Clueless about Boats - what to ask when looking to buy

Baby01032012

Hi all,

Im looking to possibly buy a Barge. For someone who has zero knowledge on Boats...what key questions should i be asking the seller.

Idea is to purchase a live-aboard barge so will not move from its current location. Will use partly for self use/partly for short term lettings.

Mooring/berthing fees - I had thought that this area had become more regulated with substantial fees for mooring. I looked online and saw mooring fees of €2500 per annum for the location where the Barges im looking at are located. However the seller advised it hasnt become more regulated - permits are in the €100s. This boat doesnt have an EMP, is this significant? Are regulations likely to change.

Im currently looking at 2 Barges. Any advise on information to ask will be much appreciated. As you have a surveyor when purchasing a house, is there anything similar in the maritime world?

Many thanks
Baby

fergal.b

Yep get a marine surveyor to look at it "there is a list of them here http://www.iwai.ie/boatingservices.html " they will check everything even the thickness of the metal and they will be able to tell you if she is worth buying, they can be expensive and might want to see the barge in and out of the water so that will be another few quid but it really is the only way to make sure you are not buying a money pit, although most boats are money pits anyway some are a lot bigger than others



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Steve

EMP only applies in certain areas (canals I think). You should also check if the mooring allows 'living on board' as opposed to holidaying.

Also allow for rubbish fees, pump-out fees and fresh water availability.

Boater123

If you are receiving rent/ hire fee's on a canal you are operating a commercial enterprise and require a commercial operators license from WI.

Bareboat charter insurance policies are also becoming increasingly difficult to get and will invariably contain a clause saying that you must have all local authority/ regulatory body licenses required in order for your insurance policy to be in effect. Without a commercial license, a bareboat policy is invalid.

Bareboat charter policies will also cost a hell of a lot more than a normal insurance policy

For more info about commercial licenses http://http://www.waterwaysireland.org/Pages/Commercial%20Activity/Commercial-Operating-Licence.aspx

With a commercial operators license an EMP may not be needed as WI may give you a berth to operate from, but talk to WI to be sure.

WI have tried to regulate the "liveaboard" situation with EMP's, but are not actively enforcing it (apart from stickering). Sooner or later they will enforce it properly, but at present its a farce

I heard a story back when EMPs first came in about a boat in Shannon Harbour who had an EMP, went on a Shannon cruise and when it came back there was another boat in its " EMP zone" When they complained to the inspectorate they were told there was nothing they could do but sticker it after five days. They were forced to moor elsewhere and a few days later they themselves were stickered for not moving after 5 days.

Emp's cost €152 plus a CMP is needed at €126 plus a security deposit of €250. In the draft byelaws WI tried to bring in a few years ago would have put places like the inner basin at Ringsend at €3500, I don't know if they ever got around to doing this.

I have also heard there is a waiting list for EMPs for Ringsend but WI would advise you better

A surveyor is a must, IMO. The insurance company will more than likely need one for personal use if the boat is over a certain age (usually 20 years). For bareboat charter, insurance companies usually insist on an out of the water one.

Liveaboards with 220v or in close proximity to boats with 220v, can suffer badly from pitting (depending on age) if anodes weren't regularly checked. Rust at the waterline if not regularly blacked. A surveyor can only tell if this has happened out of water.

A good question to ask a seller is whether they would allow you do an out of water survey. If they try put you off, there may be a reason why.