How to choose a yacht or boat

Things to do before buying

Check the condition of the case

It should be free of scratches and dents. If you notice star-shaped cracks, you can be confident that the boat survived the impact or collision. Bubbles on the surface of the case are a sign that water has made its way under the protective coating and is slowly destroying it. A fresh coat of paint also does not bode well: perhaps this is how the owner tried to hide the chips. Gently tap the body: you will hear a dull sound - these are the very bubbles and voids in the coating.

Explore the deck

If she warped, then the ship was not stored correctly in winter, which means that there may be problems with the hull. The deck should not slip under your feet, spring as much as possible, so walk along its entire length, you can even jump. Be sure to take a closer look at the junction of the deckhouse and deck - there should be no cracks.

Take a look into the cabin

Even if everything looks good, an unpleasant smell should alert you. For example, if it smells rotten, it could be a sign that the boat is damp or leaking. Open all cabinets and check for mold stains. Examine the portholes to make sure they are not leaking - by the way, this is best done after rain.

If you are choosing a boat for long trips, pay attention to the height of the ceiling in the cabin. In a cramped cabin, where you can neither turn nor straighten up to your full height, the journey will turn into torture for both you and the passengers. In fact, this room will be your home, so nitpick as much as possible. Check that all doors are tight and not skewed, that the locks do not jam, and that all the systems necessary for a comfortable life on board, whether it is plumbing or toilet, are working properly.

Check how the engine works

It is good if the sound is smooth and without extraneous noise or strong vibration. There should be no oil stains on the water and no smoke - except that a small cloud may appear immediately after launch. Bring a clean rag with you for inspection and walk it under the engine to check for oil leaks. Pay attention to the engine power: the higher it is and the heavier the boat, the greater the fuel consumption. This means that even a small walk will cost a decent amount.

Be sure to check the serial number of the engine with the one on the owner's ticket. Specify how long the ship has passed on this engine and when was the last time it was inspected - information about it should also be on the ticket.

Take a closer look at the sails

Spread them out and check for mildew, odor and abrasions from improper storage. Scratch the surface with your fingernail - if the fibers of the fabric are tousled, the sail will not last long. You can patch the hole while sailing, but when you get to the shore, you will have to spend money on a new set - it can cost up to 95,000 rubles.

Examine the running rigging (in other words, the ropes with which the sails are controlled) - there should also be no noticeable signs of wear. Check how the winches work: they should rotate smoothly and not wobble from side to side.

Arrange for a test walk

If outwardly the vessel looks pretty decent, proceed to testing on water. Make sure that the engine turns on smoothly and without jerking, and also pay attention to whether the steering wheel moves easily - there should not be a noticeable backlash. Finally, listen to the sensations - whether it is comfortable to operate the boat, whether you “feel” it or not. After the ride, inspect the engine again and make sure that no drips have appeared.

What else to look for for those who dream of their own boat

If you are seriously thinking about buying a yacht or boat, then surely all this will not be a surprise to you. But to be on the safe side, check our checklist so you don't forget anything.

After the purchase, the ship must be registered

Without registration, you can "Code of Inland Water Transport of the Russian Federation", Art. 16 dispense with if the vessel has a mass of up to 200 kilograms inclusive, and the engine power is no more than 8 kilowatts (10.88 horsepower). The registration requirement does not apply to sports sailing vessels, which do not have an engine and equipped recreation areas, and the length does not exceed 9 meters.

Registration is handled byOrder of the EMERCOM of Russia dated June 24, 2016 No. N 340 "On Approval of the Rules for the State Registration of Small Size Vessels Supervised by the State Small Size Inspection courts of the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of the Consequences of Natural disasters " State Small Craft Inspection: it enters boats, yachts and motor boats in the small craft register and assigns identification numbers to them. You can apply for registration online, you will need to pay 1,600 rubles for entry into the register and 200 rubles for a ship's ticket. After three working days, you will be given a ticket and an identification number - it must be appliedOrder of the EMERCOM of Russia dated June 24, 2016 No. N 340 "On Approval of the Rules for the State Registration of Small Size Vessels Supervised by the State Small Size Inspection courts of the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of the Consequences of Natural disasters " on both sides of the vessel.

You need to get right

To operate a small vessel registered in the register, it is necessary to pass certification, it is carried outOn approval of the Rules of attestation for the right to operate small boats supervised by the State Small Size Inspection courts of the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of the Consequences of Natural disasters GIMS. The principle is almost the same as when learning to drive a car: sign up for courses, study theory and learn to operate a boat.

Based on the exam results, you can be trustedOn approval of the Rules of attestation for the right to operate small boats supervised by the State Small Size Inspection courts of the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of the Consequences of Natural disasters control of a small motor, sailing or sailing-motor vessel, jet ski or a vessel of special design (for example, aerobot). The area allowed for swimming is also indicated in the certificate:

• VP - non-navigable rivers, lakes and reservoirs;
• GDP - navigable water bodies;
• MP - internal sea waters and territorial sea.

For boats and yachts you have to pay transport tax

Tax is chargedBoat tax. FTS explained how not to pay tax on what is not already taxed only for ships registered in the register. Its rate is determinedTransport tax depending on engine power and differsRates and terms for payment of transport tax by region for 2020 in different regions. You can calculate the approximate amount using the tax calculator: so, for a boat with a capacity of 100 liters. from. in Moscow you will have to pay 10,000 rubles.

The vessel must undergo a technical survey

This procedure is carried outResolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of September 18, 2013 No. 820 "On State Supervision of Sports Sailing Vessels, Pleasure Crafts and Small Vessels Used for Non-Commercial Purposes, on their Classification and survey, on state registration of small boats used for non-commercial purposes, as well as on amendments and invalidation of some acts of the Government Russian Federation" once every five years, GIMS is also engaged in the examination. If you buy a boat from your hands, and more than five years have passed since the last technical inspection, then after registration you need to go through MOT and get a mark on the ship's ticket. Without it, you risk getting a fine from 5,000 to 10,000 rubles. The survey service is free, but must be submitted in advance statement on the portal of public services.

In winter, a yacht or boat needs to be stored somewhere

Leaving the ship out in the open is a risky undertaking; temperature changes will not benefit the hull. The garage is also unlikely to work - do not evict the car on the street. It is better to negotiate with the local yacht club: they will easily find a warm and dry place for the ship.

Both the boat and the yacht must be properly prepared for wintering. The bottom and hull must be thoroughly washed and checked for damage, the sails can be washed with soap and water or bleach if there are traces of mold. Remove all rigging and store the mast in a horizontal position. Apply water-repellent grease to the steering mechanism, drain the engine and change the oil.

The vessel requires equipment

You must have a set on boardStandards for equipping small vessels supervised by the State Inspection Service of the Ministry of Emergencies of Russia, operating in inland waters, with a minimum set of safety equipment security equipment. What exactly is included in it depends on the type and size of the vessel, as well as the conditions of its operation - in inland waters or on the open sea. So, on a boat with a length of more than 6 meters, which floats only on internal routes, there must be life jackets along number of people on board, anchor, lifebuoy, fire extinguisher, scoop, sound signal device and signal rockets disasters. If there are no life jackets on board, the fine will beAdministrative Code of the Russian Federation, Art. 11.10 from 300 to 500 rubles.