Brokerage 

The team at Charter Yacht Solutions will actively list and sell 2nd hand boats that have previously been operating in charter boat fleets.

If you currently have a boat in a Charter Fleet and want to list it for sale contact us now to arrange a listing.

If you are looking to purchase a 2nd hand boat then register your interest with us and we will keep you updated with 2nd hand boat as they become available.

Purchasing a 2nd hand Charter Boat

Too often, 2nd hand boat buyers are given the impression that an ex-charter boat is not a good boat to purchase. This is not always the case and as long as the “buyer beware” principles are followed you can often find excellent opportunities. Paramount in purchasing a second hand charter boat is that it has been managed by a reputable charter company and that the vessel operating history is fully available. Any dubious gaps in the operating calendar need to be questioned.

There are many upsides to purchasing an ex charter boat. The most obvious being the knowledge that the boat has been regularly operated and that all on board systems and equipment have always been maintained in full working order. This has been necessary to ensure that the charter customers have always been receiving what they have paid for on their sailing holidays. Reputable operators who have busy fleets are often the best at assuring this outcome. Any boat, private or commercial that has spent long time periods tied up to marinas or moorings without attention are hiding many seen and unseen problems that will only fully surface once the new owner puts the boat through its paces after purchase.

As always a buyer should always have any boat they are considering for purchase surveyed by a reputable surveyor, however, even a survey may miss some of the hidden faults caused by long periods of inactivity. The most obvious downside to purchasing an ex charter boat is the fact that it will have excessive engine hours as a result of daily use. The most important thing is that the motor has been maintained and is in working order. Excessive engine hours alone should not be a deterrent when considering a second hand charter boat purchase. As long as the operator can show that regular and ongoing maintenance has occurred, and as long as a qualified mechanic can give the engine a clean bill of health than a buyer should not be deterred.

Most sellers of charter boats are cognisant of the fact that their boat has accrued excessive engine hours and that buyers might have some negative thoughts about the general effects of wear and tear from ongoing use. The sellers therefore will always adjust the price of the boat downwards in respect to the same make and model of boat that has been owned privately. This makes for a sound purchase opportunity for a careful purchaser who can find themselves a well maintained, fully operational boat at the right price.

Often, an ex charter boat might not present perfectly from a cosmetic viewpoint because of the wear and tear from ongoing use. A smart purchaser will see through the initial cosmetic deficiencies and focus on the core qualities of the boat they are viewing. Cosmetic issues such as the presentation of the gel coats, teak in cockpits and below decks, catches and latches that might not be working etc.. are all minor and often very easily and economically rectified. Often the boats are listed for sale whilst they are still in operation and viewing by potential purchasers are conducted whilst the boats are being turned around between charters. Charter boats are not given intense cosmetic overhauls between each charter and often this will occur once per annum as per a scheduled maintenance programme.

When viewing private boats, the buyer is often presented with a boat that has been given an intense once over by the seller to make it look perfect. Buyers need to remember that it is not hard to make a boat cosmetically presentable and that a good boat detailer, given a couple of days to complete the task, will turn any ex charter boat into a gleaming jewel with ease.

So, in summary, purchasing an ex charter boat can be a very smart move as long as the “buyer beware” principle is engaged and that the boat has been operated by a reputable manager and the services of a surveyor, mechanic and a rigger are engaged to ensure the quality of the important working components.

Contact Charter Yacht Solutions now to find out what 2nd Hand Charter Boat opportunties exist.