FAQs

Does my boat require a registration in New York State ?

The law requires you to register any boat that is motor-driven and is operated on public waterways in NYS. The boat requires a registration even if the motor is not the primary source of propulsion. If you operate the boat in NYS, you must register the boat with the DMV. After you register your boat, you receive a registration certificate that indicates the registration number assigned to your boat and a set of registration stickers.

How much should I budget annually for maintenance?

Most experts recommend budgeting 5-10% of the vessel's value annually for maintenance, insurance, dockage and insurance. Naturally this will vary considerably depending on the vessel, her usage and owner's standards, but it's a good rule of thumb.

What is a sea trial ?

The sea trial or "test sail" allows you to see that all of the boat's equipment is operable and that she handles as you expected and is appropriate for your needs. The sea trial takes place after your purchase offer has been accepted. It generally lasts an hour and a half or so and is usually attended by the buyer, seller and yacht broker. In addition, some surveyors attend sea trials as well.

What are the benefits of working with a broker?

The right broker helps by (a) listening to your needs and recommending types and manufacturers of boats that potentially meet them and (b) then finding the actual boats for sale. There are literally thousands of models by hundreds of different manufacturers, and most people are aware of only a small percentage of them. A broker will have seen and been on more boats than all but the most dedicated buyer. This experience enables the broker to suggest options of which you might have otherwise been unaware.

Does it cost anything to get a boat examined?

Yes it does. However, the fee paid by you as a boat owner includes a full boat safety survey as well as access to competent advice from the examiner on safety precautions in the future for boat installation systems and appliances. Examiners' fees vary widely, usually according to the distance they will have travelled and the total time spent in examining the boat and preparing a written report. At the end of the day, it's a good idea to compare prices without compromising on the additional value examiners can bring to promoting safety during the examination.