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Bray Marine Sales Penton Hook Marine Sales Thames & Kennet Marine Sales info@thamesboatsales.co.uk www.thamesboatsales.co.uk |
Customer FAQs - Buyers |
1. Why should I buy from a broker? A broker will have a choice of boats for you to view and will be able to advise you on the merits of different sizes, styles and engine options. The broker will also be able to guide you through the buying process - surveys, moorings, insurance and finance. A good broker will ensure that all relevant paperwork is in place for your purchase, with an initial contract agreeing the terms of your purchase, through to the Bill of Sale passing title from the vendor to you. The broker will also protect the purchaser against any outstanding liens and finance on the vessel. 2. Do I need a licence to drive a boat? When purchasing a boat from us we like to make sure you are happy with how she works and handles. When the purchase has been concluded we offer a 'handover'. This will consist of showing you how to use all the major systems on board, including a short river trip and mooring the boat. The handover takes approximately two hours, depending on the size and complexity of the vessel and your own previous experience. If you require further tuition, we can arrange this for you with a qualified skipper. 3. What are the annual running costs? This depends on the size of the vessel and where you plan to moor her - you will find a cost calculator on the 'boat specification' page on our website - this will give you a guideline of mooring, insurance and licensing costs for a boat on the Thames. 4. Should I have a survey? We always strongly recommend that you have the boat surveyed by a reputable surveyor. This will give you peace of mind that the boat you are buying is sound and her equipment is working correctly. The surveyor will give you an extensive report on the boat and her condition, including the installation of the engine(s) - he will, however, not give an opinion on the engine(s) themselves. An engineer can be employed to provide a report on the machinery, but we offer a river trial to demonstrate the vessel's machinery to you. If your intended purchase is over 10 years old, most insurance companies will require you to have a survey before they will offer cover on the vessel. 5. Why do I put a deposit down before I have driven her? We ask for a deposit once a price has been agreed for your purchase; this deposit is held in a 'client account' subject to satisfactory river trial and/or survey and the boat is placed 'Under Offer' whilst these are arranged. Once the vessel is placed 'Under Offer' it will be taken off the market and 'reserved' to yourself; the deposit is returnable should the survey or trial be unacceptable to you minus any unpaid services such as surveyor fees or lift for survey. 6. How far can I cruise on the Thames? The Thames is navigable as far up as Lechlade but access to the upper reaches is limited by the low bridge at Osney, near Oxford. Osney Bridge has a clearance 7ft 6in (2.3m) which means it is only passable to smaller or specially modified cruisers. The Thames also gives access to the extensive inland waterways of England, via the Wey Navigation, Basingstoke Canal, Grand Union Canal and Kennet & Avon Canal. You can also access the sea through the Thames Estuary, assuming the boat is capable. 7. How much will my purchase depreciate? A boat built by a well known, reputable manufacturer which is put back on to the market in similar or better condition will usually make a similar price to when she was purchased. Generally speaking, second hand vessels hold their value (subject to market conditions and also assuming that the correct price was paid when the vessel was purchased). 8. Can I finance the purchase? Yes - there are several marine finance companies that will be happy to finance your purchase. They have many different products and can advise you on which would be best suited to your circumstances. 9. Who teaches me to drive the boat? When purchasing a boat from us we like to make sure you are happy with how she works and handles. When the purchase has been concluded we offer a 'handover' this will consist of showing you how to use all the major systems on board including a short river trip and mooring the boat this will last approximate two hours, depending on the size and complexity of the boat. If you require further tuition, we can arrange this for you with a qualified skipper. |
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