Fulfilling the dream of owning your own boat and sailing the Costa Brava is one of the most rewarding experiences there is. Waking up in the canals of Empuriabrava, heading to Cap de Creus or anchoring in front of the historic ruins of Empúries to enjoy the evening is an unparalleled lifestyle.
However, when it comes time to buy your first boat, the option of a second-hand one is the smartest and most common. The second-hand boat market in the province of Girona is very large, but so that sleep does not become a peseta, it is vital to know what to look for.
At Nautica Rio, with years of experience advising sailors on our coast, we have prepared this essential guide so that you can buy your first second-hand boat with total safety and confidence.
1. Define your actual navigation plan
Before looking at catalogues or visiting ports in Roses, L’Escala or Palamós, the first question you should ask yourself is: What did I really use the boat for?
If you are looking for day trips with friends, water sports and ease of entering narrow coves, a RIB boat (such as the exclusive Marlin) or an open boat of contained length is your best option.
If your idea is to spend weekends on board, make longer crossings or spend the night with your family, you will need a boat with a cabin, bathroom and superior habitability, like the most versatile models from Axopar.
⚓ Do you have doubts about what type of boat fits your degree or lifestyle? Don’t gamble. At Nautica Riwe analyze your budget and your needs to find you the perfect used boat. [Contact our team of advisors today] and let yourself be guided by professionals from the Costa Brava.
2. The Engine: The Heart of the Boat
The hull is important, but the engine determines the safety and cost of maintaining the boat. In second-hand boats, it is essential to require the history of inspections.
Check the hours of navigation (although an engine with few hours that has been stopped for years can be more problematic than one with hours but well maintained).
Visually check for signs of corrosion, oil leaks or accumulated saltpeter.
Make sure that the sacrificial anodes have been changed regularly, as the water in the Mediterranean is very demanding.
Buying a boat whose engine has been checked by an official workshop will give you absolute peace of mind. At Nàutica Rio we are the Official Technical Service of Mercury engines in Girona, which allows us to certify and guarantee that each used engine that passes through our hands is in perfect condition for review.
3. Helmet Inspection: Care with Osmosis
Osmosis is the equivalent of the aluminosium of fiberglass boats. It occurs when water penetrates the resin layers, creating small bottles. To detect it, the boat must be out of the water (dry).
Gently tapping the hull and checking the condition of the living work (the part that is submerged) is key. If you buy from a private individual, we strongly recommend that you hire an appraisal or go to professionals. At our facilities on the Costa Brava we carry out exhaustive reviews of the structure of all our second-hand boats so that you can sail in complete safety.
4. Papers in order and taxes
Nautical paperwork can be complex. Before signing anything, you should check:
The Seat Sheet: To verify that the seller is the actual owner and that the vessel is free of charges or embargoes.
The Certificate of Seaworthiness and the ITB (Technical Inspection of Ships): Make sure the ITB is up to date; otherwise, you will not be able to sail legally.
The Property Transfer Tax (ITP): When buying second-hand from a private individual, you will have to pay this tax to the Generalitat de Catalunya.
Why buy your second-hand boat through a professional boating company?
The greatest danger of buying from an individual is the lack of guarantees. The law provides very little protection for the buyer in sales between individuals if hidden defects arise after three months.
By relying on Nautical Iberian River, you eliminate risk from the equation:
Professional guarantee: All our used boats are meticulously delivered by our mechanics.
Procedures without headaches: We take care of all the nautical management, changes of ownership and verification of documentation.
Comprehensive After-sales Service: From boarding or wintering in our facilities in the Empordanès to annual maintenance, we are by your side throughout the life of your boat.
Your summer on the Costa Brava starts here
Don’t let technicalities hold you back. Buying your first boat should be an exciting and fun process.
If you are looking for second-hand boats in Girona, come and visit us at Nàutica Ri, strategically located in the heart of the Costa Brava, next to Empúries. We invite you to visit our offices and our workshop, where you can see the available boats and receive honest advice without small print.
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