⚓ 20 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Boat or Yacht

The countdown to Christmas is officially on and there’s still time to make this summer one to remember.

If you’ve been dreaming about spending the holidays on your own boat, now’s the moment to act.

But before you rush into a deal, take a breath and make sure you’re asking the right questions. A little preparation now can save you thousands later and ensure your new vessel is the perfect fit for how (and where) you want to spend your summer.

At World Wide Boat Brokers, we’ve helped hundreds of Australian buyers find their dream boats quickly and at a great price. In our experience, here are 20 key questions to ask before buying a boat or yacht; your go-to checklist before signing the dotted line.

 

⚙️ Boat Condition & Maintenance

1. How many engine hours does it have?
   Engine hours reveal how much use the boat’s had and how well it’s been maintained. Higher hours, however, don’t have to mean it hasn’t been maintained well. On the other hand, very low hours could also be a concern if it’s been sitting in water for years.

2. When was the last major service?
   Good sellers will provide details of its maintenance. Even better if they provide full service history. Consistent maintenance is a strong sign of care. A well-documented history gives you confidence in performance and resale value. For sailing boats, when do the sails need replacing?

3. When was it last antifouled or slipped?
   Fresh antifoul suggests the hull has been inspected and looked after. Ideally you want a boat that’s had it done annually or close to.

4. Has the boat ever been damaged or repaired?
   Honest sellers will disclose repairs or insurance work. Boats will never be perfect, but it’s about transparency. This is also why we usually always recommend a sea trial and survey when purchasing.

5. Has the boat been stored in-water or on a trailer/hardstand?
   Boats kept out of the water typically have less corrosion and hull growth. However it’s not always practical and boats being used frequently can help expel that growth. You can ask how often they had a diver clean the bottom, if it wasn’t hauled out annually.

 

 

 

 

 

🧭 Ownership, Paperwork & Legal

6. Is the vessel Australian registered and are ownership papers clear?
   Check to see if registration is up to date. There are two types of registrations, Australian and State. Also confirm there are no encumbrances, unpaid loans, or disputes. 

7. Has GST been paid and included in the asking price?
   Especially important for imported or commercial vessels. Be careful of lower-priced boats overseas, as import taxes and delivery costs are currently very high. Right now local boats are much more cost-effective.

8. Are there any outstanding finance agreements?
   Ensure your broker confirms clear title before settlement.

9. Does the boat meet current safety and compliance standards?
   Lifejackets, flares, EPIRBs, and navigation lights should all meet AMSA requirements. The listing should provide a full downloadable inventory for your perusal.

10. Is there a recent survey or valuation report available?
    Even if it’s a couple years old, it provides useful history and condition context. Bonus if an out-of-water survey has been provided, which could save you thousands doing yourself and also provide peace of mind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

⚓ Performance & Practical Use

11. What is the cruising speed and fuel burn at that speed?
    Running costs and range can matter, especially for longer trips. Look for keywords such a ‘fuel efficient’ or ‘off-grid’ if buying a sailing boat. If speed is your main concern, then you don’t need to worry.

12. How does it handle in rough water or tight marinas?
    Good handling builds confidence, particularly for first-time owners.

13. Are spare parts and servicing available in Australia?
    Some imported models can be costly to maintain if parts aren’t local.

14. What systems have been upgraded recently (electronics, batteries, plumbing)?
    Modern systems reduce maintenance headaches down the line. It also adds value to the boat.

15. What size berth or trailer does it require?
    Check storage costs and marina availability before buying. A bigger boat may require a larger size berth, which means more $$ and possibly more difficult to acquire. We suggest contacting your marina before purchasing.

---

💰 Purchase & Post-Sale Costs

16. What are the estimated annual running costs?
    Budget roughly 10-15% of the boat’s value per year for maintenance, fuel, and insurance.

17. Is there an existing insurance policy or valuation available?
    Useful for understanding true replacement value and coverage options. Our team can provide a quick pre-purchase quote for free to estimate your costs. Contact Lisa from AquaMarine HQ here.

18. Are any warranties still active?
    Newer engines and electronics may still be under transferable warranty.

19. Can I arrange a professional marine survey and sea trial?
    Absolutely, and we highly recommend including a survey clause in your contract. A marine surveyor can identify any structural or mechanical issues before settlement. That said, a survey may not be necessary if the seller has already provided a recent report or if you’re purchasing the vessel as is, where is, as part of a quick sale.

20. What support does the broker or seller provide after purchase?
    A professional brokerage should be a BIA member and help with registration, delivery, and handover. Our brokers assist throughout the whole process and also beyond, that’s why buying through a good brokerage is priceless.

---

🌴 Don’t Wait for the Next Summer

With Christmas just weeks away, the best listings are moving fast.
Asking these 20 questions before you buy ensures your investment is solid, and that you’re ready to enjoy the holidays on the water instead of waiting for “next year.”

At World Wide Boat Brokers, we make buying easy, transparent, and stress-free from inspections and finance to surveys and delivery. We have very highly qualified and knowledgeable brokers, including our broker and CEO Ant, who boasts Honors in Naval Architecture.

Plus we have dozens of 5 Star raving reviews.

So don’t be afraid to pick their brains and ask for help, it’s what we’re here for!

We’ve saved clients thousands on costly mistakes,so a great brokerage is a no-brainer.

📞 Get in touch today to let our experts find you your dream boat.

Head here to see what listings we’ve currently got ready to cruise today well in time for the holidays.