Quote:
Originally Posted by tuskie
Ozsailor 's advice is spot on. So is Factor's.
If you want a boat in charter, buy one already in charter.
Perhaps have a very long chat with MSQ regarding getting your coxwain's ticket, likely licence restrictions, as well as the requirements, through AMSA and Queensland govt to maintain a boat in survey. There is a lot involved, ranging from safety equipment inspections to Queensland Health inspection of food preparation facilities.
Keep your dream alive, but maybe doing stints back at mines from time to time may be a better option for helping the kitty than operating charter boats?
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Yeah, my origional idea was to
work 3-4 months per year and sail the rest. Dealing with the QLD health dept for inspection of food prep areas really makes it look non appealing.
I think I have decided on a 40 foot production cat, 3 or 4 berth with no more than 2 heads -
lagoon, Robertson and Cain, Fountain Pajot, etc. The
leopard 40 is looking good but I will be sure to charter one of each to decide myself...
Is it worth considering staying under 12 meters for
mooring costs or would people not bother going just over? I plan to be mostly on the hook in Aust, but maybe more moorings in S.E.A.
I might still do the coxswains licence for my own development.
Buying a boat already in charter, or
buying a privately owned boat and getting it surveyed, here are my thoughts:
Buying privately owned:
pro's - get one setup with heaps of cruising
gear already, and hopefully better cared for boat. Things like
water maker, auto pilot I would de-commision untill my use.
Cons - lot's of hassle getting it surveyed, then finding a charter company, getting first bookings, etc.
Buying an existing charter:
Pro's - simply pay the cash and have a boat sitting ready at the marina without the drama of the above including possible forward bookings. Rock up with
beer and food and
cruise off for a few weeks (forward bookings permitting) Customise the boat over a 1-2 year period as time permits.
Cons - I expect to spend about $50k on upgrades, most of which would unlikely be fitted to an existing charter - 1500rpm
generator,
water maker, auto pilot,
radar,
battery and
alternator upgrades. This does give me an excuse to tinker around the boat while it is in charter but not booked.
I think getting one already in charter would be much less hassle and stress, and I can get on and enjoy the boat sooner without having to stuff around 4-6 weeks+ for survey.