S P O N S O R E D B Y

SevenQuestions

EveryExpressCruiserBuyerShould

BeAsking

Themselves

Q’s

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What are some aspects I should consider before

buying an express cruiser?

THERE MAY BE NOTHING more critical than the consideration of retention of value, high-quality construction, and after-delivery service and sup-port. Retention of value, or retained equity value after three to five years of cruising, is most often found when builders have limited or no inventory builds, calculated, limited, and ben-eficial styling changes, and quality after-sales service.

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What question should I ask myself before buying

an express cruiser?OUR ADVICE would be to pay attention to the details of the design. Understand how you’re going to use it. Some people buy boats to live on at the dock, some people want to go places, and those boat types are available.

Also, keep resale in mind. How do the boats do on the resale market? Because eventually you’re going to want something new or better. We find that with a lot of our boats, they initially seem expensive but at the end of the day, after you’ve spent the money on running and maintaining the boat, enjoyed your time on the water, and creating all those great memories, you’re going to want to know your return on investment.

Don’t buy a boat without taking it through its paces. If there is no opportunity on a trial to hit waves, then run in a circle until you make your own. Is the boat quiet when running? Is the boat efficient? How does it enter the water? Does it leave a big wake because it’s pushing water? These are important factors to know.

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What considerations should I make when walking through a boat I might buy?

WHEN YOU ARE LOOKING over a boat know what you are looking at. Look around for safety items including grabrails, nonslip walking ar-eas, and decent deck access. Rounded corners and coamings prevent bruises. Also, check the line of sight from the helm. Will your elec-tronics be safe or blessed with a saltwater baptism every time the wind blows 10 knots? Are engines accessible for maintenance and service? Is the boat fully equipped and scheduled to be delivered turn-key ready, or will you have to spend more money and time outfitting it? Factor your time and the value of your time when calculating this number because installing after-market equipment requires disas-sembling parts of the boat to effect a good job.

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THE MOST NOTABLE is a signifi-cant upgrade in sophistication of yacht-operation systems. With this, owners are purchas-ing vessels that previously re-quired more hands to operate. Also, popular and frequent op-tions are hardtops, bow and stern thrusters, remote con-trols or joystick operation; and it’s important to note that more owners are glad not to have the extra maintenance of exterior teak. All of these im-provements in technology and design have created a more enjoyable experience for the yacht owner, who is the best source of ideas for continued build improvements.

What design trends should I know about?

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What type of homework should I be doing?

WHEN SHOPPING for an express cruiser, take the time to study the brand. Look at a lot of them and from all ages. It’s a clue to how well the boat holds up, as well as a means to see what changes have happened.

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How do I know if the boat is right for me?

THERE’S ONLY 52 weekends in a year. Ask yourself, “How many of those am I going to spend on the boat?” Because what happens is someone comes to a boat show to see a 50-footer and they finish the day looking at a boat up to 100 feet. Don’t ask, “Why did I spend the whole day looking at boats I can’t afford?” Understand how you’re going to use a boat and look accordingly.

What do I need to know about the

buying process?SEEK OUT A MANUFACTURER’S rep if one is available. He or she will have the ability to answer all of your questions about availability, pow-er suggestions, optional equipment, etc. Availability is key. People who build a new boat typically order them in the fall for delivery in the coming summer. Depending upon the manufacturer’s backlog there may not be a slot available if you delay making a commitment and fail to sign a contract. If you have a trade, be honest about its condi-tion and the engine hours. Some would-be buyers try to bargain for a wholesale price for the new boat yet think their trade is worth retail. It does not work that way.

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A remarkable fusion of performance, craftsmanship and style. Welcome to Palm Beach... a new world of re� ned luxury cruising.

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