Buying Your First Boat: A Complete UK and European Guide

Start with the running costs, not the purchase price

Most first-time buyers set a budget for the boat and forget the boat then needs somewhere to live. A realistic annual figure for a 10-12m cruiser in the UK is 8-12% of the purchase price once you add berthing, insurance, antifouling, servicing and lift-out.

Decide what you will actually do with her

Weekend coastal trips, a two-week summer cruise and offshore passage-making point to very different boats. Be honest about the number of nights you will really sleep aboard, and about who else will be on board.

Get an independent survey

Never rely on a broker's condition report. Commission your own surveyor, ideally one with no relationship to the seller, and be present for the survey if you can. Osmosis, soft decks, keel bolts and rigging age are the four items most likely to change the price.

Check the paperwork

You want evidence of VAT status, a clean bill of sale chain, no outstanding finance, and a valid registration. On EU-lying boats, VAT paid status can materially change the value.

Negotiate after the survey, not before

Agree a price subject to survey and sea trial. The survey report is your leverage, and reputable brokers expect an adjustment where genuine defects are found.