Far offshore travel, cruising between tropical islands or drifting peacefully in endless waters doesn’t have to be just a dream. If you’re considering buying a yacht, your head is probably starting to spin as you learn about different boat design concepts and specific solutions. How not to get confused? We’ll tell you what to look for first when configuring and buying a sea yacht.
Boat size — think about how big a boat you need
A bigger boat is not always the best boat. When choosing it, take into account practical considerations:
- number of crew members — the larger it is, the more spacious the yacht should be (if only for the sake of providing sleeping accommodations for the entire crew);
- sea voyage plans — long, oceanic voyages may require the boat to have larger fuel tanks, and more space for drinking water and food supplies, however, if you’re planning to make short voyages along the coast, a smaller boat will be a better choice for you;
- maintenance costs — the larger the sea yacht, the higher its operating cost can be.
Choosing the right yacht size isn’t only a matter of convenience, but also a matter of sensible budgeting and adjusting its size to your needs. Smaller boats also tend to be quicker and more maneuverable. A large sea yacht, on the other hand, offers a spacious deck and living quarters. Keep in mind, however, that a boat that is a dozen or more meters long is not always better than one that is about 10 meters long. A lot depends on your needs, and the parameters and equipment of the yacht.
Seaworthiness — why is it that important?
Seaworthiness determines a boat’s ability to cope with difficult conditions in the open sea. From a sailor’s perspective, this translates into such parameters as stability, safe behavior of the yacht during high winds, high waves or weather changes.
If you plan to sail the ocean, and not just along the coastal boulevards, seaworthiness is of great importance. It is influenced by such parameters as: the shape of the hull or the displacement of the yacht. Your boat should as seaworthy as possible, which means that:
- it is safe,
- it has the lowest possible susceptibility to resonant rolling and heaving,
- it performs well at sea in difficult weather conditions,
- it is uncapsizable.
its seaworthiness affects both safety and comfort when the waves are higher and the wind is strong.
The right deck makes a big difference
The deck of a sea yacht serves both as a recreational area and a working space — it is on the deck that you will find the elements that allow you to control the boat.
Cockpit
The cockpit is the “heart” of the deck. This is where the life of the crew takes place. Its members meet there to talk together, plan routes or eat meals. For this reason, choose a yacht with a comfortable and sufficiently large cockpit. Think about having a folding table there — it will surely come in handy more than once during crew meetings!
Side deck
The side deck is a part of the deck used for crew movement, but also for admiring the view and enjoying the sea breeze. It should have stable handrails that ensure safe movement when its surface is slippery and wet.
Genoa or jib track car
It provides efficient control over the setting of the sails, which is of great importance, especially when in difficult weather conditions that change quickly. You can choose a yacht, for example, with the foresail track car controlled from the cockpit. This is a huge convenience for the crew member responsible for trimming this sail.
Choose a sea yacht with a good engine
In sailing, you rely both on the strength of the wind and the ability to drive the sails, and on … a solid engine in a sea yacht. A good propulsion can be a real savior in many situations at sea!
What to look for when it comes to engines in yachts?
- For engine power — it should be sufficient to overcome ocean currents, waves and the resistance of strong winds.
- For economical fuel consumption — this is important because of operating costs and if you plan long voyages far away from ports.
Pay attention to the yacht’s equipment
First, check the quality of the materials used to finish the interior of the yacht. Second, look at whether its functional. Pay attention to the interior lighting of cabins, sleeping berths and luggage storage. Don’t forget to check that the installation of the gas stove complies with EU standards, that the yacht has space for food storage (refrigerator), and the water system and sanitary facilities design.
The selection and configuration of a sea yacht is one of the more pleasant, but also more difficult decisions its future owners face. Remember to buy the boat with a cool head. To do this, analyze your needs well and pay attention to the design elements of your dream sea yacht.
