Pros and Cons of Buying an Ex-Charter Boat ?

[darkdog64]

Lots of valuable info, thanks.

Can I add to the confusion a little more.

The difference in value between a ex and none ex charter is very significant for like for like boats, 4-7 years old. What is the difference in value after another 7-10 years? Is there a convergence in values, does the ex charter lose its tarnish somewhat?

Right now I am on the side of buying an ex charter - if I assume it is gonna be costly to bring up to scratch my expectations are managed. If I buy a PO boat I could pay a premium for a lemon.

Thanks for painting both sides of the picture, knowledge is priceless.

[nautical62]

I own both a 32.2 charter boat and 30 foot boat purchased from private owner.


Charter: Used and abused by many less experienced sailors.
Private: Probably used by more knowledge, invested sailor.

Charter: Has to be maintained to charter ready condition.
Private: May be immaculately maintained or things may have been let go.

Charter: Final use planned from get go.
Private; Less so on average, but not necessarily.

Charter: Items professionally installed
Private: Items may be installed properly or may be jurry rigged.

Charter: Will be equipped for charter industry - coastal cruising
Private: May be less (day sail) or more (passgemaking) equippped.

Charter: Mostly models in charter 5-8 years old, in charter areas.
Private: Greater variety of models, ages and locations.

Charter: Often larger engine, and more robust upgrades
Private: Often not

Charter: Most assuredly constantly in the water almost all the time.
Private: Some at least spent a lot of time on the hard.

Charter: Probably used about 150-200 days per year, 5 hours on engine/day.
Private: Could have been sitting at the dock with ocassional day use or could have been pushed with very hard constant cruising.



My overall observation is that while charter boats get hard and constant use from those who don't care about them the way owner's do, this is largely balanced by the fact the boats have more robust upgrades and are maintained to be charter ready. When I did my last boat search I was amazed at what poor shape many boats for sale by owner were in: systems broken, jurry rigged electronics, rotten through-hulls, etc.

My current plan is to run with my charter boat and sell my other boat since the charter boat has been better maintained and outfitted.