Buying a used boat: The boat is bought - what happens now? The first steps

The time has come: the purchase contract has been signed, the boat has been paid for, the keys have been handed over - finally the owner!

But what happens next? Especially those who have bought a second-hand boat for the first time are often confronted with a whole bundle of questions. And sailors who are switching from a smaller to a larger boat - or vice versa - also have a lot to organise.

This includes taking out insurance, finding a suitable berth and winter storage or simply getting to know the new boat systematically. We explain step by step how to do this and what should be considered before the first trip.

Berth and winter storage should be booked

Admittedly, it's annoying. But as with buying a car, there is also a bit of paperwork involved at the beginning when purchasing a boat. While the car buyer rents a garage parking space or applies for a residents' parking permit, the search for the perfect summer and winter mooring can be a little more tedious. You're lucky if you can and want to simply take it over from the previous owner. Then there is no need to search, which saves time and nerves. In this case, it is important to agree with the previous owner - preferably in writing - until when the berth will be paid for by the previous owner and when the buyer will take over.

If the berth is not taken over and there is none available, for example from your own previous boat, you need to start looking in good time. Many marinas on the North Sea and Baltic coasts have long waiting lists, and the situation is often similar in club harbours. If you only register at the last minute just before the start of the season, you may not get a place in the marina of your choice. The same applies to winter storage.

The question of whether a boat needs to be registered goes hand in hand with the future sailing area. For Lake Constance, for example, a special licence plate must be applied for, as well as for inland waterways such as the waters around Berlin. It can be obtained from the Water and shipping authoritiesthe German Sailing Association (DSV), the German Motor Yacht Association (DMYV) or the ADAC and must be attached to the fuselage.

Important: the right insurance policies

Liability and hull insurance for the boat should be taken out as soon as possible after purchase.

• More about insurance in the Pantaenius interview

or

• in our insurance special

If the new boat has a VHF radio, an Epirb or AIS, these devices must be registered with the Federal Network Agency be re-registered to the new owner.

Anyone who becomes the skipper of a boat with a VHF radio system on purchase also needs the SRC radio operating licence, which has limited validity. Most sailing schools offer courses and the DSV and DMYV examination boards offer examinations.

For all those who are planning further trips abroad in the future, an official proof of ownership should be included in the folder with the boat papers. You can apply to the DSV or DMYV for an international boat licence for this purpose. Boats over 15 metres in hull length must be registered with the local court. Register of Shipping be registered. You will receive a ship's certificate, which also serves as proof of ownership.

Get to know the boat

Normally, you will have already found out about the equipment when you inspect the boat before you buy it, but this inspection often takes place under time pressure, you are excited and there is too much going on at the same time. That's why you should take your time now at the latest.

A thorough look at any documents you may have bought will also help with the next step: getting an overview of the new boat and the technology on board before the first trip. It is best to ask the previous owner to provide you with any documents that are available - invoices, manuals or lists of when he last serviced which part and what is due again soon.

If such documentation does not exist, it makes sense to at least ask the previous owner or dealer at what intervals which parts and equipment were serviced and possibly replaced. It is best to start your own documentation immediately after purchase. If you also create a kind of on-board manual with photos and instructions in which all the important systems are explained - whether for the regular crew to refer to or for occasional co-sailors - you will automatically become more familiar with the boat. And as simple as it may sound: especially during the first thorough cleaning, you will discover corners that were not noticed during the inspection.

If you have a good relationship with the seller, it is worth asking if he can be present when the mast is set or laid for the first time and perhaps even when the boat is first struck or transferred. Then any unanswered questions can be answered and everything on board can be discussed again. The seller may even be pleased to say goodbye to his old boat in this way.

Inventory on board

Used boats are often sold "with Pött un Pann". In practice, this often means: The forecastle and bilge stowage compartments are filled to bursting point, and there are still packet soups in the lockers from a cruise ten years ago. But there is also a lot of useful, albeit perhaps somewhat outdated, equipment on board.

A thorough inventory, which is best carried out at the same time as the big clean-boat operation, is always a good idea. If there is no accurately completed handover report, it is fun to discover all the treasures you have acquired with the boat.

In the long term, you will equip your own ship according to your own ideas anyway. But much of what is needed for the first test runs or the transfer is certainly already available and should remain. The checklist below will help you to check whether you have the minimum equipment you need on board.

Boat transfer: these options are available

On its own keel

Once everything is organised, the boat is ready for sea and the equipment is adapted to the respective area, nothing stands in the way of a transfer to the new berth on your own keel. If you are unsure, you can get help on board from a professional skipper or have the boat completely transferred. However, this will tear a considerable hole in the boat's coffers right from the start.

Transport by lorry

An alternative to the sea route is road transport by lorry, for example if the boat is to be transported from the Mediterranean to the North Sea or Baltic Sea or vice versa. Transport by a shipping company specialising in yacht transport is much faster and puts less strain on the ship than the route via the Bay of Biscay, for example. However, this also costs several thousand euros.

Transport on the cargo ship

Transport on a cargo ship is another option, for example if the ship was purchased overseas. Obtaining information in good time and comparing prices is particularly worthwhile with this transfer option.

On the trailer

Those who have purchased a boat with a trailer need not worry too much about the journey to their new home port. It is important to check the roadworthiness and the date of the next general inspection, as well as to find a suitable towing vehicle and a driver who is authorised to drive the trailer. Then you're ready to go.

Regardless of how the boat finally arrives in its new home territory, the first steps are exciting - and perhaps still a little awkward. That's normal. But if you allow enough time at the beginning to familiarise yourself with the boat, you will soon be rewarded: with the first strokes on your own keel and a feeling of happiness that is hard to beat!

Checklist ship's papers

Insurance, radio equipment, possibly the stand licence: what needs to be changed, cancelled or registered

• Take out liability and comprehensive insurance, even if both are not mandatory
• Register callsign and MMSI (www.bundesnetzagentur.de, keyword "Seefunk")
• Apply for an international boat licence or ship certificate
• Apply for a small vehicle licence plate or change your registration (if necessary)
• Apply for a stand licence if necessary

Boat inspection checklist

What needs to be serviced, what spare parts are on board? How to systematically scrutinise your new boat

• Engine
  Is an oil change due? Do the oil and fuel filters need to be replaced? What condition is the impeller in? What does a visual inspection of the diesel tank reveal; is it dirty? Before setting off: Has you filled up with fuel?
• Rig
  If the boat was purchased with the mast down or in winter storage: Are all the parts needed to set the mast available? Can the previous owner be present when the mast is set for the first time? Are there any trimming instructions? Does standing or running rigging need to be replaced?
• Sail
  Are the cloths OK, or do they need to be repaired by yourself or by a sailmaker?
• Rudder system
  Are the rudder cokers and seals in order? Does the rudder have too much play? Is the emergency tiller ready for use?
• Anchor
  Is the connection between the chain or line and the anchor intact? What condition is the entire harness in? How long is the chain/leash? Are there any markings? How is the anchor windlass operated; is it ready for use?
• Deck
  Are the clamps, blocks and winches ready for use?
• Electrics
  Are all important consumers working? Do the position lights work? Is there a wiring diagram for the on-board electrics?
• Hull
  What condition are the sacrificial anodes in? When were they last changed?
• Seacocks
  How many are there? What condition are they in and how can they be operated?
• Pantry
  Has the gas system been checked? Are the gas cylinders still sufficiently pressurised? Is there a replacement on board?

Equipment checklist

What is on board, what is still missing for the first tour? An inventory provides an overview

• Lines, mooring lines, towing line, heaving line
• Fender
• Boat hook
• Pütz, sponge
• Boatswain's chair
• Radar reflector
• Anchor ball, motorised cone
• National flag, guest country flag if applicable
• Sailing clothes, oilskins, shoes
• Life jackets, lifelines, stretch ropes
• Screwdriver, spanner, hammer, bolt cutter, hacksaw
• Pocket knife
• Engine oil, diesel filter
• Spare impeller and V-belt
• Shackles, cotter pins, armoured tape
• Torches, headlamp, spare batteries
• Batteries and chargers for electronic devices
• Fire extinguisher
• Life belt or collar
• Distress signalling equipment
• Life raft
• Sealing material, leak plugs
• First-aid kit, first-aid kit, seasickness medication
• Updated nautical charts, area manual
• Compasses, eraser, pencil
• Hand bearing compass
• Logbook, calculator, clock
• Binoculars
• Minimum pantry equipment: plates, mugs, cups, cutlery, pot, pan
• Catering and drinks
• Bedding: blanket, pillow
• Hygiene articles
• Boat documents and driving licences (see above)

Transfer checklist

You can get to know the boat better by sailing to a new harbour on your own keel. But there are sensible alternatives (see above)

• Is the boat clear and equipment available?
• Do you have an experienced crew?
• Has a test run been carried out under sail and engine?
• Does the weather window fit?
• Is a time buffer planned?
• Is a berth reserved in the destination harbour?
• For trailer boats: Is the trailer roadworthy and ready for use?

• This article is part of a used boat special. You can find all other content here

The big YACHT used boat special:

• New, used or chartered - here's what to consider
• Which type of boat is the right one? Decision-making aids
• Overview: Used boats under 6 metres
• Overview: Used boats under 7 metres
• Overview: Used boats under 8 metres
• Overview: Used boats around 9 metres
• Overview: Used boats over 9 metres
• Dream yachts: These are the favourite ships of YACHT readers
• Buying a used boat: Your guide through the online jungle
• Own inspection or surveyor? What you need to look out for
• How to avoid traps in the purchase agreement
• The boat is bought - what's next? The first steps
• What insurance do I need for my boat?