Ex- Charter Boats

[Chuteman]

I posted in the Boat section too but since one of my target boat is a Jeanneau in the 40-45' range thought I would ask the experts.

I've heard all the negative comments & warnings. Plus acknowledge the risks.
I would like to hear from those who have actually accepted the risk & bought a boat that was formally in a charter fleet.........or was an owner / crewed charter boat.

I did a search but only saw one recent related comment.

[sailmaster25]

Well we purchased an old greek Jeanneau charter yacht. It is a 55 ft custom Jeanneau trinidad ketch. Excellent interior layout, and a great sailing yacht. It was the top end of Jeanneaus production in 1988, so is seriously over engineered. They had little experinence with building yachts of this size then so they over bulit the yacht. Huge stringers run the length of the yacht, all the bulkheads are 14mm marine ply. Deck gear is massive, primary winches are lewmar 65ST, secondary are Lewmar 55 3 speed. Nothing about this yacht is whimpy.
So how much ? well we did get a good bargin, but then she was in a terrible state. After 3 years of upgrading and fixing, she is is excellent condition. ( and for sale).
As they say buy a new yacht and pay up front for all the fixing ans customizing one does, ...or buy a used yacht and do it on the slow installment plan, ie:- I'll change that this year and fix that this winter...

Hope this has been of help

[S/VNirvana]

We are presently Mooring Boat Owners and have a Jeanneau SO49 (M494) with then if yiy are looking for a charter boat in reasonably good shape after 5 years of charter I would recommend The Moorings. I also would get a good surveyor in Tortola. Check www.sailonline.net for additional info on surveyors and The Moorings phase out. I have been on top of the people at the Tortola base on maintenance and so far the boat is in great condition.

[rlight75]

Like anything when it comes to purchases or ‘investments’ (term used loosely in relation to sailboats...lol), you need to balance your time and money versus the state of the vessel. As you’d expect, the better deals many times require more money and sweat equity in return.

If you’re considering picking up an ex-charter boat there are definitely some great opportunities out there, especially in the Caribbean with companies such as SunSail and Moorings seem to be recycling their inventories constantly. If and when you do find something you want, arm yourself with a detailed survey before final commitment to a deal…but even more important, have a plan on how, when and where you’re going to relocate and keep the boat. And have a backup plan in case the primary one doesn’t work out.


I picked up a 1994 51’ Jeanneau Sun Odyssey for a good deal a couple years ago. Its had its challenges but its all been in line with what I expected. In the end I’ve been satisfied in the path I took.


Charter boats in my opinion are no different that any other boat purchase, other than charter boats generally tend to have taken a bit more of a beating. This however is usually taken into account in the purchase price as well is the motivation of the seller. The questions is, is this the right choice for YOU. Just know your facts up front so you can make an informed decision.



Anyways, hope this helps and what you're looking for. Happy sailing.


Rogor M. Light
s/v Lil' Rubber Ducky

[Chuteman]

Have not checked this section for awhile, so Thanks for the comments & suggestions. I'm still in the market as land "issues" have delayed my plans.

RL 75 - Can you expand on your comments - "had its challenges but its all been in line with what I expected". Also what area / company did you acquire the Yacht.

I've adjusted my size target.........I think..........more like 37-40' now. But Jeanneau is still my 1st choice.

Thanks Again