The time has come: the purchase contract has been signed, the boat has been paid for, the keys have been handed over - you're finally the owner! Who isn't eager to set off as soon as possible? After all, it's not uncommon to have worked intensively towards this moment: Boats have been inspected, criteria drawn up and weighed up, prices compared, negotiations with sellers (see other parts of this special)
But what happens next? Especially those who have bought a second-hand boat for the first time are often confronted with a whole bundle of questions. And boaters who are switching from a smaller to a larger boat - or vice versa - also have a lot to organise.
This includes taking out insurance, finding a suitable berth and winter storage or simply getting to know the new boat systematically. We explain step by step how to do this and what should be considered before the first trip.
Berth and winter storage should be booked
Admittedly, it's annoying. But as with buying a car, there is also a bit of paperwork involved at the beginning when purchasing a boat. While the car buyer rents a garage parking space or applies for a residents' parking permit, the search for the perfect summer and winter mooring can be a little more tedious. You're lucky if you can and want to simply take it over from the previous owner. Then there is no need to search, which saves time and nerves. In this case, it is important to agree with the previous owner - preferably in writing - until when the berth will be paid for by the previous owner and when the buyer will take over.
If the berth is not taken over and there is none available, for example from your own previous boat, you need to start looking in good time. Many marinas on the North Sea and Baltic coasts have long waiting lists, and the situation is often similar in club harbours. If you only register at the last minute just before the start of the season, you may not get a place in the marina of your choice. The same applies to winter storage.
The question of whether a boat needs to be registered goes hand in hand with the future sailing area. For Lake Constance, for example, a special licence plate must be applied for, as well as for inland waterways such as the waters around Berlin. It can be applied for from the water and shipping authorities, the German Sailing Association (DSV), the German Motor Yacht Association (DMYV) or the ADAC and must be affixed to the hull.
Important: The right insurance policies
You should take out liability and hull insurance for the boat as soon as possible after purchase. Depending on the area, proof of liability insurance may even be required in harbours. However, the buyer has one month to obtain quotes and take out their own policy. Until then, the previous owner's insurance is still valid, but they must be informed of the sale. If the new boat has a VHF radio, an Epirb or AIS, these devices must be re-registered with the Federal Network Agency in the name of the new owner.
Anyone who becomes the skipper of a boat with a VHF radio system on purchase also needs the restricted radio licence, the SRC. Most sailing schools offer courses and the DSV and DMYV examination boards offer examinations.
For all those who are planning further trips abroad in the future, an official proof of ownership should be included in the folder with the boat papers. You can apply to the DSV for an international boat licence for this purpose. Ships over 15 metres in hull length must be entered in the maritime register at the local court. You will receive a ship's certificate, which also serves as proof of ownership.
Get to know the boat
A thorough look at any documents that may have been purchased will also help with the next step: getting an overview of the new boat and the technology on board before the first trip. It is best to ask the previous owner to provide you with any documents that are available - invoices, manuals or lists of when he last serviced which part and what is due again soon.
If such documentation does not exist, it makes sense to at least ask the previous owner or dealer at what intervals which parts and equipment were serviced and possibly replaced. It is best to start your own documentation immediately after purchase. If you also create a kind of on-board manual with photos and instructions in which all the important systems are explained - whether for the regular crew to refer to or for occasional co-sailors - you will automatically become more familiar with the boat. And as simple as it may sound: especially during the first thorough cleaning, you will discover corners that were not noticed during the inspection.
If you have a good relationship with the seller, it is worth asking if he can be present for the first trip or the transfer. Then any unanswered questions can be answered and everything on board can be discussed again. The seller may even be pleased to say goodbye to his old boat in this way.
Inventory on board
Used boats are often sold "with Pött un Pann". In practice, this often means: The forecastle and bilge stowage compartments are filled to bursting point, and there are still packet soups in the lockers from a cruise ten years ago. But there is also a lot of useful, albeit perhaps somewhat outdated, equipment on board.
A thorough inventory, which is best carried out at the same time as the big clean-boat operation, is always a good idea. If there is no accurately completed handover report, it is fun to discover all the treasures you have acquired with the boat.
In the long term, you will equip your own ship according to your own ideas anyway. But much of what is needed for the first test runs or the transfer is certainly already available and should remain. The Checklist in this article helps to check whether a sensible minimum equipment is on board.
Boat transfer: these options are available
On its own keel
Once everything is organised, the boat is ready to go to sea and the equipment is adapted to the respective area, nothing stands in the way of a transfer to the new berth on your own keel. If you are unsure, you can get help on board from a professional skipper or have the boat completely transferred. However, this will tear a considerable hole in the boat's coffers right from the start.
Transport by lorry
An alternative to the sea route is road transport by lorry, for example if the boat is to be transported from the Mediterranean to the North Sea or Baltic Sea or vice versa. Transport by a shipping company specialising in yacht transport is much faster and puts less strain on the ship than the route via the Bay of Biscay, for example. However, this also costs several thousand euros.
Transport on the cargo ship
Transport on a cargo ship is another option, for example if the ship was purchased overseas. Obtaining information in good time and comparing prices is particularly worthwhile with this transfer option.
On the trailer
Those who have purchased a boat with a trailer need not worry too much about the journey to their new home port. It is important to check the roadworthiness and the date of the next general inspection, as well as to find a suitable towing vehicle and a driver who is authorised to drive the trailer. Then you're ready to go.
Regardless of how the boat finally arrives in its new home territory, the first steps are exciting - and perhaps still a little awkward. That's normal. But if you allow enough time at the beginning to familiarise yourself with the boat, you will soon be rewarded: with the first strokes on your own keel and a feeling of happiness that is hard to beat!
Checklist ship's papers
Insurance, radio equipment, possibly the stand licence: what needs to be changed, cancelled or registered
- Take out liability and comprehensive insurance, even if both are not mandatory
- Register callsign and MMSI (www.bundesnetzagentur.de, keyword "Seefunk")
- Apply for an international boat licence or ship certificate
- Apply for a small vehicle licence plate or change your registration (if necessary)
- Apply for a stand licence if necessary
Boat inspection checklist
What needs to be serviced, what spare parts are on board? How to systematically scrutinise your new boat
- Engine: Is an oil change due? Do the oil and fuel filters need to be replaced? What condition is the impeller in? What does a visual inspection of the diesel tank reveal; is it dirty? Before setting off: Has you filled up with fuel?
- Rudder system: Are the rudder cokers and seals in order? Does the rudder have too much play? Is the emergency tiller ready for use?
- Anchor: Is the connection between the chain or line and the anchor intact? What condition is the entire harness in? How long is the chain/leash? Are there any markings? How is the anchor winch operated; is it ready for use?
- Deck: Are the clamps, blocks and winches ready for use?
- Electrics: Are all important consumers working? Do the position lights work? Is there a wiring diagram for the on-board electrical system?
- Hull: What condition are the sacrificial anodes in? When were they last changed?
- Seacocks: How many are there? What condition are they in and how can they be operated?
- Pantry: Has the gas system been checked? Are the gas cylinders still sufficiently pressurised? Are there replacements on board?
Equipment checklist
What is on board, what is still missing for the first tour? An inventory provides an overview
- Lines, mooring lines, towing line, heaving line
- Fender
- Boat hook
- Pütz, sponge
- Radar reflector
- Anchor ball, motorised cone
- National flag, guest country flag if applicable
- Oilskins, shoes
- Life jackets, lifelines, stretch ropes
- Screwdriver, spanner, hammer, bolt cutter, hacksaw
- Pocket knife
- Engine oil, diesel filter
- Spare impeller and V-belt
- Armoured tape
- Torches, headlamp, spare batteries
- Batteries and chargers for electronic devices
- Fire extinguisher
- Life belt or collar
- Distress signalling equipment
- Life raft
- Sealing material, leak plugs
- First-aid kit, first-aid kit, seasickness medication
- Updated nautical charts, area manual
- Compasses, eraser, pencil
- Hand bearing compass
- Logbook, calculator, clock
- Binoculars
- Minimum pantry equipment: plates, mugs, cups, cutlery, pot, pan
- Catering and drinks
- Bedding: blanket, pillow
- Hygiene articles
- Boat documents and driving licences (see above)
Transfer checklist
You can get to know the boat better by sailing to a new harbour on your own keel. But there are sensible alternatives (see above)
- Is the boat clear and equipment available?
- Do you have an experienced crew?
- Has a test stroke been performed?
- Does the weather window fit?
- Is a time buffer planned?
- Is a berth reserved in the destination harbour?
- For trailer boats: Is the trailer roadworthy and ready for use?
This article is part of the Used boat purchase special. All contents:
- Buying a used boat: The key to success - How to do it right!
- The advantages and disadvantages of used boats
- How to find the right boat
- Typology - The most important types of motorboat
- Boat exchanges: Your guide through the online jungle
- You should look out for these weak points
- Checklists for the test drive and inspection
- How to avoid traps in the purchase contract
- What new owners need to know
- You need these insurances for your boat
