How to Buy Handicapped Boats
Boaters who manage disabilities, but still want to enjoy the water, have three types of boats from which to choose. Many powerboats feature a flat, enclosed deck that can accommodate a wheelchair-seated or secured boater. Sailboats include small daysailers that accommodate a disabled and an able-bodied sailor. These boats are frequently utilized by disabled sailors' organizations such as Challenged America. Larger sailboats can accommodate disabled sailors with special seating systems or wheelchair-friendly decks.
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Things You'll Need
- List of your boat requirements
- List of local yacht brokers
- List of disabled sailors' organizations
- Boat listings
- Modification estimates
- List of local accredited marine surveyors
- Boat sale settlement paperwork
Instructions
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Visit a yacht broker familiar with disabled boaters' general needs, and knowledgeable about powerboats and larger sailboats that may accommodate those needs. Detail your specific requirements so the broker can direct his search. If you have good upper-body strength and can help to raise the sails, your boating needs differ from a sailor without those abilities. Locate a professional yacht broker through the Yacht Brokers Association of America, a professional organization dedicated to industry education and ethical yacht brokerage practices.
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Contact a local disabled sailor's group. Approximately 30 disabled sailors' groups are located throughout the United States, notes "Good Old Boat" in August 2010. While some disabled sailing activities are part of community sailing programs, other groups focus only on disabled sailors. Many groups have registered non-profit status, and receive boat donations for resale or modification. Visit one of these groups to browse their boat inventory and ask about other appropriate vessels.
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Compile listings received from your yacht broker and from the disabled sailors' groups. Select vessels of interest, including currently-accessible boats and those that can be modified to handicapped-accessible vessels. Visit boats in person to narrow down your search, and recruit a knowledgeable sailor to assist you in your evaluation. Obtain modification estimates before you make a final decision.
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Submit an offer to purchase a boat. Place an offer on the vessel that best meets your needs. Your yacht broker prepares the YBAA Purchase and Sale Agreement, and submits your offer to the listing broker. The brokers negotiate a mutually acceptable price and settlement date. If you purchase the vessel from a disabled sailors' organization, that group should help you as well. When both parties agree to price and terms, you provide a deposit to be held in escrow until the sale's conclusion.
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Hire a marine surveyor to evaluate the boat. Learn about the boat's structural and mechanical condition before you finalize the purchase. An accredited marine surveyor thoroughly inspects the vessel, including the engine, electrical system and interior. The surveyor details his findings in a meticulous report, which both brokers review. Locate an accredited marine surveyor through the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors. Your broker may also provide you with several local surveyors' names.
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Conduct a vessel sea trial. Evaluate the vessel's power handling capabilities during a brief sea trial conducted on local waters. Both brokers, the surveyor and the buyer are usually present. An engine surveyor also participates in some sea trials. Sea trials are commonly conducted by United States Coast Guard licensed captains, who have an unbiased view of the boat. Ask your broker to arrange for your boarding assistance and onboard accommodation as well.
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Finalize your handicapped boat purchase. Evaluate the findings of the survey and sea trial, and work with your broker to determine if any price adjustments are necessary. Finalize your purchase when you're satisfied with the boat's condition and terms of the sale. Submit the remainder of your payment, take possession of the boat, and select the best dockage location for your needs.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit boat image by Penny Williams from Fotolia.com
