New or second-hand? A debate which often crops up in cockpits, on the pontoons and in the forums. If you have the means, and you really want to have a state-of-the-art boat which you can customize as you wish, don't hesitate, order direct from a builder... But if your budget is more limited, a second-hand boat will allow you to cruise in a bigger boat, with more cabins and more volume. In short, you will be able to cruise further and for longer. Tempting, no? Not to mention that at the end of a long-term cruising program of from one to three years, you will almost break even when you re-sell the boat, as the major depreciation occurs in the first ten years. However, you mustn't throw yourself at the first multihull you find, as you risk being disappointed. The purchase of a boat _ unless it is a very small one _ deserves a few precautions, before you get out the check book. Follow the ten key points with us before signing!
Choice of model
Sometimes opportunity makes a thief, it's well-known... The fact remains that the most popular multihulls - Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Leopard, Catana, Outremer, Privilge, etc. - are those which are easiest to re-sell. If in doubt, opt preferably for one of them.
Age
We're not interested in the captain's age here, but that of the boat... Less than 10 years old, and there is not much to worry about, apart from changing the sails, if this has not already been done. A 20 year old catamaran, such as this Privilge, requires more attention...
Finding your multihull
Of course you can find the multihull of your dreams by chance during a stopover, or on a dock. But the best support remains the internet, and of course the columns of your favourite magazine...
How much does it cost?
It's not easy to find the right price for a model! A few assessments exist and can be found on the internet, but the price proposed, provided by a depreciation program excluding equipment, is a long way from the reality... An example: 76,522 euros for a Lagoon 380 over 10 years old. We couldn't find anything under 138,000.
Inspection below the waterline
So you have now chosen a multihull...arrange to see it hauled out, to check the appendages - possible impacts, play in the steering, propellers... If this is not possible, arrange to dive...or call on the services of a professional, the best (and even essential) being a surveyor.
Papers, for more information
Remember to ask for all the available papers _ in addition to the 'official' ones: bills, insurances, etc. sometimes say more about the boat's history than a too recent registration document...
Sail!
After examining the boat below the waterline, the ideal is to sail for a few miles, to check the operation of the engines, the fittings and the steering mechanism.
Check the sails
The sea test is the opportunity to check the condition of the full sail wardrobe. Don't hesitate to set the gennaker and/or the asymmetric spinnaker, even for just a few minutes.
Motors
An examination of the engines and the bilges often tells volumes about the care given to their maintenance. Check the engine hours: over 10,000 hours and the motors will need replacing...
Interior
Most of the accommodation remains in good condition for at least ten to twelve years. After this, the headlinings and wood cladding may show signs of weakness. Nothing prohibitive, but hours of work in view.
Thru-hulls
After around ten years use, the plumbing and electricity are sometimes affected by the damp environment. Check all the switches, and especially the seacocks, which should not be too corroded or too hard to operate.
Negotiation
You are convinced? All that remains is to fix the final price... Most sellers will agree to a reduction _ it takes on average around six months to sell a boat, and purchasers are not necessarily queuing up on the docks. With a professional, it is possible to negotiate certain aspects.
That's it _ you've got your multihull!
