📌 1. Decide What Type of Boat You Need

Start by being brutally honest about how you plan to use the boat. Your budget, mooring costs, and running expenses all depend on choosing the right category.

Common Boat Types in the UK

• Narrowboat – Perfect for canals, long-term cruising, or living aboard.
• Widebeam – More space than a narrowboat; ideal for residential use.
• Fibreglass Cruiser (GRP) – Popular on rivers and lakes; lightweight and affordable.
• Sailing Yacht – For coastal cruising or offshore sailing.
• Motorboat / Cabin Cruiser – Higher speed, great for sea trips and family days.
• RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) – Fast, lightweight, practical for fishing and diving.
• Fishing Boat – Dedicated layouts for sea fishing.
• Speedboat / Sportsboat – For water sports and fun.
• Houseboat – Static living accommodation, very different from narrowboats.

📌 2. Set Your Budget (Purchase + Running Costs)

Many buyers focus only on the sale price — but running costs can easily exceed the purchase price over a few years.

Typical Annual Costs

Hidden & Unexpected Costs

• Surveys and inspections
• Repairs after the survey
• Mooring deposits
• Safety equipment
• Winterisation
• Breakdown cover
• Transporting the boat to your location
• Upgrading electrics, batteries, or solar

Tip: Always leave 10–20% of the purchase price aside for post-survey repairs.

📌 3. Where to Buy a Boat (Safely)

There are several ways to buy a boat in the UK, each with pros and cons.

Online Marketplaces

• Anchor Exchange
• Apollo Duck
• Facebook Marketplace
• Gumtree
• Brokerage websites

Benefits: Large choice, easy browsing, direct communication with sellers.
Risks: Misdescriptions, scams — avoid paying deposits without proof of ownership.

Brokers

Marine brokers handle paperwork, viewings, and secure transactions. They are more expensive but offer extra safety and guidance for first-time buyers.

Boat Shows

• Crick Boat Show
• Southampton Boat Show
• Other regional boat and canal shows

Marinas & Boatyards

Boats that have been maintained on-site in marinas and boatyards are often better looked after, with service history available.

📌 4. What to Look For When Viewing a Boat

This section is crucial and will help you avoid expensive mistakes.

A. Hull Condition

For steel boats (narrowboats, widebeams):

• Check blacking condition.
• Look for pitting, corrosion and previous repairs.
• Check hull thickness (a survey is essential).

For GRP boats:

• Look for signs of osmosis (blistering).
• Check for stress cracks, repairs, and impact damage.

B. Engine & Mechanical Systems

• Does it start from cold without excessive cranking?
• Is there excessive smoke (especially when revved)?
• Is there a service history?
• Any oil or fuel leaks in the engine bay?
• Does the engine overheat or struggle under load?

C. Electrical Systems

• Check battery bank age and condition.
• Inspect the inverter/charger.
• Look at 12V distribution and fuses.
• Check any solar installation and cabling.
• Inspect shore power setup (consumer unit, RCDs, sockets).

D. Interior Condition

• Check for damp, mildew and mould.
• Look for leaks around windows, hatches and vents.
• Test floor for soft spots and rotten areas.
• Inspect bathroom and kitchen for water damage.
• Assess the quality of any refits.
• Consider gas safety and ventilation.

E. Heating & Plumbing

• What type of heating is fitted (stove, diesel heater, electric, etc.)?
• Does the hot water system work properly?
• Check the water tank material and condition.
• Inspect toilets and waste systems carefully.

F. Topsides & Deck

• Check paint or gelcoat condition.
• Inspect handrails, bollards, cleats and fittings.
• Look at canopies and covers for tears or leaks.

G. Paperwork

• Builder’s plate and identification.
• CE / RCD documentation (where applicable).
• Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) certificate for inland waterways.
• Proof of ownership.
• Service history and receipts.
• Manuals and wiring diagrams if available.

📌 5. Why You Must Get a Marine Survey

Never skip a survey — even for “good condition” boats. A survey can save you thousands of pounds and reveal serious hidden issues.

There are three main types:

1. Hull Survey

Focuses on:

• Hull thickness and plate condition.
• Corrosion and pitting.
• Previous welding and repairs.
• Blacking condition.
• Amount and condition of anodes.

2. Full Condition Survey

Covers:

• Hull and structure.
• Engine and mechanical systems.
• Electrics and plumbing.
• Interior condition.
• Safety systems.

3. Pre-Purchase Survey

A complete assessment designed specifically for buyers. Surveyors may also provide a valuation.

Typical cost: £400–£1,000 depending on boat size and scope.

Important: Always be prepared to walk away if the seller refuses a survey.

📌 6. Questions to Ask the Seller

These questions protect you from buying problems and give useful negotiation leverage.

Ownership & History

• How long have you owned the boat?
• Why are you selling?
• Is there any finance outstanding on the boat?
• Has it ever sunk or been in an accident?

Maintenance

• When was it last serviced?
• When was the last blacking done?
• When were the batteries last replaced?
• Have there been any major repairs or refits recently?

Usage

• Has it been lived on full-time or used occasionally?
• Is it used mainly on inland waterways, tidal rivers, or coastal waters?
• How often is it moved or cruised?

Tip: Keep written notes so you can compare boats accurately later.

📌 7. How to Make an Offer (Safely)

Negotiation Tips

• Use survey results to renegotiate where issues are found.
• Compare similar boats listed on Anchor Exchange.
• Be realistic — boats rarely sell for full asking price.
• Serious buyers make offers quickly to avoid losing out to other buyers.

Safe Payment Methods

Recommended:

• Bank transfer.
• Escrow via a reputable broker.
• In-person handover with a signed bill of sale.

Avoid:

• Western Union or similar money transfer services.
• Cryptocurrency payments.
• Large cash payments without paperwork.
• Deposits to unrelated third-party accounts.

📌 8. Paperwork & Documentation Checklist

Before you pay, ensure the seller provides the right documentation.

Essential Documents

• Signed bill of sale.
• Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) certificate (for inland boats).
• RCD / CE documents or post-construction declaration where applicable.
• Engine serial numbers and identification.
• Service history and receipts for major work.
• Previous surveys (if available).
• Boat index number (e.g. CRT registration for canals).
• Mooring agreement if it is transferable.

Useful Extras

• Owner’s manuals for equipment.
• Wiring diagrams.
• Insurance documents.
• Any warrantees on recent work or equipment.

📌 9. Moving, Transporting & Mooring Your New Boat

A. Transport Options

• Marina-to-marina moves by professional boat movers.
• Crane lift and road haulage for larger boats.
• DIY trailer for small, trailerable boats.
• Sailing or cruising the boat home if it is seaworthy and insured.

B. Mooring Options

• Marina berth (residential or leisure).
• Towpath mooring under licence.
• Residential moorings.
• Leisure moorings (not for full-time living).
• Continuous cruising (specific rules apply).

Mooring costs vary hugely by region. The South and popular cities are more expensive, while the North and Midlands can be more affordable.

📌 10. Common Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make

Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Falling in love with the first boat you see without comparing options.
• Skipping the survey to save money upfront.
• Underestimating mooring and running costs.
• Ignoring engine condition and focusing only on the interior.
• Buying a “project boat” without the skills, time or budget.
• Forgetting about winterisation and protection.
• Not understanding licences and legal requirements.

📌 11. When to Walk Away (Red Flags)

If you see any of these, it’s usually safest to walk away:

• Seller refuses to allow a survey.
• No proof of ownership or very limited paperwork.
• Engine smokes heavily or will not start from cold.
• Surveyor identifies serious hull pitting or thin plating.
• Obvious internal water leaks or severe damp.
• Strong smell of diesel fumes or gas inside.
• Dangerous or DIY electrics that look unsafe.
• Price is far below market value with a vague explanation.

📌 12. Buying Through Anchor Exchange

Buying through Anchor Exchange makes the process easier and more transparent:

• Verified sellers and business directory profiles.
• Secure messaging system between buyers and sellers.
• Structured listings with key details visible at a glance.
• Buyer awareness tools, guides and safety information.
• Directory of marine services for surveys, repairs, electrics, plumbing, transport and more.
• Saved searches and favourites to track interesting boats.
• Boosted premium profiles for more trustworthy traders and brokers.

⚓ Conclusion: Buying a Boat Should Be Exciting — Not Stressful

Your first boat can change your lifestyle forever. With the right preparation — and by following this guide — you can avoid costly mistakes, spot genuine opportunities, and find the perfect boat for your needs.

Anchor Exchange is designed to make the entire process easier, safer, and more transparent. Browse listings, check seller profiles, and connect with trusted marine services all in one place.

Ready to start? Explore boats for sale on Anchor Exchange, shortlist your favourites, and book a viewing with confidence.