Buying a Boat

No, but we do recommend booking in advance where possible. This allows us to make sure we have enough time set aside to properly look after you, answer any questions, and prepare any boats you may wish to view ahead of your arrival.

Yes, our deposits are fully refundable up until the exchange of contracts. Once contracts have been exchanged, the transaction becomes legally binding. If the buyer fails to complete within the agreed timeframe, the deposit is liable to be forfeited as liquidated damages in accordance with the Sale and Purchase Agreement.

We allow a five week window from the day the offer is accepted, to the date of completion. This is usually plenty of time to arrange a survey and/or water trial, and to allow you to get the funds transferred into our secure client account, and the boat licence and insurance organised.

Yes, this can be considered. If you are aware of any delays in obtaining funds, please let us know at the outset so we can present this to the Vendor. Subject to their agreement, a variation to the Sale and Purchaser Agreement may be included to allow an extended completion timeframe. If no extension is agreed, the standard five-week completion period will apply. Please be aware that failure to complete within this timeframe may result in forfeiture of the deposit and the boat being returned to the market.

We are generally unable to accept offers that are dependent on the sale of a property, unless contracts have been exchanged and a fixed completion date is in place. This is because property transactions can be uncertain until exchange, and delays or withdrawals can occur. In the past, we have seen situations where a buyer expected to complete within our standard five week timeframe, but their house sale did not proceed.

In such circumstances, the boat will have been withdrawn from the market during that period, and the buyer is now unable to complete within the agreed timescales. Under the terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreement, this would constitute a default, resulting in forfeiture of the deposit. Any survey or lift-out costs incurred would also remain payable, and the Vendor may seek to recover losses. For this reason, we strongly recommend that funds are in place, or that a confirmed completion date is agreed, before making an offer.

Yes, we are always happy to welcome visitors who are at the early stages of considering boat ownership. There is no pressure or hard selling at ABNB, and we are pleased to show a small selection of suitable boats to help you get a feel for what is available. We do ask that you pre-book a viewing appointment so that we can set aside dedicated time to assist you.

We are all dog lovers at ABNB, however we are unable to allow dogs onboard. The boats we market are privately owned, and we have a responsibility to take good care of them.

We are unable to offer a water trial prior to an offer being accepted. Once a sale has been agreed, a water trial can be arranged as part of the sales process. Many buyers choose to combine a water trial with a handover. Where possible, the boat owner will carry out the water trial and handover; however, if they are unavailable, a member of the ABNB team will assist.

Yes, this is possible at some boat yards. However, the boat is not yours at this point, so we will need to seek approval from the Vendor, and you will need to sign a disclaimer which states that you will pay for blacking regardless of whether you go ahead and purchase the boat.

As a professional brokerage dealing with high value assets, we are required to carry out identity checks in line with Anti-Money Laundering regulations. This includes verification of photographic ID and proof of address. A small administration fee per person is charged for this process, which is payable at the deposit stage. Please note that this fee is non-refundable in the event that the sale does not proceed.

Yes, we would always advise caution when purchasing privately. While many private sales proceed without issue, there are unfortunately occasions where buyers have been exposed to fraud. We recommend that you never pay a deposit before viewing a boat in person. You should also ensure that all ownership documentation is in order, including a clear chain of title and confirmation that the seller is the legal owner.

The most recent Bill of Sale should be in the name of the current seller. If documentation is missing or unclear, this may indicate that the vessel is subject to outstanding finance or that ownership cannot be fully verified. You should also check compliance with the Recreational Craft Directive (where applicable) and the Boat Safety Scheme. If you would like assistance, we offer a professional conveyancing service for private sales – please ask for our current pricing and details.