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Cómo comprar un barco usado a través de un bróker
Desde la primera búsqueda hasta un amarre para su primera noche: los pasos, los papeles y con quién tratas en cada etapa.
Paso a paso
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Search and shortlist
Start with the boat you will actually keep: length, budget, and the coast where she will lie. Filter by type, class, make, length, price, year and country. Lengths are shown in metres first, with feet alongside.
Save the search and we email you when a new boat matches, so you do not have to check every day.
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Compare side by side
Add up to three boats to compare and look at the specifications in one table: dimensions, engines, tankage, cabins and berths, and price. It is the quickest way to see which boat really fits the brief.
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Enquire with the brokerage
Write from the listing. Ask whether the price includes VAT, what equipment is included, the boat's history and why she is for sale, and when you can see her. Your message goes straight to the listing brokerage by email and to their team inbox.
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Viewing
See the boat in person, ideally at her berth and in daylight. Look at the deck plans and photos beforehand so you know what to check. Open lockers, run the engines from cold if the broker allows it, and ask for the service history.
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Make an offer, subject to survey and sea trial
An offer is made through the brokerage, normally in writing and conditional on a satisfactory survey and sea trial. Many brokerages use a standard sale agreement, such as the forms published by national yacht broker associations. Read it before you sign.
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Deposit, held by the broker
A deposit, often around 10%, is usually paid to the brokerage's client account, not to the seller, and is held under the sale agreement until the deal completes or falls away. KeelFair never takes deposits or purchase money. Confirm the brokerage's details by phone before you transfer anything.
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Survey
Commission an independent, qualified marine surveyor to inspect the hull, structure, rig and systems, usually with the boat lifted out. An engine or rig specialist may be worth adding on older or larger boats. You normally pay for the survey and the lift.
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Sea trial
Take her out with the broker or skipper. Check that the engines reach their rated revs, that the steering, autopilot and electronics work, and that nothing overheats or leaks. Note anything that differs from the listing.
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Agree the final price
Take the surveyor's priced list of serious items back to the brokerage. Defects found at survey are the usual basis for renegotiation, or for walking away if the agreement allows it.
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Check the VAT status
Ask for evidence that VAT has been paid, or for the reason it does not apply. For a boat moving between the UK and the EU, or between EU countries, VAT and import rules can change the real cost. Take professional advice if in doubt.
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Registration, title and paperwork
Check the bill of sale chain, the builder's certificate, the registration documents and the CE or RCD documentation. Make sure there is no outstanding finance or charge on the boat. Then register her in your name where your flag state requires it.
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Insurance
Arrange insurance from the moment ownership passes, including third-party liability. Marinas will ask for the certificate when you request a berth.
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Moving the boat
Plan the delivery: sail her yourself, hire a delivery skipper, or arrange road transport for smaller boats. Book visitor berths along the route before you leave.
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Berthing her
Find a home berth before she arrives. Search permanent berths or browse marinas by country, then request a visitor berth for the delivery or the first weeks. You pay the marina directly.
Antes de transferir dinero
- Signed sale agreement, conditional on survey and sea trial
- Brokerage client account details confirmed by phone
- Independent survey report and sea trial notes
- Evidence of VAT status
- Bill of sale chain, registration and builder's certificate
- Confirmation that there is no outstanding finance
- CE or RCD documentation, where applicable
- Insurance in place from completion
- A berth, or a delivery plan with visitor berths booked
Price a year of ownership where the boat will actually live: the berth, insurance, a winter ashore and routine servicing. It changes which boat is the right one more often than the asking price does.
Preguntas frecuentes
Does KeelFair sell the boats?
No. Boats are listed and sold by member brokerages. The sale contract is between you and the brokerage or seller. KeelFair is the marketplace where you find and compare them.
Does KeelFair charge buyers a fee or commission?
No. Searching, comparing, saving searches and enquiring are free for buyers. Brokerages pay a flat membership to list.
Who holds my deposit?
Normally the brokerage, in its client account, under the sale agreement. KeelFair never receives deposits or purchase money. Be wary of anyone asking you to pay "KeelFair".
Do I need a survey?
For a used boat, it is strongly recommended. A survey protects you, gives you a priced list of work to negotiate with, and is often required by insurers for older boats.
How are prices shown in other currencies?
Prices are set in the seller's currency. Other currencies are converted at indicative rates for guidance only. You pay in the seller's currency.
Can I arrange a berth through KeelFair?
Yes. Search visitor berths or permanent berths, send a request with your boat details, insurance and registration, and pay the marina directly once it confirms.
¿Listo para empezar?
Search boats from member brokerages, compare up to three, and save your search.