which may be on a similar-sized watercraft.
If you’re new to cruising, we would recommend hiring an agent. Most certainly, your dealer will have some suggestions for you. You may also get advice from the sailing community through social media and online groups.
Pro Tip: Contact an agent before doing anything. They cannot contact insurers on your account if you begin applying for coverage and are denied insurance.
It can be an issue since an agent may have more clout with an insurer than you do as a consumer.
#4. Hire A Good Surveying Service
To acquire a catamaran, you’ll need to find a surveying service with a solid reputation. When it comes to the expense of a surveyor, who takes time and effort to examine a sailboat thoroughly is well worth the extra money. (Do not forget to include in transportation costs.)
When it comes to surveyor suggestions, your brokers are a brilliant starting point. They won’t present you with a specific surveyor, but they may provide you with a list to start your investigation.
You should ensure the surveyor is qualified and has expertise in surveying catamarans. You can do phone interviews with your potential surveyors.
It will give you a good idea of their history, what they’ll cover in the surveys and some instances of what you’ll get.
#5. Be Prepared For Issues On A Boat
The characteristic of boats is there’s always something that has to be fixed. So it is understandable that there would be complications when buying a boat.
It will undoubtedly be layout upgrades, replacements, and a few hundred other minor concerns onboard. Something will break even on a brand new boat, especially if it was sent over an ocean.
Ensure you notice any significant flaws or important areas when purchasing a secondhand boat.
- Signs of damage on the hull, overall hull condition
- Test engine, generator, oil during ocean trial and sail drives
- Problem areas and condition of the rigging
If there are any unreported problems, these areas might end up costing a lot of money in the long run.
#6. How Will You Use It?
Be practical when it comes to your sailing plans. Is your intention to live aboard, conduct primarily coastal cruising, and enjoy most of your time at a port? or do you want to make enormous ocean voyages and maybe sail worldwide?
A big charter catamaran such as Leopard may be a superb premium live-aboard ship with elegant finishes. But, it may be slow-moving, making you rethink your decision if you are traveling long distances.
Robust blue sea cruisers like Catana and Discovery, with massive sails and rig, are more than enough if you typically sail on vacations or short excursions.
So decide what you want to do with the cat and focus on what matters most to you. Why do you have to buy and maintain a costly new offshore sailboat when a used or smaller catamaran would suffice?
#7. Project Boats Might Be Costly
If you’re considering buying a project boat since you have the expertise and time to work on it yourself, keep in mind how much money and time it will take to get the catamaran up to your desired standard.
Moreover, ensure that it is a fundamentally sound design. The survey should offer you a better sense of what you’re getting into with your cat purchase and assist you in determining what maintenance will be necessary for the upcoming.
Remember that the resale value will likely be lower if your renewed project boat does not appear like a project boat. So, ensure to perform the finest possible finishing, electrical, and plumbing.
After months or years of spending on this endeavor, many owners become disheartened and give up.
Regrettably, it’s nearly probable that you won’t receive your cashback on an ongoing project, so be aware of how much time you’ll need to complete it.
#8. All Catamarans Are The Same Price
When buying a catamaran, you have two options:
- You may spend premium prices for a brand new, gleaming catamaran, or you may pay less for a well-maintained pre-owned cat with all the bells and whistles.
- Alternatively, you may buy a fixer-upper for a bargain price and hire professionals to make the improvements.
But, it will undoubtedly cost the same to get the catamaran up to appear like the well-kept or new glossy cat.
The only exception to this guideline is if you have the technical ability to make the upgrades yourself, in which situation you may save a lot of money.
#9. Be Mindful Of Your Skills And Capacities
We all tend to believe that the bigger the catamaran is, the better the trip. But, while sailing a cat, or any sailboat for that matter, one thing you should put into account is physical capacities and sailing skills.
Fortunately, sailing abilities can be learned. In many sea schools, numerous complete beginners have progressed to sea voyagers. So, if you are new to sailing, consider taking a course.
If feasible, get a 40-50ft cat for you and your sailing companion outfitted for single-handed sailing with winches. You will have more control and flexibility as a result of this.
#10. Custom Or Production Cat
Choosing between a production catamaran and a customized design is one of the decisions you’ll have to make.
In most cases, a reputed brand’s production cat will be guaranteed by years of expertise, established designs, dependable construction, and full warranties. So, they keep their value and are easier to sell.
On the other hand, custom boats are great for adapting to your own needs, but they may be difficult to upkeep and service due to a lack of components and building skills.
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Final Thoughts
These ten tips can tell us a great deal and can be helpful. Just keep in mind that everything in yachting is a compromise.
There’s no such thing as a perfect boat, and the best thing you can do is buy a catamaran that best meets your requirements and goals at a reasonable price point.
The bars, fish, and sunsets are the same whether you’re sitting on a carbon-fiber ship sipping tonics or hanging out on a well-worn chartered catamaran.
Thank you for reading!
