Top Questions to Ask When Buying a Catamaran
Buying a catamaran is a significant investment, and making an informed decision requires asking the right questions during the buying process. While there isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer to many of these questions, the responses and detail you’re able to get will help to assess the condition, suitability, and value of the boat relative to other options you are considering.
1. What is the Maintenance History?
One of the first questions to ask when viewing a catamaran is about her maintenance history. Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping any boat in top condition and can reveal how well the previous owner, or owners, have cared for her. Obtain the most detailed maintenance records as possible, including dates of service, types of maintenance, and any repairs or upgrades completed. Understanding maintenance history can help you anticipate future maintenance needs, and therefore project your expenses more accurately, not to mention mitigating the need for unscheduled and embarrassing maintenance events when you’d rather be enjoying your boat with friends and family.
2. Has the Catamaran Been Involved in Major Any Accidents?
Accidents and major repairs can significantly impact a boat’s structural integrity and resale value. Ask if the catamaran has been involved in any collisions, groundings, or has had significant repairs. If she has, inquire about the extent of the damage, the quality of repairs, and who performed them. The term “material damage“ is most commonly used amongst yacht brokers, however subjectivity runs rampant using that phrase. Consider asking if the boat has had any insurance claims, as the answer is binary, and forces the owner or broker to be transparent. Knowing this information can help you assess the catamaran’s current condition and any long-term implications.
3. What are the Condition of the Sails and Rigging?
The sails and rigging are essential components of a catamaran and can be costly to replace. Ask about the age and condition of the sails, including the mainsail, genoa, code zero, and any additional sails that convey with the boat. Have a licensed and accredited surveyor inspect the rigging for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage; specifically the standing rigging as this is a very expensive undertaking, especially if you’re not prepared for it. Standing rigging generally needs to be replaced about every 10 years, so if the boat you’re looking as is nearing a 10-year age interval, this should be at the top of your list. Knowing the condition of these critical areas can help you budget for any necessary replacements or repairs.
4. How Old Are the Engines and What is Their Condition?
The engines are amongst the most expensive parts of a catamaran to repair or replace. In addition, an engine problem can turn a great day on the water into an embarrassing memory you’d rather forget. Ask about the age of the engines, the number of hours on each, and their maintenance history. If the engines are Volvo Penta, ask if the MDI boxes have ever been replaced as this impacts the hours shown on the meter. Look for any signs of leaks, rust, or other issues. If the owner has oil lab analysis records, request those as well. All engines will have some level of wear and tear, but knowing the history and understanding the condition of the engines can help you avoid unexpected repair costs and ensure reliable performance.
5. What Electronics and Navigation Equipment Are Included?
Modern electronics and navigation equipment enhance the safety and convenience of sailing a catamaran. Ask about the types of electronics included, such as GPS, radar, autopilot, and other equipment. If the listing simply states something like “Raymarine electronics”, that’s a cue to inquire about exactly what that means. Recently we had a buyer that didn’t realize until after they accepted the vessel that while the boat had an AIS transceiver and Radar onboard, neither worked properly, which is why the Seller did not include these in the listing details. This one question could have saved them nearly $2,000. Inquire about the age and condition of the equipment included, whether any recent upgrades or repairs have been made, and why. Ultimately these are items a professional surveyor should asses as well.
6. What are the Condition of the Hulls?
The hulls are fundamental to the performance and safety of a catamaran. Inspect the hulls for any signs of osmosis (blistering), cracks, or previous repairs. Ask about the materials used in the construction and any anti-fouling treatments applied. A thorough hull inspection by a licensed and accredited surveyor can reveal potential problems and help you determine the overall condition of the catamaran, alleviating unexpected repair costs down the road.
7. What is the Layout and Condition of the Interior?
The interior layout and condition of a catamaran can greatly affect your comfort and enjoyment while sailing. Ask about the layout of the cabins, galley, heads, and saloon. Check for signs of wear and tear, such as stains, mold, peeling veneer, or damage to the upholstery and finishes. Consider whether the layout meets your needs for space and functionality, and consider any improvements you might make in order to meet your needs.
8. What Safety Equipment is Included?
Safety is paramount when sailing, so it's important to know what safety equipment is included with the catamaran. Ask about life jackets, life rafts, EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons), fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. Many boat owners spend a small fortune on safety equipment, and don’t include it in listing details because they plan to bring much of it over to their new boat. Verify what is included along with the age and condition of the equipment and ensure it meets current safety regulations. A licensed and accredited marine surveyor is a great resource to help with this part of the process.
9. What are the Sailing Characteristics?
Understanding the sailing characteristics of a catamaran can help you determine if it meets your performance expectations. Production catamarans have a wide array of performance characteristics, and oftentimes what you gain in interior volume and comfort, you lose in performance, and vice versa. If you’re looking at both a Lagoon and an Outremer, consider engaging with a licensed yacht broker to help you understand the differences between these catamaran types, and to ensure you make the best decision for your needs. Ask about how the catamaran handles in various weather conditions, her speed, and overall sailing performance. When you get to the point of survey, ensure you include a contingency to take the boat out for a sea trial to experience the catamaran’s performance.
10. Are There Any Pending Issues or Required Upgrades?
Finally, ask if there are any pending issues or required upgrades/replacements that you should be aware of. This could include anything from minor gelcoat repairs to major system overhauls, to name a few. Just last week I met a Seller who had B&G electronics that worked flawlessly, however everything was about 20 years old; well beyond the expected useful life. A new owner should anticipate fully upgrading all these electronics within a few years. Knowing about these items in advance can help you not only to negotiate the fairest price up front, but also will hep to budget for future expenses.
The Big Picture
Asking these key questions when viewing a catamaran can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of its condition, suitability, and value. It’s always a good idea to engage a licensed yacht broker and have a professional surveyor conduct a thorough inspection to ensure you make an informed decision. By doing your due diligence, you can find the perfect catamaran that meets your needs and provides years of enjoyable sailing.