Boat Purchase Dream Fulfilled

[Jaden44]

Since my teen years I've always wanted to own a sail boat and go cruising. It's taken me 40 years to realize my dream and I can report that I’ve had a very positive purchasing experience.

I've read in this forum of the anxiety of some members who have struggled to find those few extra dollars to match the seller’s list price. I've read of boats being seriously misrepresented by the seller and of marine surveyors who have reportedly failed to detect and alert the buyer of significant defects. I've read of members requesting definitive cost estimates to go cruising and live in exotic countries. If such stories and replies are to be believed, then it makes no sense to consider going cruising. The number of positive purchasing experiences by comparison appears small small.

The boat I selected is now +10 years old but she is nevertheless in above average condition in all respects and the price fitted my constrained budget. My boat was designed by a highly respected naval architect for a client with a resume reflecting very creditable off-shore racing and ocean sailing experience in high latitudes and deep pockets. My boat was constructed by a Dutch shipyard recognized for its attention to detail, and high quality work. She is extremely strong, watertight, and a very capable blue water ocean cruiser.

I literally had to cross oceans from Australia to the Netherlands to inspect and finalize the sale. My yacht broker’s professional attention, commitment, and patience to broker the sale can only be described as outstanding.

I encourage everyone with intentions of purchasing their perfect sail boat, to not give up the search. Your special boat does exist. It just takes time, commitment, and research to track her down. I’m reminded that there are always bigger, newer, faster boats out there, so an important part of the purchasing process is to make a personal decision to enjoy the boat you have and to go sail her.

SY Jaden
Singapore

[Ocean Roads]

Congratulations!

So????? What did you buy?

Pictures?

[Jaden44]

Fair question.
Five photos added for your enjoyment.

[Mimsy]

Congrats! She's a beauty. I hope you enjoy her for many, many years!

[Dockhead]

Congratulations!!! A very handsome vessel!!

Now tell us all about her, and brag a little bit. We will all get to share your pleasure that way.

[MarkJ]

Congratulations

What design is it? Looks wonderulf and Vand de stat'ish?

Good news stories are closely read but they aren't as dramatic as true life horror stories that garner 100 responses.

See you out there - somewhere.

[MPB]

Very Nice !!!

Enjoy your new adventures.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Jaden44.

As others have said; a very nice looking boat. Congratulations!

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
You've got a beautiful boat there and you've done a great job keeping her maintained very well.
kind regards,

[itchybro]

Neat design. Congratulations!

[NotQuiteLost]

Gorgeous boat. Take care of it, and it'll take care of you. Looks like you've got your relationship off on the right foot

[scook1]

I love the looks of it! Was it different to buy from a different country?

[ooitn]

Happy for you Jaden.
You mendtioned that you are from Singapore, which means the boat going to be at Singapore?
I am from Singapore (not white) and you are mentioning "me" on your first few paragraphs..
I am now 45, plan to take 5 years to learn sail, 10 year to save for a boat, and retire Living aboard and sail.
Are you going to LA Jaden in Singapore?
Where do you register the boat? in Singapore? any tax issue?
Again beautiful boat Congratulations!

[Jaden44]

Hello ooitn, Sorry for my late reply. My boat was delivered to Jurong, Singapore in September from Rotterdam by heavy lift ship transport. I then spent 5 weeks on a swing mooring at the Changi Sailing Club, Singapore before departing for Melaka, Port Klang, Pangkor Island, Penang and then Langkawi. Today I'm in marina at Langkawi, Malaysia.

Follow your dream! I would encourage you to contact the guys at the Changi Sailing club and list for a crew position. Regular sailing every Saturday. It should not be too difficult to get regular crew ride particuarly if you are prepared to give up a little extra time to help the yacht owner with his general maintenance issues. This will also give you a chance to learn the ropes, maintenance issues, and "costs" of boat ownership. Lots to learn and you may also find a good boat for sale.

I have found that owning a boat is a full time job. Costs for surprise repairs are a never ending and a significant drain on the fianances.

Your questions: s/v Jaden is registered in Australia. Home port Brisbane. No tax issues with Australian authorities until such time as I decide to take the boat to Australia. Then I will have to pay the Australian import duty based on the boats value at date of importation - another cost estimated to be AU$40,000+. My plan is to keep s/v Jaden in S.E. Asia for the next 3-4 years. Marina coast to date are +/-US$15.00/day and marina space is getting harder to find. I'm enjoying the boat and cruising S.E. Asia but unfortunately may need to go back to work to replenish the fiances. A reality that was not factored into my game plan. My wife has suggested I would have saved lots of money if I had bought race horse vs. the boat. Unfortunately I have to admit that she could be right.

[Rolf the Rotten]

Great looking boat!! Congratulations!