2025 Beginner's Guide: 7 Key Points to Know When Choosing the Right Boat

 The first time I went yacht shopping, I felt completely overwhelmed. With so many brands and models on the market, I had no idea how to choose the right yacht for myself—let alone find my dream yacht.

If you’re new to all this and feeling the same confusion and anxiety, you’re in luck. Since buying my very first boat in August 2010, I’ve been deeply involved in the yachting world. Fifteen years have flown by, during which I’ve tried different types of boats, taken part in second-hand deals, and attended yacht shows. I’ve grown from a beginner to a certified Advanced Marine Surveyor (AMS®) with the American Yacht Association. I’ve also written 12 yacht-buying guides for Yacht Life magazine and helped more than 50 first-time buyers find the right boat. With this experience, I can confidently say I’m now something of an expert—and I can give you all the information you need.

Here are 7 key things you must know before buying a yacht:

Contents:

1. Where will you be sailing?
2. Which type of yacht fits your lifestyle?
3. Why size really matters
4. Pros and cons of new vs. used yachts
5. Why choosing the right berth is more important than you think
6. The real cost of yacht ownership
7. Step-by-step guide to the buying process

 

1.Where will you be sailing?

Let me be honest: when I first started looking for a boat, I spent three months obsessed with a sleek used flybridge yacht. It looked like it belonged on the cover of a magazine, and I often pictured myself watching the sunset from its cockpit. Then a friend asked me a simple question: “Where do you plan to sail it?”

That question was a wake-up call. I lived only ten minutes away from a small freshwater lake—yet the yacht I was eyeing was designed for open-sea voyages. I gave up on it, and I’m glad I did. Choosing the right yacht isn’t just about looks. It has to match your lifestyle, habits, and most importantly, the waters you’ll actually use it in.

The first decision: saltwater vs. freshwater.

Saltwater is brutal. It corrodes metal, eats away wood, and even degrades fiberglass over time. If your boat will be docked in the ocean or a saltwater bay, you need a hull built to withstand corrosion—aluminum, treated fiberglass, or even steel (though steel requires regular painting to prevent rust).

Freshwater is gentler, meaning older boats or wood hulls may still be suitable—if you don’t mind higher maintenance.

Next, think about types of water environments:

Lakes and rivers: shallow-draft boats with smaller engines.

Coastal waters: sturdier boats with deeper keels to handle waves and currents.

 

2.Which type of yacht fits your lifestyle?

Walk into any marina and you’ll see countless boats, each designed for a different purpose. Picking the wrong category is one of the most common—and most painful—mistakes new buyers make.

According to Global Market Insights report(Report ID: GMI5108), yachts are generally categorized intoflybridge yachts, sport yachts, and cruiser yachts.In 2023, cruisers accounted for over 60% of the market share. But statistics aside, the real question is: Which one fits your lifestyle and how you’ll use it?

 

Flybridge Yachts

• Upper deck helm with wide visibility.

• Spacious, often multi-level layouts.

• Stable hull, comfortable for long trips.

• Fully equipped with salons, kitchens, cabins, and outdoor lounging areas. Perfect for groups.

Sport Yachts

• Sleek, speed-oriented design.

• Lower profile with a low center of gravity.

• Speeds of 30–50 knots or more.

• Compact interior, focused on performance rather than luxury.

• Great for short, fast trips between ports.

Cruiser Yachts

• Built for endurance and stability over long distances.

• Mid-range speed, prioritizing comfort.

• Larger storage for fuel and freshwater.

• Strong sea-keeping ability for regional voyages.

• Facilities for extended stays offshore—ideal for multi-day holidays.

Before you decide, think carefully: do you want relaxation, sport, or long-distance cruising? And always consider your budget—not just the purchase price, but the ongoing costs too.

 

3.Why size really matters

One of the biggest lies new buyers tell themselves is: “I should buy the biggest yacht I can afford.” Bigger doesn’t mean better—it just means bigger. And bigger means more money, more work, and more responsibility.

Costs rise steeply with size. Dockage fees are usually charged per foot. In a 2023 interview with the popular boating show Sea Life, I calculated that maintaining a 28-foot sailboat costs about $1,200 a year, while a 40-foot boat at the same marina can exceed $5,000 annually. Bigger boats also require more space, more skill to dock, and often more crew.

For beginners, I recommend 20–28 feet. This size is manageable solo or with a partner, builds confidence quickly, and still has enough room for a few friends or a family of four.

 

4.Pros and cons of new vs. used yachts

New Yachts

Pros:

• No hidden issues like rot or rust

• Latest technology and materials

• Warranty coverage for peace of mind

Cons:

• Higher purchase price

• Rapid depreciation (10–15% immediately after purchase)

Used Yachts

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost

• Great value for first-time buyers to learn on

• Often come with extras (gear or upgrades from previous owner)

Cons:

• Higher risk of hidden problems

• Older parts may need replacement

• Potentially higher future maintenance costs

 

5.Why choosing the right berth matters more than you think

Once you’ve found your dream boat, where will you keep it? Many new buyers ignore this question—and it’s a big mistake. A great yacht in the wrong berth becomes a constant headache.

Trailer storage (boats under 22 feet): offers flexibility, lets you avoid marina fees, but requires upkeep (tires, brakes, storage).

Marina slip: like a parking spot, with easy access to shore power and water—but costly.

Mooring ball: cheaper, but you’ll need a dinghy to get ashore.

Seasonal issues also matter. In colder regions, marinas close in winter, requiring haul-out, engine winterization, and storage ($500–$1,000 per season). In warmer regions, year-round use is possible—but slips cost more.

 

6.The real cost of yacht ownership

Buying the yacht is just the beginning. I’ve seen people spend $20,000 on a boat, then an unexpected $15,000 in the first year alone. Here are the hidden costs:

Dockage: $300–$600/month for a 25-foot slip; add $100–$200 if living aboard.

Storage: $100–$300/month on land, but you’ll need a trailer.

Insurance: $300–$800 annually for a $20,000 boat. Larger or faster boats cost more.

Maintenance: budget around 10% of the boat’s value per year. For a $30,000 boat, that’s about $3,000.

Emergency fund: keep 10–20% of the purchase price aside. I once hit a submerged rock and had to spend $800 on a new propeller.

 

7.Step-by-step guide to buying a yacht

Buying a yacht isn’t like buying anything else—it takes time and patience.

Browse – Spend weeks or months narrowing down options. Visit marinas, sit in boats, ask questions.

View in person – Check for smells, soft spots, and how the hull feels when moving around. Bring a checklist.

Survey & inspection – Hire a certified marine surveyor ($30–$50 per foot). Use findings to negotiate.

Sea trial – Test handling and performance. Any issues (like loose steering) can lower the price.

Paperwork – Sign the sales contract, transfer ownership, and register. Banks handle financing paperwork.

Celebrate – Pop a bottle of champagne and take her out for the maiden voyage.

 

Conclusion

The key to buying a yacht isn’t finding the “perfect” one—it’s finding the one that’s perfect for you. After that, it’s about choosing the right waters and the right company to enjoy it with. Once you finally set sail, the worries fade away—leaving sunsets over the waves, laughter in the cockpit, and that thrill when the engine roars to life.

Author:

Michael Andrews, AMS® has over 15 years of hands-on experience in the yachting industry. He is a Certified Advanced Marine Surveyor accredited by the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS®) and has been an active participant at international yacht shows and industry forums. He received recognition from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) with the IMO–MSC 103/5/2 Award.

As a senior consultant, Michael has authored numerous yacht purchasing and maintenance guides for leading publications such as Yacht Life and Boating Today. His professional work has taken him across North America, Europe, and Asia, where he has inspected, evaluated, and advised on a wide range of vessels, covering more than 30 of the world’s most renowned marinas.

Renowned for his technical precision, Michael is trusted by both first-time buyers and seasoned yacht owners for his ability to translate complex nautical and purchasing knowledge into clear, practical advice.

 

This article is based on my years of personal experience in the yachting industry and is provided for reference only. While I have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the content, the yacht market, regulations, technologies, and individual circumstances may change at any time. Nothing in this article constitutes specific purchasing advice or professional consultation. Readers should assess their own needs and consult qualified professionals before making any boat-buying decisions.

Neither the author nor any affiliated organizations accepts responsibility for any loss or damage, whether direct or indirect, arising from reliance on this article. Buying a yacht involves complex procedures and risks; please conduct thorough due diligence and proceed with caution.

source：2025 Beginner's Guide: 7 Key Points to Know When Choosing the Right Boat