As with all consumer research, there are innumerable print and online information sources you can check. Begin with your local library or book store – and check reviews by other readers who can offer some insight into the helpfulness of the book or magazine. A quick check on Amazon will provide books on all types of sail boats, and on both new and used boats, with reviews provided by fellow enthusiasts.

The Sailingmates Blog cautions the sailboat buyer to examine the free downloads titled “Used Sailboat Buying Guide,” the “Initial Checklist” and the “Preliminary Survey Checklist” all available for free at their site. The purpose of the blog is to “discover how to buy, maintain, repair and upgrade your sailboat,” so the site might prove to be of significant help after the purchase as well. Check out the blog itself and the discussions you find there to verify the quality of the information provided. Other posts appear current and extremely practical to the sailboater.

Don’t forget to come up with a new name for the boat.  You may want to include a cool graphic or logo as well.  I used free logo design software to get some ideas when I was doing mine.  It worked pretty good.

Other resources include magazines, national and some State government documents, and of course online social networks dedicated to sailing. Even Forbes online has an article about buying a sailboat, and it compares the differences between car buying and boat buying. It also points out the emotional element of purchasing a sailboat which might not be something you would expect. (As with all information sources, evaluate the source to determine the quality of information.)

Most of the sources mentioned begin with the concept of matching your purchase to your true needs and intentions, rather than the grand –but unrealistic– mental image you may have of yourself with a 70-foot wooden racing boat. The general second consideration is that of safety: consider your sailboat will be carrying (yourself and your loved ones) and make sure all factors for safe sailing are covered.

Bottom line for purchasing a sailboat: don’t do it on your own. Get information, get advice and take your time. This purchase is one that give you back what you put into it.

This article was brought to you by Sailing Barefoot, which is designed to help people enjoy the great hobby of sailing. You can read more about sailing, including their latest article entitled Learning To Sail at their website.