Buying a Sailboat
How to Prepare for Buying a Sailboat
Buying a sailboat is an important project that requires careful thought and preparation.
The type of sailing planned, the size of the boat, experience, budget, maintenance and overall condition are among the many factors that should be considered before making a choice.
Choosing a boat suited to your needs, skills and type of sailing not only makes boating more enjoyable, but also contributes to safety on the water.
Here are a few things to consider before making a purchase.
Before beginning your search, it is important to determine how the sailboat will be used and which features are truly necessary.
A few factors can help guide your choice:
The number of people usually on board;
The type of sailing;
The duration of outings;
The bodies of water where the boat will be used;
Sleeping and storage needs;
The desired level of comfort;
Sailing experience;
Storage and winterization options.
A sailboat intended for short outings on a lake will not necessarily meet the same needs as one designed for extended cruising.
Determining your priorities before beginning your search makes it easier to compare boats and avoid choosing based solely on appearance or comfort.
A larger boat is not necessarily better suited to your needs.
Length, weight, draft, sail area and the various systems on board can all affect the complexity of manoeuvring, maintenance and operating costs.
For someone new to sailing, a simpler boat suited to their level of experience can make it easier to develop their skills.
Sailing experience should therefore be an important consideration when determining the type and size of sailboat to purchase.
The sailboat should be chosen according to its primary intended use.
Sailing mainly near a marina, taking weekend trips and embarking on multi-week cruises involve different needs in terms of:
Stability and handling;
Living space;
Storage capacity;
Range and autonomy;
Navigation equipment;
Propulsion;
Safety equipment.
The characteristics of the body of water should also be considered, including depth, currents, tides, weather conditions and available infrastructure.
The purchase price represents only part of the cost of owning a sailboat.
Depending on the situation, the budget should also account for:
A pre-purchase inspection;
Repairs and upgrades;
Routine maintenance;
Marina or mooring fees;
Storage and winterization;
Insurance;
Fuel;
Engine maintenance;
Sails and rigging;
Safety equipment;
Transportation or launching;
Applicable fees and administrative requirements.
Generally, as the size and complexity of a boat increase, so do its maintenance and operating costs.
Setting aside additional funds for work that may be required after the purchase can help avoid unpleasant surprises.
Training can help you better understand how a sailboat operates and choose one suited to your skills and intended type of sailing.
Training can help develop knowledge and skills in areas such as:
Sailing and motor manoeuvres;
Navigation and chart reading;
Weather;
Use of safety equipment;
First aid;
Maintenance;
Mechanics;
Emergency procedures.
When a sailboat is equipped with a motor, the requirements regarding proof of competency to operate a pleasure craft should also be verified.
A better understanding of boats also makes it easier to ask the right questions during visits and understand recommendations made during an inspection.
Taking the time to explore the market can help you become familiar with different models, their features and their value.
Specialized listings, boat shows and marina visits provide opportunities to compare different configurations.
Speaking with sailboat owners and experienced sailors can also provide valuable insight into the advantages, limitations and maintenance requirements of certain models.
During an initial visit, examine:
The overall condition of the hull and deck;
The rigging;
The sails;
The engine;
Electrical systems;
Plumbing;
Navigation equipment;
Safety equipment;
Signs of water infiltration or previous repairs.
This initial assessment does not replace a professional inspection.
A boat’s appearance does not necessarily reflect its mechanical or structural condition.
Aging upholstery, outdated décor or a hull in need of cleaning can generally be addressed. Conversely, a beautifully presented boat may conceal more significant problems.
Particular attention should instead be paid to the condition of:
The hull;
The deck;
The keel;
The rudder;
The rigging;
The engine;
Electrical systems;
Through-hull fittings and other openings;
Safety equipment.
The integrity and maintenance of the boat should always take priority over its appearance.
Before purchasing a used sailboat, having it inspected by a qualified marine surveyor is an important precaution.
An inspection can help assess the boat’s overall condition and identify problems that may be difficult to detect during a simple visit.
Before hiring a marine surveyor, it is recommended to verify their qualifications, experience and references.
If a previous inspection report exists, it may also be useful to request a copy and determine whether the identified issues have been corrected.
Depending on the boat and the conditions of sale, a sea trial can also help assess the engine, controls, instruments and main systems under actual operating conditions.
Before completing the purchase, certain regulatory requirements should be verified.
Watercraft subject to the applicable requirements must have a Hull Serial Number (HIN). For boats built after this requirement came into effect, the absence of the required number should be clarified before purchase.
Most motorized recreational boats sold in Canada must also display a Canadian Compliance Notice. This notice indicates that the boat met the applicable construction standards at the time it was manufactured.
Modifications made to a boat over time may affect its compliance. An inspection is particularly important when a used sailboat has undergone significant modifications.
For an imported sailboat, Canadian requirements should be verified before purchase, as construction standards may differ from one country to another.
Adequate proof of ownership must be obtained when purchasing the sailboat.
The document should clearly identify:
The seller;
The buyer;
The boat;
The Hull Serial Number, when available;
The Pleasure Craft Licence number, when the boat has one.
A Pleasure Craft Licence is not proof of ownership. A bill of sale or another recognized proof-of-ownership document should therefore be kept.
When a sailboat already has a Canadian Pleasure Craft Licence, the new owner must transfer the licence within the prescribed timeframe.
The licensing or registration requirements applicable to the sailboat should be verified with Transport Canada.
A New Requirement to Consider for Sailboats
Beginning December 31, 2027, wind-powered pleasure craft over 6 metres in length will be required to hold a Pleasure Craft Licence unless they are registered.
This new requirement should be taken into consideration when purchasing a sailboat that will still be in use after that date..
Once the purchase is complete, a few important checks remain before heading out on the water.
It is important to:
Verify the licensing or registration requirements for the boat;
Have the required proof of competency to operate a motorized watercraft, when applicable;
Check the mandatory safety equipment required for the sailboat’s length and characteristics;
Make sure PFDs or lifejackets are the appropriate size and in good condition;
Become familiar with the boat’s systems and equipment;
Check the condition of the rigging, engine and main equipment;
Know the emergency procedures.
Buying a sailboat marks the beginning of an adventure, but also brings new responsibilities. Making an informed choice, obtaining a thorough inspection, developing appropriate skills and ensuring the boat is properly equipped can help make sailing safer.