Month: April 2018

How To Buy A Yacht

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Buying a used yacht is an emotional experience and usually the culmination of a long dream. This can be an exciting time and a lot of fun as the vision of cruising off into the sunset is very appealing.

But preparing yourself and planning for the boat search is very important to avoid hastily buying the wrong boat and spending too much money as a result of your excitement.

Buying a boat can be a time consuming and complex exercise with finding the best boat, pre-surveys, offers, counter offers, arranging sea trials, haul outs and surveys let alone lien checks, taxes, documentation, licensing or registering the boat and making sure that everything listed is there when you take possession. Selecting a yacht broker to assist and represent you is critical to a satisfactory outcome, both economically and emotionally.

Its very important that you know the character of the person you are dealing with. Some brokers care more about their commission than you as a customer. They will likely sell you anything that gets your attention, just for the sale.

No Cost Professional Help

You can search for and buy your used yacht on your own but are you going to have every possible advantage on your side to help you buy the best for the least? The answer is absolutely not! You will be at a significant disadvantage when dealing with a yacht Broker on your own.

Pre-qualifying for Marine Financing and Insurance.

There are a few things I urge you to consider before you begin to search for your boat. You may want to pre-qualify for a boat loan before you shop. That will give you some extra leverage and breathing room when you’re shopping. Money is still availablefor marine loans unlike the housing market.

Locating the Perfect Yacht

Buying a boat is compromise and some will suit your intended usage much better than others. A sedan trawler with full 18″ walk around may not look as sleek as a motoryacht but you will be able to reach the dock without being an acrobat. The trunk cabin trawler looks salty but a sundeck model will keep your guests dry when it rains.
The varieties of equipment and layout are endless but the benefits and downfalls of each will quickly become apparent after spending some time evaluating each vessel.

Once we determine which styles will work best, Ill then do some background investigating, making calls to the listing brokers, about the condition of each one. Ill give you feedback to save you frustration and disappointment.
Once we determine which boat(s) is potentially, just the right boat, Ill use a Purchase Prequalification Disclosure to obtain details about her. I’ll then personally visit each boat, speak with the listing broker, and see for myself if the boat will meet your needs. I am going to look at things you will probably not consider and ask questions about things that never occurred to you. I am there to help find the best boat at the best price for you.

When I locate a few boats that might just fit the bill, well schedule a trip to go look at them. You will want to have me at your side when you look at them. You are going to be excited and would not want your emotions to get the best of you causing you to act in haste. I will be your devils advocate, helping you make the best decision and help decide if the boat is just right for you. I’ll tell you if I think a boat is worth considering.

Making the Offer

Weve now found what we think is your boat. You want to make an offer on her. Anyone can look up asking prices on boats on Yachtworld, but I have an intimate knowledge of current market conditions, the values of boats, a familiarity with similar boats, and information on recent sale prices and time on the market through industry resources not available to the public. I’ll also have an idea of the sellers motivation to make the sale.

The Price – If you call any used car dealer or bank in North America and name any production automobile, they will quote a value of within a few dollars of each other. This is due to the multi-billion dollar, organized wholesale car auction system. With over 2,200 boat manufacturers (USCG Listings) in North America there is no such market for boats and there is no official Yacht Blue Book that gives retail and wholesale prices.

Keep in mind that asking prices of yachts generally reflect what the owner feels his boat is worth based upon her condition. I always tell my shoppers that a good boat will cost more than the average one. I tell my sellers of boats that if they have a good boat, they can demand a higher price.

Simply speaking, a boat is only worth what you are willing to pay and a seller is willing to take. I research what the boat you are considering has been selling for in your part of the US. That then becomes our basis for your offer.

The Offer – Once we determine what the boat has been selling for we will arrive at an “Offer to Purchase” price. The price will reflect what your budget will allow, what is fair, what is realistic to buy the yacht based upon her age and condition, and protection for you as conditional.

The offer will be made conditional on a satisfactory marine survey and sea trial. Other conditional items may be added as well.

Ill ask you to make a good-faith 10% deposit on the boat. I am required by law and do use an escrow account for your offer deposit and ensure that at closing, any existing loan or other encumbrances are paid off. This safeguard is of critical importance to the buyer and seller, and can be a potentially serious hazard in a private transaction not involving a broker.

Survey and Sea Trial

Part of our offer will be to have a marine survey completed with the findings to your satisfaction. I know many certified surveyors and Ill recommend several that are top shelf and let you interview and select the one you prefer. You may wish to use an engine surveyor as well as a hull surveyor. They work for you! Of course, you are responsible for the survey cost. The going rate in Florida is from $16-18 per foot. It is customary to pay the surveyor on the day of his work.

On the day of the sea trial, well bring on board the selected surveyor(s) to inspect the vessel in detail. His job is to operate, test, and evaluate everything onboard to make sure it works and is in serviceable condition. He will use up the bulk of a full day going through the entire vessel. Ill be there with you.

You have to be realistic about a marine survey. Surveys are limited by the physical and visual accessibility to the structural elements and systems. No surveyor can find everything thats wrong with a boat in the few hours allotted to a survey and a lot of the issues he does find are subject to his interpretations. For instance, your boat may have balsa cored decks and some surveyors make a big issue of boat decks and consider this a serious issue while I have never seen it hurt anyone or sink a boat…..so if the price is right…. buy it and go cruising. A 100% accurate survey would require complete disassembly of the yacht and we know thats not practical. Oh yes, during the survey its ok to ask your surveyor questions of how hes doing, just dont hover over him. Youll get in his way.
After the survey, the surveyor is going to verbally give you his impression of the boat. Youll know before the day is done if the yacht is a keeper. Hell follow that up a few days later with written copy of the survey for you and your insurance carrier. In virtually every survey, there are issues with the yacht that arise. Some may be minor but some may be significant. If the significant issues are such that we have an inferior vessel and you no longer want the vessel, you still have language in your Offer to Purchase that will allow you to back out of the deal. If the issues are correctable, we again negotiate with the seller and determine if the seller will correct the items before we take delivery or reduce the price accordingly and you correct those things after you take possession. Those issues are resolved by us before we accept the boat.
On the day of the survey, we will also conduct a sea trial. During the sea trial you will get to operate all of the onboard equipment, run the vessel at operating speeds, observe how she behaves and basically operate the vessel and everything aboard to make sure she is what you expected. Ill be there at your side to help you along the way.

Language in the Offer to Purchase we have prepared states that if you dont like the way she handles you can walk away from deal and have your deposit refunded.

Final Acceptance

Once we have completed the survey and sea trial, our Offer to Purchase requires you to sign a formal acceptance document and either accept or reject the boat. We generally include any issues you want corrected as a result of the survey as well. This acceptance document is submitted to the seller for his signature as well.

Once signed by both parties, this document serves to initiate the final legal closing for the yacht.

Documentation, Bills of Sale, Title Abstracts and State Sales Taxes.

Yes, there is legal paperwork that documents the purchase. I facilitate all the paperwork requirements needed to complete the sale, from the initial Offer to Purchase to the Bill of Sale. I take care of documentation, taxes and other fees, as well as certificates of ownership, and title abstracts you will need. I will see to it that all the necessities are completed in a timely manner.

Taxes, yes the government always wants their share. But there are certain circumstances when you do not have to pay state sales taxes. I will review your options when the time comes.

So from the time you made your offer, it will take about 4 weeks to cloe the deal; the yacht is then legaly yours. Happy sailing!

Miami Yacht Rental- An Unforgettable Boat Party Experience

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If you have already heard of boat party or started dreaming up of experiencing it, then consider going for Miami yacht rental. It is really a life-time bounty one acquires. There you find all components of a grand party present, added with unforgettable view of the Atlantic waterways that your invitees relish with delectable dishes prepared by star chefs. Being a host you then feel pride over it.
In order to make such a boat party successful, you need to approach any of the famous Miami yacht charters that abound in the region now-a-days. If you can ensure that you have been able to hire a good luxury yacht charter company, you can make a difference. Difference in the creation of party atmosphere will be evident all around when an expert event planning hand works into it.
Why to go for boat party around Miami only:
There are many places around but Miami is just awesome. It is surrounded by waters, not only the ocean but also the intra-coastal way. The Intracoastal is the perfect sheltered area where to organize a party or Miami event. The Intracoastal waters are always calm and that is the ideal condition to host an event in one of the party boats available around the region.
What extraordinary features such a party can give?
Full-service enjoyment! That is how such a party can only be described. Here you and your invitees watch the dipping of the Sun in full view in the unending depth of the great Atlantics cobalt water. There are many cruise companies that have premier luxury charter offerings and that can be perfect event destination for the picture-perfect waterways of Miami, Florida. Consider hiring one of the miami yacht charters that have best-in-class cruise deck along with professional chefs and event planners, who must have to be qualified, committed and dedicated to providing you with full-service event planning that help turn your special occasion into an exquisitely unique and truly memorable one.
All kinds of parties are allowed:
From private parties to corporate parties, such Miami luxury yacht boats are perfect destinations. You can plan to host private parties, corporate events, seminars, holiday parties, anniversaries, bar mitzvahs, weddings and receptions, engagement parties, family reunions, graduations, and much more. If you have resort party experience, consider now hosting one such at one such yacht charters. You will feel the difference. Moreover, those who are looking to host a corporate party, they can plan to give bonus to their invitees by hiring corporate yacht charters. Specialized event planners are available all around. You need to hire the one that has longstanding experience in the industry.
What about food services:
A party, be it private or corporate, cant be successful unless it serves gourmet dishes to its guests. And, people who go for miami yacht rental need to be happy that majority of them have the capacity. Dishes are prepared by the trained chefs only. Gourmet buffet is the charm of a party that is also available here.
Added to the above features, while many of your guests like to enjoy the picture-perfect view of the Atlantic, relish the delectable dishes, many of them join the live music event, casino group and other services. None of your guests, who may be between 80 and 500, will be able to forget the event in their life-time that you have offered them!

Sail In Paradise – Yacht Charter Adventures In The Virgin Islands

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Looking for a relaxing and adventurous get-a-way in a paradise setting? Why not consider dropping anchor in the sizzling blue waters of the Virgin Islands aboard your own private, crewed Yacht Charter? The Virgin Islands are an archipelago of over 40 islands, islets and cays lying to the east of Puerto Rico in the Northeast Caribbean. This enticing destination offers its visitors the opportunity of exploring both U.S. and British islands. While Sailing in the U.S. Virgin Islands, featured islands might include St. Thomas with its bustling harbor, busy cruise ship docks, and abundance of world-class shops. Meanwhile, St. John, its U.S. neighbor lying 2 miles to the east, offers its visitors something completely different with 80% of its land protected within a pristine national park. Here, visitors can wander through Cruz Bay, its one quaint town, hike numerous trails, or explore an abundance of dazzling white sand beaches.

The British Virgin Islands are typically the highlight of a Yacht Charter as these islands offer its visitors the perfect blend of remoteness and Caribbean charm. Guests that have the opportunity of discovering this destination via Sailing in the Virgin Islands aboard a Yacht Charter soon discover why the British Virgin Islands have come to be known as “Natures Little Secret”. While the main island of Tortola offers a central hub, variety of shops, and convenient airport, a majority of any Yacht Charter will be spent island-hopping through the remote outer islands of Norman, Peter, Salt, Cooper, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. The uniqueness of this vacation lies in the ability to set sail to a new island destination each day, each with its own unique character and charm.

While Sailing in the Virgin Islands, charter guests may opt to: snorkel the Caves at Norman Island, the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island” – visit a world-class resort on Peter Island or take in breath-taking views from its many hiking trails – dive or snorkel above the RMS Rhone, just off Salt Island, one of the most spectacular wreck dives in the Caribbean and the setting for the movie “The Deep” watch a remarkable Cooper Island sunset from the deck of your yacht explore “the Bath’s” on Virgin Gorda – huge granite boulders set amongst crystal-clear blue waters and powder white beaches – a must see for any Virgin Island visitor – take an exhilarating sail out to Anegada and walk its endless beaches – and finally, guests may enjoy a toast to the vacation of a lifetime at “Foxy’s Tamarind Bar” the world-famous beach bar on Jost Van Dyke!

Sailing in the Virgin Islands aboard a Yacht Charter is not only surprisingly affordable, but it also serves as an ideal vacation destination for a wide variety of groups. A Yacht Charter in the Virgin Islands is generally referred to as an “all inclusive” vacation where food, beverage, standard bar, the yacht, the professional crew, and onboard water toys are included in the rate. In addition, whether your Yacht Charter group consists of several friends, a group of couples, or a family grouping, Sailing in the Virgin Islands offers something for everyone. After all, the Virgin Islands are touted as the sailing capital of the Caribbean due to the constant trade winds and the close proximity of the islands to one another. These ideal conditions create the perfect backdrop for first-time charterers in search of protected waters and relaxing coves, as well as more experienced sailors in search of daily adventure and of course the perfect sail!

Sailing in the Virgin Islands aboard a Yacht Charter provides an exciting and unique experience for those that choose to discover it. Visitors may choose from a wide variety of featured yachts, including monohulls (traditional sailboats), catamarans and power yachts. Yacht charters provide a luxurious yet intimate setting by a professional crew whose sole desire is to cater to their guests every whim! Private onboard Chefs take great pride in tailoring a gourmet menu based upon each group’s specific preferences and dietary requirements. Professional Charter Captain’s are happy to teach the basics of sailing, let guests take the helm, and share their stories of the high seas. In addition, guests on a Yacht Charter can choose to be as active or laid-back as they like. An abundance of activities await guests, typically including sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, waterskiing, shopping, beachcombing, and perhaps diving. You’ll never run out of things to do while Sailing in the Virgin Islands. However, guests may choose to sit back, relax, take in the splendid view at each new destination, and leave the responsibilities to their professional Captain and crew.

The best time to sail in the Virgin Islands on a Yacht Charter is from early November through late June as this is the typical charter season for most yachts. Many yachts also charter in the months of July and October as these months fall outside of peak hurricane season in the tropics. It should be noted that the most popular yachts fill their charter calendars well in advance so it is recommended that a Yacht Charter vacation is booked at least 6 months in advance.