What is this about?

Our team have been planning to launch an informative blog on the site for some time, which we are calling BoatLife. We made a start with this some time back and are now relaunching BoatLife as a source of really helpful information, key industry news, new product launches and industry events.

Who is BoatLife for?

This is the first of a series of blog posts in BoatLife that aims to provide a comprehensive guide to boat purchasing and ownership, for all types of customer that we work with. From a first time boat buyer, to a family returning to boating after many years, and also some more technical blogs for experienced boat owners and buyers.

The first time boat buyer has a problem – they don’t know what they don’t know. This means that they don’t know which questions they need to ask to cover every aspect of becoming a boat owner, sometimes even from the very beginning of which boat they want to buy. This will also apply to some degree to the returning boat enthusiast and those wishing to trade up, or down, in boat size.

Why are we doing this?

Our business sells, stores and services boats based on our love of boating as a pastime and the unique experiences it provides to owners. We deal everyday with providing advice and answering questions about a wide range of queries and concerns. These are all frequently seen by new owners as barriers to entry and to getting involved with boating.

The questions and worries that a first-time boat buyer has can be likened to them entering into a black hole of knowledge. This is completely normal and is where using an experienced yacht broker becomes invaluable. Our brokers take great care in helping the buyer navigate through the early stages of becoming a boat owner to ensure that they make the most informed decisions.”

Because of the sheer volume of possible questions that could be asked, the first part of this guide (this first blog in BoatLife) has been laid out as a high level check list. The boat owner can use this list to tick off and exclude all those items that either don’t apply or that are already known.

What’s the next step?

From there the next step is to find out more detail about the items that do apply and that you have kept on your list. We will provide this information to you in the next few blogs, simply look for the blog headings mentioning these items.

Which of these items and queries would you like us to write about first? Let us know your thoughts and preferences in the comments section below the blog.

Or, if you require immediate assistance, please contact our Senior Yacht Broker, James Bright on Tel. 01522 567404 and email sales@burtonwaters.co.uk.

No.	Requirements
1	My boating needs now (leisure, family needs, fishing, water sports, lifestyle, rivers & canals)
2	Type of boat (brand, make and model)
3	Size of boat (length relates closely with sleeping berths)
4	How often will I use my boat
5	Where will I operate my boat
6	Do some research
7	Engage a yacht broker
8	Price & budget
9	Go for a test sail
10	New boat or used boat & age
11	Legal documents and paperwork (boat title documentation)
12	Boat survey
13	Insurance
14	Storage
15	Launching & recovery of trailer boat
16	Moorings & associated costs
17	Preparing for winter
18	Transportation
19	Marine mortgages
20	Part exchange (for existing boat owners)
21	Licencing (closely related to length of boat)
22	River or sea
23	Maintenance & upkeep (self & professionals)
24	Servicing (engines) & cleaning
25	Warranties
26	Technology choices (new boats)
27	Replacing anodes
28	Antifouling
29	Boat Safety Certificate (valid for 4 years)
30	Training (manoeuvring & navigation)
31	Incidental & running costs (fuel, harbour dues)
32	Buying a power boat – which hull do I want
33	Builder’s certificate, safety scheme standards, sea trials (new boat)
34	Registering your boat
35	Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) compliance
36	What qualifications do I need
37	Safety - RNLI
38	Single or shared ownership
39	Should I charter my boat
40	What is the best way to sell a boat
41	Why not to buy a boat privately / Why buy a boat from a specialist
42	How to check if a boat is already financed

When piloting your boat out to sea or along rivers it is always good practice to be in awe of the water and treat it with great respect, never taking any chances or taking it for granted.