This also could be a whole blog in itself. If anyone is ever considering buying a boat, other than brand new, it’s not IF you have problems, it’s WHEN. And it doesn’t matter if it’s a million dollar yacht or a well-loved one like ours. You will have something to fix, almost always.
This is where we are extremely lucky. My husband Steve (mechanic by choice), is a gear head. He loves to tinker, loves to fix and prides himself in knowing it cost us a fraction of the cost, as paying $$$$ for a boat mechanic to do the same. If you or your partner are not mechanically inclined, you will most def have to factor in regular (and not just maintenance) repairs into your annual costs. Even if you don’t know a thing about the inner workings of boats, you have to know enough to Captain your own vessel safely. This means knowing about fuel exchange, sea strainers, etc, as these may need to addressed during a trip you are taking. Walk through the boat with the surveyor. Ask LOTS of questions. Get on boating forums. Do your homework.