[killagorilla]

i am very new and not very well aquainted with large boats, i am landlocked in oklahoma. i do however have intentions of purchasing a yacht. i want to fully educate myself, and even charter in the next couple of years, so that i know what i am looking for directly. there are so many fine vessels shown on this and other websites i find alot to drool over. when i have a better idea of what my needs will fully be, i can seek out what i want. for now though i do ask advice from those who can offer it.

as of now i would throw this idea out to see if it is even a reasonable to assume that it can be accomplished.

i would like to stay under 4 million dollars us on the purchase, including all associated costs. of a vessel that is capable of at least a 3000nm range, capable of cruising at least 15knots, and has a length of at least 120feet. i would also like to keep the annual upkeep costs of this ship including all costs except fuel, under 300,000 dollars us.

once again i am not sure if this is a feasible idea. i find alot of information on boats, but it seems as though everyone is tight lipped about actual long term operational costs. i would really like and information you guys would care to enlighten me with.

[AMG]

Hi Oklahoma,

You may be approached with brokers giving you other ideas, but I would like to think that for a yacht like you describe, you should at least double the purchase price, or you have to double the annual costs...

However with a bit of luck you will find what you are looking for...

[killagorilla]

thank you for the fast responce.

my budget is somewhat open, i just want to get a fairly accurate frame of reference, i am not one to get hung up on designer names and fancy frils for the most part, though i do appreciate luxury, plain painted walls and functional furniture suit my needs much better then some fancy italian charging 10,000 an hour to tell my my drapes are ghastly. i assume this will somewhat carry over to the price, so that i can spend more on fun toys related to travel.

i realize it will be some time before i truly understand what it is i am asking for, but is there a particular method of estimation for associated operation costs of a vessel ?

[AMG]

My answer was on a second hand yacht, not a new construction.

For a new construction you better double the figures again to about USD 16 M or more. Annual running costs including fuel use to be 10 percent of the purchase price if you are using the yacht as normal, with charter it can be more but then partly covered by the charter fees...

[KCook]

Would the area of operation change the costs of operation much? Say Great Lakes (US) versus the Med?

Kelly Cook

[AMG]

Yes Kelly, I think breaking ice in Lake Erie will cost you an annual repaint...

[calicaptain]

For 4 million, the best you could really do would be some sort of second hand westport 106 or equivilent. Location will also change everything, docking/mooring in the Med is far more expensive then in say Victoria B.C. 120ft sounds like it might cost more then you want to spend, it will require 5-6 crew, while a 100-110 would require 4-5 crew plus, plus, plus.
Chartering is definately way to find out. It is money well spent, considering some people think they know what they want, then have buyers remorse. Don't get sucked into management fees, just hire a good captain and stay in touch.
Happy Hunting

[YachtForums]

Kelly,

Costs vary in every region, from maintenance to dockage, to season or port, and fresh-water to salt. The long term cost between fresh and salt-water are clear.

Picking the right port, at the right time of year, can also play a role in operating costs. There are even ways to save on fuel, such as carefully chosen routes, working with wind & tide.

It's hard to put a figure on the multitude of other factors that can effect operating costs, but you can always count on a few unseen.

[KCook]

Originally Posted by AMG

Yes Kelly, I think breaking ice in Lake Erie will cost you an annual repaint...

Good one Lars!

[YachtForums]

Killagorilla (welcome aboard),

Sounds like an expedition or trawler is your best bet. As Lars and CaliCaptain suggested... the used market will give you the broadest selection based on the length you're looking for and the amount you'de like to spend, however (and this is personal) I'd rather go a little smaller and buy a new boat.

There are a lot of reasons for going a little smaller, such as cost of operation and required number of crew, but the real reason is more personal. Certainly, there are many other reasons for going new, such as warranty, the latest electronics and the advancements in manufacturing in recent years, but...

... I want to know WHO used the boat, HOW it was used and WHAT it's been exposed to.

This has become clearly evident to me recently. A survey only reveals the current condition of the boat, it doesn't tell you how hard it's been run, what corners have been cut and what kind punishment the owner/captain has put it through.

There are so many angles used by sellers in the pre-owned market. A couple of them that come to mind include...

The seller or broker expanding on the fact that a particular boat has made many large crossings, as if to prove its reliability or capablity. The only thing this proves to me is... it's been WELL USED and exposed to a lot more pounding than a boat used in local waters.

And then there is the live-aboard seller... claiming the regular use of the boat helps keep all the components in good working order. While I DO agree that a boat should be used periodically, the wear & tear put on a live-aboard is even more pronounced.

I've seen used boats that look as good as new, only to watch the owner slam gears from forward to reverse, when a simple turn of the wheel was sufficient. Or in other cases, using sub-standard replacement parts or maintenance. Chances are, you'll never notice this when buying a boat because there are too many details overwhelming you in the purchase, from emotions, to learning all the new systems, to slapping yourself a few days later and asking... "Oh my God, what have I done?"

That being said... there are many fine used boats in the market, but pick your battles. For me, time is a precious commodity and anything that takes away from the same, is costly to my business. I want a boat I can use without worry... and depend on. For me... that would be... a boat I've owned since new and I KNOW how it's been taken care of.

Just my opinion, but I could be wrong.

[killagorilla]

great advice guys, i appreciate it.

[chumley-warner]

<waves to all> Hiya!

I read this post as an utter newbie with interest. Although I'm probably in a different market wrt size, cost etc I imagine the advice still rings true.

I'm looking for a much smaller yacht - 45/60 feet (mostly dictated by budget, but also because I don't fancy crossing oceans). Should my first port of call be navigation / yacht handling courses, or a charter with a captain who could show me the ropes? Are there charters where you get lessons too?

[Dhowdodger]

lots of companies like sunsail offer holiday / rya courses hand in hand, as a total newbe find a local mariner / yacht club and see whats on offer in the way of charters or courses. If by yacht you mean a sailing yacht then there are loads of RYA approved schools out there, start with compotent crew course and work upwards. If however you are drawn to the dark side, the RYA powerboat courses will very quickley get you to a good level of handling and navigation knowldge.

[chumley-warner]

Originally Posted by Dhowdodger

If however you are drawn to the dark side, the RYA powerboat courses will very quickley get you to a good level of handling and navigation knowldge.

I do mean power - I'll have a look at the RYA website, assuming they are global - my target spot is the mediterranian.

[OutMyWindow]

Although somewhat controversial with many pros and cons, a "partial" ownership may also be an option depending on the amount of use one requires. Think of it as a time-share.