Boats4Buyers
Buy your next boat with confidence
Honest reviews, survey checklists and kit guides from people who actually spend their weekends on the water.
Featured reading
Six guides worth your time
Where to Start When Buying a Used Boat in the UK
Begin with a budget that covers berthing, insurance and winter lift-out, not just the asking price. Shortlist three realistic hulls, view them on a dry day, and always ask for service history. A patient buyer nearly always pays less and gets more.
Why a Pre-Purchase Survey Is Never Wasted Money
A qualified surveyor spends hours on the hull, keel, rig and electrics so you do not inherit somebody else problem. Osmosis, soft decks and tired stern gear rarely show on a sunny viewing day. The report also gives you real leverage on price.
Marine Diesel Checks Every Buyer Should Make
Cold start the engine yourself and watch the exhaust: blue means oil, white can mean water. Check the oil for creamy emulsion, squeeze the coolant hoses, and look for salt trails around the raw water pump. Ten minutes here saves a long refit.
Sail Trial Tips for Judging a Boat Honestly
Insist on a sea trial in a decent breeze rather than a flat calm. Feel how the boat tracks, how quickly she tacks, and how heavy the helm becomes when pressed. Take a friend, note every rattle, and write your impressions before you step ashore.
Paperwork, VAT and Title: Getting the Boring Bit Right
Check the VAT status, registration papers and any outstanding marine mortgage before money moves. Ask for the original bill of sale chain and match hull numbers to the documents. Clean paperwork protects your resale value as much as clean gelcoat.
Your First Season Afloat: What New Owners Learn Fast
Plan short trips before ambitious passages, and keep a running jobs list rather than one huge refit. Join the local club, learn your tides, and budget roughly ten percent of the purchase price each year for upkeep. Confidence builds faster than skill.
TIPS
Maximising Your Catch: The Complete Guide to Fishing Boats and Modern Bite Alarm Systems
The world of fishing has evolved significantly, with technological advances enhancing both the fishing experience and success rates. Whether you’re casting from a trusty vessel or monitoring multiple rods from the comfort of your bivvy, understanding the synergy between fishing boats and modern bite alarm systems can dramatically improve your angling results.During daylight hours, bite alarms with receiver allow anglers to:
– React quickly to subtle bites
– Maintain awareness while moving around the boat
– Monitor multiple rods whilst preparing tackle
– Focus on other tasks without missing opportunities
From the blog
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Navigation lights during night sailing
If a helm is likely to be on the water when it gets dark it is important that they understand that navigation lights will be needed in order to show to other water uses their presence and give further insight…
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Abandoning to a life raft
Boating is generally safe however should the worse happen everyone on board should know what to do. If at sea you may be sufficiently far from rescue services that you may have to abandon your boat and board a life…
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Changing the Oil
It’s said that you should change your engine oil every season, so we thought it would be a good idea giving you a step-by-step guide on how to do this. First off, run the engine of the boat until it’s…
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Sargo 33 To Come Fitted With 2x400hp Engines?
Sargo Boats, known for its range of Finnish explorer boats have revealed their latest addition, the Sargo 33. The brand new design will apparently feature a 36’2″ hull with a pilothouse and a windscreen which is reverse-angled, meaning it will…
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Safety Equipment A Pleasure Craft Should Carry
Of course all boats should carry safety gear, but larger boats such as a pleasure craft over 13.7 metres must carry particular life-saving and fire equipment at all times. Lifejackets – Everyone on board must have a life jacket. Whoever…
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Avoid a Sail Boat Unless You Know What You’re Doing
A lot of people really like the idea of owning a boat, and of the types of boats, they tend to picture either a massive luxury yacht or a sailing boat. Whichever one you buy, some training will be absolutely…
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