Found a boat that sounds like it might be right for you? Planning to go see it — or several?
What do you need to do to prepare for the initial inspection? And what should you be sure to do once you’re there?
Just as with buying a house, there are lots of things to look at and it can be overwhelming.
Here are my time-tested tips to find the perfect boat when looking at boats in person, as well as a handy form for keeping notes.
Boat Comparison Sheet (in Documents for Boat Buyers and Owners — FREE)
Prefer to read? Take a look at Boat Shopping.
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Claire says
Thanks, Carolyn. We’re in Florida as I type to look at 3 boats in Ft. Myers and Ft. Lauderdale. Already one disappointment in Sarasota. Even though the broker knew we were driving in from Texas, and his clients also knew we were coming, the clients decided to take the boat out today. I had given a 1 hour window of our arrival, so the broker was left with egg on his face. I hope he drops the client after giving them a stern lecture on trust.
Carolyn Shearlock says
That is horrible! Tells me they really don’t want to sell . . . and would be hard to deal with if you did try to buy it. Certainly hope that one of the others turns out to be your dream boat!
Scott Vincent-Barwood says
Hello Carolyn,
I read and enjoy your newsletters – great information.
I see from one of your pictures that you are on a Gemini 105M. I believe that is the older model that has a single drive on it. One that looks like a giant outboard with an extended shaft on it.
I’m interested to hear what you guys think of this arrangement? Have you had any problems with it ? how is the handling ?
My Fiance and I have narrowed our search to the GEMINI line, preferably the LEGACY 35’S. I like the idea of two inboard engines myself but there is a huge price difference between the 105’s and the 35’s ,,,,,
FOCUSING ON THE DREAM.
Safe travels,
Scott.
Carolyn Shearlock says
The other big difference is that the 105’s (both M’s and MC’s) have centerboards and the Legacy has skegs. Part of the price difference between the 105 and the Legacy is the age of the boat, too. We are very happy with the 105M, but everybody’s idea of the perfect boat is different. I wrote a post about some of the reasons we like the Gemini, maybe it will help you: Thoughts on Our Gemini Catamaran
Karl says
trying to search your site for “boat comparison” to find the spreadsheet you mentioned in your podcast. However, I don’t get any search results, no matter what criteria I use. What am I doing wrong?
Carolyn Shearlock says
You’re not doing anything wrong . . . for some reason, Google (which handles the searches on the site) isn’t finding it. Click here for the boat comparison spreadsheet.
I just added some links in the post to make it easier for others! Thanks for letting me know about the problem.
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Wayne Ditson
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Jerry Orm
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David F. Carey