Buying Caribbean Based Boats for Sale

Finding the perfect catamaran can be a challenge if you don't do it correctly. If you have some idea of what you want you're already ahead. Knowing how you will use the boat is as important as prioritizing your other needs.
Your first hurdle is deciding between a new boat or a pre-owned boat. Remember, the price & size of a boat doesn’t effect the number of priceless memories. It's amazing what you can buy today at any budget.... if you can find it.
If you will share the parameters of your intended use as well as your needs and wants (aka "wish list") with a good broker, they can likely save you time and money. Don't be afraid of using your broker to find your PERFECT CATAMARAN. Remember, a good broker is not a salesperson, rather, they are a consultant. It costs you, the buyer, nothing. In my case I am also licensed, bonded, and have the CPYB distinction held by less than 5% of brokers world-wide. At The Catamaran Company we work 24-7-365 in the catamaran market. In my case I have 15+ years experience to draw on including working knowledge of a dozen factories from the USA to Europe, and South Africa. I confidently believe we provide you great value at no cost..... You have to like the price this day in age.....FREE!!!
Answering the following questions honestly is the first step.
Where do you intend to sail / keep your vessel?
This can also be summed up with, "How do you intend to use the boat?" It is possibly the most important question. Are you looking for a local day sailing, extended cruising, live aboard, charter, coast wise, Caribbean, transoceanic, etc…. catamaran. For someone new to boating and it is where an experienced broker can seriously help you through some expensive pitfalls. A wrong answer can greatly affect insurance and loan costs. For the experienced buyer a buyer a broker can quickly understand the most important basic question and move through the process quickly to the other questions.
New or Used?
New boat opportunities are exceptional right now. You can buy a well equipped base boat in stock (Lagoon 380, 420, 440, 500) and add all your personal favorite equipment. Service shipwrights are standing by to help you install anything you want and the price is right. Lead times on custom ordered new builds are a little shorter right now with the exception of the all new Lagoon 400 which debuts this May. Production is now sold out until August 2010 and will get later once everyone sees this new model. Be careful with some of the smaller catamaran builder brands. They may not be around long enough to complete a boat for you or give you the warranty service you deserve.
The pre-owned market is a vast place. There are wastelands and wonderlands within the used catamaran market. Working with a broker that has seen, sailed, and sold these older models can help save you time by matching your budget with the best values. Great values can be found in both multi-million dollar budgets and hundred thousand dollar budgets. Let a professional help you here. If you buy the wrong boat you may never be able to get your money back out of the boat one day.
When would you ideally like to take ownership?
If you are ready now and you can take advantage of the current market you should probably act soon. Once the currently inventory of new boats is sold you will be looking at longer wait times and 2010 model price increase. Deals on used boats are great for certain models where there is significant supply or extraordinary seller situations. A broker can direct you to these deals. Seller rarely promote that they are desperate. If the supply for what you want is not available a good broker can go into their database to find what you want but the price is not likely to be as good as an over supplied model. If you are just researching you should follow the market at www.catamarans.com or subscribe to the automatic notification of new listings and price reductions from the same website if you have done so already.
Do you prefer a 3 cabin or 4 cabin layout?
There has always been a premium for "owner's version" layouts in the used market. This is because the catamaran charter companies fill the used market with the 4 or more cabin charter layouts. I actually see great value in former charter boat layouts.... let your ego. Unless you are single and need to impress someone you might want to consider the savings. Your stateroom is basically for sleeping. The extra cabin will come in handy with the many guests you will have with boat ownership. One cabin typically ends up as storage whether you have 3 or 4 cabins. Nobody likes to sleep in the Salon (and nobody likes disturbing them either). The proper conversion of an extra cabin into storage can actually increase the value of you boat later. I have NEVER met an owner who said their boat had too much storage. The salon, deck, and equipment should be you priority.
What size range are you seeking?
This is a tough one for me to answer as it is dependent on the other questions such as budget, number of cabins, where and how you will use the boat. Remember the bigger the boat the bigger the bills. If your budget allows for a big boat you should go fit it. I have NEVER had an owner say they wish they had bought a smaller boat. If you are not the type to change your own engine oil be sure you have a big budget or a small boat. However, don't let a small budget keep you from your big dreams. I often find the happiest sailor have the simplest boat and systems. Whether your budget is 35 feet or 105 feet you can't live the dream without leaving the dock.
What budget range would you like to stay within?
Be honest with yourself and your broker here. Establish your boat budget including possible taxes, duties, insurance, and maintenance. It is likely that any boat you find (including a new boat) will need some modifications or additional equipment to get even close to fulfilling your perfect boat needs. I always suggest keeping it simple and only add equipment as you find that you have to have it. Does your budget allow for trips to far away place to seek out the right boat?
How far are you willing to travel to buy the boat?
Whether you are going to move aboard or you need to bring the boat to your home will you consider starting with a boat in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, or South Pacific? There are sometimes very good deals to be had in some far away places but you need to be a savvy traveler and have the knowledge of a good broker that can protect your money and your investment when dealing with foreign individuals and their country's laws. An internationally savvy broker can again be valuable to you here. I personally have visited over 40 countries!
Have you seen any models that you like?
If you are at the point that you know what you like and it is in your budget you are one of the fortunate. It is probably why you are in a position to fulfill your dream. Good decision makers are usually successful. Let your broker know the specifics and they can direct you to the best values and may know of boats that are for sale yet not listed on the various websites. I have contacted owners of boats that had not yet even considered selling and put them together with an active buyer.
If you answer these questions honestly you are most likely to be happily matched with the perfect catamaran within your parameters. It may not be your “Dream Boat” but it is better to have the PERFECT CATAMARAN given the your parameters than to be left sitting on the dock fantasizing about catamaran ownership. Let me help you create real memories and priceless life experiences with the answers to these questions.
Remember you can now sign-up for free weekly notices of new listings and price drops at www.catamarans.com .
Contact me for a personalized review of the market to meet your needs and dreams.