There are countless great places to have a boat in the world, but Phuket is especially well-suited. The clear tropical waters, an abundance of islands dotting the coastline, and robust marine industry all combine to make the idea of buying a boat in Phuket mighty tempting. However, owning a boat isn’t quite the same as other vehicles and there are a host of considerations one must think through before becoming a boat owner.
Types of Boats
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When perusing boats for sale in Phuket online or at boatyards, the selection can be a bit overwhelming. Small boats, big boats, motorboats, sailboats, engines on the outside, and engines on the inside are just a few of the variations that you’ll be faced with while your budget might automatically narrow down the pool of options. The first is what would you like to do with the boat? Whether you want to explore shallow hidden coves or pull around wakeboarders can determine the hull design. Want to feel the wind in your sails? You’ll need the knowledge and skill to operate and navigate a sailboat. Catamarans are a popular choice due to their stability and shallow draft, however, they are often considerably more expensive than a monohull. Another popular and practical option in Phuket is a rigid inflatable boat (RIB). These crafts have a rigid hull usually made of fiberglass or aluminum and inflatable tubes along the outside for floatation. If the tubes are made of hypalon (as opposed to PVC) they have a long service life. RIBs are light, fast, and safe, but expensive.
Storage
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Many homes in Phuket have a spot to park a car, but maybe not a boat. Even a small boat takes up significant space with the trailer. Depending on where you live on the island, you may have options to dock your boat or have access to a mooring. Renting a slip at a dock is the best option as it is safer and there will be other amenities and services available. Moorings are a possibility as well, but you might have to sink your own.
Maintenance
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Like the old adage goes, “The best boat is your friend’s boat” – meaning it’s better to have a friend who has to deal with the boat’s maintenance and who will invite you along on outings. This is because boats are notorious for requiring constant and expensive maintenance. If you love the idea of having a boat, but don’t want to sink a ton of resources into it, there are some ways to minimize upkeep costs.
A small simple boat with an outboard motor will require the least amount of maintenance. Furthermore, if you are able to take it out of the water when not in use, it will significantly reduce the frequency at which the hull must be cleaned and painted. Boats with inboard motors and sailboats both require a bit more work. Sometimes sailboats will be for sale at very reasonable prices, however, this is usually because they need extensive maintenance which quickly adds up.
Legalities
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Like most places in the world, you can’t just toss a big motorboat in the water and drive off into the sunset. Most boats, with very small boats being the exception, need to have legal documents and be registered with the marine department. Also, whoever will be operating the boat needs to have a skipper’s license appropriate for that type of vessel.
