Buying A Cruising Yacht
Everyone out there likes the idea of a shiny new
boat. While buying a new yacht is an accomplishment
in itself, you shouldn\'t go over your budget and then
be unable to put out in it. When you buy a
yacht, always look at what comes with the boat
and decide if it\'s everything you want.
Types of construction
GRP
Almost all cruising yachts out there today are made
of GRP construction. GRP material is long lasting,
strong, and easy to repair. Osmosis is the only
real problem here, as the blisters it leaves can be
sometimes costly to repair.
Steel
Steel is always a great idea, as it is by far the
strongest material. There have been steel boats which ran
into reefs and banks and suffered just a few
scratches. Even though steel has many advantages,
rust is the true enemy here. You must keep all
surfaces thoroughly painted, primed, and proofed
against all types of rust.
Aluminum
Although rare in the normal cruising market,
aluminum is very popular in the construction of
top quality custom built yachts. If you are looking
for an aluminum constructed yacht, always make sure
that it wasn\'t constructed by an amateur yacht
builder - as this can cause major problems
down the road.
Wood
Even though it\'s the most traditional building
material, wood still has a lot to offer. If you get
the right kind of wood, it can last just as long as
any other type of material. The maintenence costs
are very high with wood, especially if you don\'t do your
own painting.
Ferro-cement
Concrete type boats have been around for a long
time. A cheap method of hull construction, it was
very popular in the 70\'s. If done properly, it
can be a way of constructing very strong yachts.
Rigs
The most popular choices of yacht rigs include sloop,
cutter, and ketch - in that particular order. Sloop
has the virtue of simplicity, while ketch and cutter
rigs will split the sail plan into more easily
managed areas. A ketch rig can sail under mizzen
and headsail alone, while cutter rigs can offer a
simple twin headsail with downwind option.
Essentials versus desirables
Before you begin looking for a yacht, make a list
of what you must have then make a list of what would
be nice to have. There are many additions and addons
for yachts, although the expenses can mount in
a hurry.
When you shop for a yacht, always know your
budget even before you start looking. A nice yacht
can cost a lot of money that may need saving up for.
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