Latitude Scuttlebutt

Your time is valuable. Do you want to be dealing with this stuff? Let’s talk about why it is worth using a broker to the majority of...

What a FSBO sign might look like Like most yacht brokers, at Latitude  we get a lot of our leads by people calling us or emailing us off...

Sometime ago I listed a 20 year something sailboat that was a major brand, super clean, and immediately the listing started attracting...

Many of my brokerage clients are experienced boaters selling a boat and/or getting into their next boat. They know what they want and we can target our search fairly quickly down to a few manufacturers and models.

However, many clients are new to yachts, or they’re crossing over from sail to power and are not so knowledgeable about the different types of yachts and which ones will meet their requirements.

For this post, we will first focus on power boats and look at sailboats separately in another post.

When beginning your yacht search, we will usually ask our buyers some version of the following questions:

• Where are your cruising grounds?
• Will you be day boating, weekending or extended cruising?
• If cruising, is it coastal or long distance?
• When cruising, do you prefer a slip, mooring, or hanging out on the hook?
• Will the boat live at a dock or a slip?
• Is it just you and your partner or will you have kids/guests often?
• Do you like places aboard to be in the sun or do you want protection from the sun?
• Will you be doing a lot of cooking and living on the boat?
• Is speed/performance important*?

*Note: This last question is totally different for power boaters than for sailors. I grew up sailing and had a Beneteau 35 for years. But as a weekend warrior, a lot of my favorite destinations were too far away. So I went to power. Now Nantucket is 3 hours away instead of 12.

There are other factors, but this should be a good start.

At Latitude Yacht Brokerage here in the northeast, most powerboat buyers tend to favor yachts that fall into one of 5 categories. There are many variants, but I’ll focus on:

Sedans, Trawlers, Downeast boats, Motor Yachts, Convertibles.

Admittedly, the differences between all these models aren’t always obvious and there are many overlaps. But I’ll try to sort it as best I can and (in general) relate them to different types of boating.

Sedan Boats

Sedan boats, often referred to as sedan cruisers or sedan bridges, are designed with a single main deck that combines the helm and the salon on the same level. There is often (but not always) a 2nd helm and seating on the flybridge. These boats are similar to convertibles as there is a pretty roomy salon separated from the cockpit by a glass door of some type. They are powered by twin engines and can cruise in the range of 18-25 KPH depending on their size and engine type. They usually have a swim platform that can accommodate a dinghy.

Best for: Day or weekend cruising, you can also do long coastal trips as long as you plug in at a slip every couple days so you can recharge everything.

Trawlers

Trawlers are best known for their long-distance cruising capabilities, fuel efficiency, and seaworthiness. They almost always have single engines, and with top cruising speeds in the high single digits or maybe a little faster. As opposed to a planing hull (like a sedan or convertible) their hulls have more displacement, which makes them more stable in snotty weather. Their beams tend to be narrower than other boats. If they have a flybridge, they’ll have more living area, but without them the living area tends to be smaller. The swim platforms tend to be smaller so you need to be creative to accommodate the dinghy Or drag it if the seas aren’t too rough.

Best for: Longer journeys, can go longer on a mooring or on the hook, better for rough weather

Downeast Boats

Very popular in the northeast with their heritage coming from lobster boats or Maine-style fishing boats. They usually have a flared bow which keeps the ride drier and is good for rough water. The helm is usually positioned forward, with a pretty roomy salon with good visibility, great for when you’re at anchor. Galleys tend to be smaller. With the deep hull, what you get for stability might cost you in speed, they cruise in the 15-20 knot range depending on length and age. Dinghies can go on the swim platform.

Best for: Day or weekending. OK at anchor or mooring but if it gets choppy they tend to roll more than others.

Motor Yachts

Our buyers of these boats tend to look at Carvers, Meridians, Silvertons and Sea Rays. They are instantly recognizable as they feature a large rear stateroom and a covered lounge area above it where the cockpit would be on other boats. These boats are for those who want room and comfort down below, especially when they’re docked or on the hook. They are slower than sedans or convertibles, with cruising speeds in the 15KPH range. If you want a large sunning area this design usually only offers a small bow area. If there isn’t an extended swim platform you’ll need to store the dinghy on its side back there.

There’s a style of boat known as “Aft Cabin”, these will be like a MY but with a sundeck over the master instead of a covered area.

Best for: Weekending, coastal cruising. MY skippers tend to like slips more when cruising. If you’re going to have a lot of crew most of the time, IMHO this is the boat for you. Also popular as liveaboards.

Convertible Boats

I have driven a convertible for 17 years. They got their name because the earlier models had a curtain or removable partition between the cockpit and the salon, so you could cruise with the salon open to the stern. Now of course the salon is separated usually by a sliding door. The single helm is up on the flybridge. Many owners (I am not one of them) use these boats for fishing as well. Salon is roomy, usually at least 2 berths, separate shower, etc. Among the faster boats with cruising speeds in the 18-25 KPH range. Ample room for the tender on the swim platform. The larger boats will have a crane at the bow to store the dinghy forward.

Best for: All of the above, though like Sedans if you’re on a long cruise it’s good to plug in every few days.

Understanding the differences between these boat types is important for choosing the vessel that best fits your boating lifestyle and needs. If you’re a buyer and you’re not sure, my advice is:

1. Talk with your broker about the type of boating you want to do.
2. Early in your search, make it a point to get on different types of boats, even if on paper a certain model may not look like what you want at first. I guarantee you this exercise will change your view of what you think is important in the boat you’re looking for.
3. With your broker, narrow it down to 1-2 boat types then focus on them.

Also, check out my earlier blog post about our Walk the Show with a Pro program, a great way for first time buyers to narrow their list down.

Lastly, if you think I left something out or I am incorrect about something, hit the comment button and tell me what you think. After all, talking about boats is part of the fun of being a broker!

Walk The Show With A Pro!

You’ll often hear this tagline from Latitude, and for good reason. We offer a unique experience that sets us apart from the typical boat show hustle—and gives our clients a major advantage.

At most boat shows, salespeople have one primary goal: selling you a new boat. Manufacturers and dealers invest heavily in bringing inventory to the show, and their teams are under pressure to sell, sell, sell.

At Latitude, we’re different. We don’t represent new boat lines—we represent you, the

buyer. Our experience and extensive network allow us to guide you through the purchase

process, helping you bypass crowds, skip the hassle, and connect directly with the right people.

How We Help You

If you're considering a new boat, we ensure you meet the right contacts and get the information you need—without the sales pressure.

For our brokerage clients, boat shows are a fantastic starting point. We help you compare

brands in terms of quality, layout, design, fit and finish, and overall feel. From there, we apply

what you’ve learned to explore top brokerage options.

Palm Beach International Boat Show is right around the corner – March 19-

23.The Latitude team will be at the show, ready to assist clients in viewing the 4,800+ used

boats (30-60 ft) currently available on Florida’s Gold Coast. For buyers from the Northeast, this is an excellent way to explore boats in the water—without dealing with snow-covered, wrapped vessels.

Let’s Plan Your Visit

Interested in working with Latitude at this show or the next?  Email or call us to schedule a

planning session. We’ll discuss logistics, your preferences, and create a customized itinerary to make the most of your time.

Check us out at www.latitudeyacht.com

Email us at info@latitudeyacht.com

Call us at +1.401.619.2888

We hope to see you there!

Part of a yacht broker’s job is to ensure that the buyer and seller involved in a boat sale both get the value they’re looking for. Our job will take different paths depending on whether we’re representing the buyer or the seller. One thing those two paths have in common, however, is that the journey actually starts long before a surveyor is hired to evaluate a boat.

For this article, I spoke with fellow brokers at Latitude Yacht Brokerage, who offered the views that follow based on decades of experience. Here’s the kind of guidance you can expect from a good broker.

 

For Boat Sellers, Before the Survey 

When representing a seller, it starts with the broker reviewing the boat with the owner and making recommendations on getting the boat ready for sale before posting a listing.  Many things we recommend will be cosmetic: paint the engine mounts, clean the bilges, make sure the canvas is repaired, etc.  

More importantly, what are the known electrical, mechanical, and structural issues with the boat?  It’s a used boat, so there are ALWAYS issues. And these need to be addressed up front because they’re going to come up at survey anyway. 

We talk with the owner about the nature and severity of the issues, and if they can be cost effectively addressed prior to listing the boat, we will usually encourage that. Much like a house, if you put money into repairs beforehand, you’ll almost always get that investment back and then some when the boat is sold.

One of my colleagues once worked with a buyer who went to survey with a 15-year-old production sailboat. The seller had disclosed on the listing that there were some “soft spots.” Once the survey began, however, things kept getting worse; more and more moisture and other problems were uncovered that the seller either didn’t know about or didn’t disclose. The buyer eventually backed out.  

Two months later, with all issues disclosed in advance, my colleague sold the same boat to a different buyer. The point here for sellers is that full transparency on all issues  doesn’t lessen a boat’s salability; it just changes who your buyer is. In this case, the buyer knew about the issues up front and chose to look at the boat anyway as they found them acceptable.

Read the rest of this post on Rightboat.com

The Latitude Yacht Brokerage team of Willie Lynch, Matt Leduc and Ryan Miller were onsite during the 2025 Boot Dusseldorf show for meetings and appointments but we also made sure to absorb as much of the show as possible!

 

The boot Düsseldorf Boat Show is the world’s largest indoor yacht and watersports exhibition, held annually in Düsseldorf, Germany.  The event attracts more than 200,000 visitors from around the globe to explore its vast offerings across 17 themed halls spanning 2.1 million square feet.

The show featured over 1,000 boats, ranging from small dinghies to luxury superyachts up to 100 feet long. It also showcased water sports equipment, accessories, and services for enthusiasts of all levels.  Attendees could try sailing in indoor pools, participate in diving experiences, or receive expert advice on boat ownership and licensing.  Düsseldorf is more than just a trade fair—it's a vital meeting point for industry leaders, boatbuilders, and marine technology pioneers.

           

As we explored many of the latest offerings from all of Europe’s largest yards, one thing kept repeating itself as evident.  The Dutch know how to build boats!  Dutch built yachts are often considered the best due to a combination of historical tradition, superior build quality, and a focus on innovation and it is definitely noticeable when you get up close.

 

The Netherlands has a long and rich history in shipbuilding, dating back to the 19th century and the Dutch Golden Age, when they built ships for all of Europe. This extensive history has allowed the Dutch to develop advanced technology and master the timely delivery of complex designs.  Dutch yachts are known as “pedigree yachts” with excellent build quality, technical capabilities and service.

 

Increasing the import of Dutch-built yachts into the U.S. could have widespread benefits.  The U.S. has one of the largest markets for luxury yachts, particularly in the Northeast, Florida and California.  For American clients, increased imports of Dutch-built yachts mean access to higher-quality, more innovative, and more sustainable vessels. With better craftsmanship, lower operating costs, and greater customization, buyers enjoy a superior yachting experience while also making a sound long-term investment.

 

As we sat down at the end of the show and recapped, our favorite builds were Steeler Yachts and Contest Yachts.   For example, each yacht can be customized extensively, allowing owners to tailor layouts, materials, and features to their preferences.  Their semi-custom approach gives a personal touch while maintaining a strong design foundation.  You simply feel the difference as soon as you step onboard.

 

As brokers with mainly US clientele, many of our buyers are disappointed in the local market and inventory options.  A Dutch-built boat like a Contest or Steeler makes a lot of sense for many of our clients looking for high-quality craftsmanship, performance, and luxury.  Thank you boot Dusseldorf for the valuable experience!

 

If you or someone you know is interested in having a boat built or looking at brokerage options, please let Latitude assist.

The surveyor just said he’s found some “wet spots”.  What now???

 

On boats, moisture is the result of material degradation.  As boats are exposed to all of the elements, degradation over time is inevitable.  It's standard to find some moisture in older boat hulls due to factors like bedding failure, compound cracks, crazing, and compromised heavy load areas.  The question is, where is the moisture and how extensive is it?

First, it’s important to understand how boat hulls and decking are made.  There are two types of cored hulls. 

-Balsa-Cored Hulls: Common in older boats, susceptible to moisture ingress, which varies based on location and size.

-Foam-Cored Hulls: A more modern technology with improved resin infusion techniques reducing moisture-related issues.

For this article we’ll focus on the older hulls.  Balsa-cored hulls have been a significant part of boat manufacturing since their introduction in the 1960s. Despite the emergence of alternative core materials, many manufacturers continue to utilize balsa due to its favorable properties, such as strength-to-weight ratio and stiffness, which are highly valued in boat construction.

However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness and longevity of balsa cores are heavily dependent on proper installation and maintenance. When correctly implemented, balsa-cored hulls can offer durability and performance comparable to other core materials.

So if moisture or wet spots are discovered at survey, don’t panic. The impact of moisture can be different depending on where it’s found.  We can classify a boat as having two basic areas:

 

No/Low Load Areas: Examples of no/low load areas would be the cabin interiors, flybridge, interior boat partitions, and the foredeck (on a powerboat).  Many of the newer powerboats have a sun pad or other upholstery on the foredeck.  These are notorious for getting wet underneath, especially if the owner never removes them. Moisture in these areas is less concerning, and discussion should focus on identifying and repairing moisture sources or just committing to keeping an eye on them.

High Load Areas: Moisture poses significant safety risks, such as compromised structural integrity leading to potential failures. Examples of high load areas are the hull bottom, the transom in a powerboat, and keel and centerline structures. Or at the base of the mast on a sailboat or any of the rigging chainplates, deck and hull junctions.  High moisture readings in these areas mean further investigation may be necessary (such as taking a core sample to get more accurate readings).  If you’re a buyer, high readings in these areas may be cause for considering other boats instead.

Rudders.  These deserve their own paragraph.  On powerboats, these are usually some kind of metal or carbon fiber.  But on recreational sailboats, they’re almost always built like surfboards with fiberglass layers, metal supports, and foam cores.  Expansion and contraction due to temperature changes tend to enable moisture ingress over time.

Signs of Moisture Issues in rudders are:

-Visual Indicators: Rust blisters, cracks, and bulbous formations on rudders.

-Survey Findings: Moisture meters and sound tests identify compromised areas.

Repair and Replacement: Delaminated rudders can be repaired or replaced, but assessing the extent of degradation is crucial for safety.

So, at the end of the day, if you are buying or selling a boat, how do we make sure that moisture is properly addressed?

For Boat Buyers:

• Conduct Thorough Surveys: Use moisture meters and auditory assessments to evaluate hull integrity.

• Evaluate Core Material: Understand whether the hull is balsa or foam-cored and the associated risks.

• Assess Maintenance History: Check for regular re-bedding and repairs in documented inspections.

• Budget Appropriately: Allocate funds not just for purchase but also for potential refits and maintenance.

• Work with your broker to manage expectations.  The older the boat, the more likely there will be moisture issues.

• 
  

  For Boat Sellers:

• Schedule Regular Surveys: Perform moisture and delamination checks every 5-7 years as recommended.

• Re-bed Through-Deck Fittings: Ensure all fittings are re-bedded periodically to prevent moisture ingress.

• Monitor High Load Areas: Pay special attention to areas like transoms, engine mounts, and rudders for signs of moisture and delamination.

• Work with your broker to assess any issues and either repair them before listing the boat or disclose them in the listing

Hello all, and welcome to our new blog site.  As owner of Latitude Yacht Brokerage, I am excited about this platform that will enable our customers and readers to take advantage of our collective 150+  years of experience in helping people buy and sell yachts. Please sign up for regular post notifications, and your comments on the posts are welcome. 

We look forward to sharing our know-how with you and making your boat buying or selling experience better.

                                                                        -Ryan Miller Owner, Latitude Yacht Brokerage

Sellers that don’t prepare their boat to get viewed and inspected by prospective buyers are putting the showing and sale at risk. Your boat will receive better offers and sell quicker if you consider the following low cost, low effort suggestions:

 

I. Last out, First In! – Speak with your boatyard when signing your winter storage contract about delaying haul out dates and staging the boat in an area that it accessibly for early launch.  This might attract a late Fall buyer to go to survey and sea trial before winterization or encourage a wintertime buyer to act early and survey the boat on land before launching for a sea trial. 

 

II. Declutter – Remove as much as possible from the boat. A boat that is open and can be inspected in all areas is more likely to have a positive impact on a prospect. Your boat will be very memorable when compared to others that are a mess and difficult to easily inspect. If taking all of your gear off the boat is difficult or not practical, find one spot on the boat to put everything. The best is one spot that can be sectioned off from the main cabin – V-Berth, aft cabin or cockpit locker.

 

III. Clean – A surface cleaning is easy and must be done. Additionally, these other spots have a huge impact: Bilge - Really get in there and get it dry and clean. Engine Sump – Clean, degrease, dry and put in new drip pads.

 

VI. Odor – Your boat should not smell! Do not make the mistake and cover the smell with car fresheners or pot-pouri. Get to the source and replace hoses. Black and Gray water hoses do not last forever. Waste and organisms permeate the hose and cause the smell. This is the most expensive and effort detail on this list but it must be done. Smelly boats do not sell.

 

V. Stage – Many people remove fabrics, cushions and mattresses in the off-season. When your boat is for sale, you should keep them aboard. The first impression of the buyers is very important. The cushions and fabrics installed give it a warm, comfortable and livability feel that give the buyer a better idea of what it will be like to be onboard in season. Remember these buyers are looking at your boat in the off-season and it is probably cold and gray out. A comfortable, clean, uncluttered boat gets them feeling good about the boating season ahead.

VI.  Lighting – Boat’s are naturally dark below decks during the winter.  Sun is low in the sku and most likely the boat is either covered or indoors with poor lighting.  Keep batteries onboard and charged so lights can be turned on.  Have flashlights available. 

VII. Exterior Wood Work – Exterior varnish is huge effort and expense. If your teak needs some attention you should as a minimum strip or sand down to bear wood. It will allow the next owner to decide if they want varnish, oil or just let it go gray.

 

VIII. Hull – Make sure all the growth is off the hull and that the waterline and prop/shaft is clear of stains and debris.  Go one step further and paint your bottom and install fresh zincs in the fall, making the boat look ready to go!

 

IX. Safety – Think safety and ease of access for all parties boarding your boat during layup.  Make sure lifelines and deck gear is secured.  Is there space to set up a ladder near a gate or transom?  Is the ground level under the boat for ladder footings?  If the boat is covered, how can the ladder be secured?  If shrinkwrapped, make sure the door is properly installed for ease of access.  These are all things to think about in advance when speaking with your boatyard and preparing the boat for winter viewings.

 

If you follow these simple, low effort suggestions, you will increase your chances of a great showing, a possible offer and sale!

A first-rate boat, priced right, with a motivated seller, always sells first. With procrastination comes a reduced inventory, and your selection may be limited to boats that can be overpriced, don’t show as well, or have more underlying concerns. Also, many buyers do not want to purchase new boats due to the huge depreciation drop once taking ownership. In many markets, new boat sales have been very soft since the recession in 2008. As a result, these new boats have not been placed into the aging fleet, as they have been in the past. It is very rare to find a high quality, used boat that is 10-15 years old, largely because it was never built. If you are looking for a pre-owned boat, it is wise to find the help you need and begin the process early. So, how do you get the best boat for you and your family?

Build your relationship with your yacht broker now. Do not wait until the spring. Begin your homework, review various boats online, and get out there to see them early. Inventory level is prime in the late fall and early winter. It may be challenging to handle the cold and the shorter days, but it will pay off in the end with the ideal boat.

Winter boat shows are a great place to meet brokers who know the local inventory. Interview them and select the broker you like best. A talented broker will not only be familiar with their own inventory, but will also have knowledge of the entire market segment of available boats. Challenge your broker to offer you several boats to consider, and scrutinize them, informing the broker of your wants, needs and requirements. If, in the end, the broker finds two or three boats that meet the mark, they have assisted you through the first step.

Don’t look at one boat at a time with every broker in the state. Make use of your own broker, and schedule a day to look at 4-6 boats. The details of each will be fresh in your mind as you go from one boat to the next. This is the most efficient use of time and resources to progress towards finding the perfect boat. But, once you find her, it is not yet over. Now, you bring in the human element of the sales process. Through your broker, make an official offer, with dates, contingencies and a deposit. Without these details, in black and white, there can never be a deal. Experienced brokers have assisted in the sale of hundreds, if not thousands, of boats through their careers. Without a doubt, good brokers make deals happen. During the fall months, time is on your side. There is a huge advantage for the buyer that can be leveraged in fall and early winter. If, due to fall or winter weather constraints, a deal cannot be finalized, you may continue to look, or wait it out and come back to her. However, the closer you get to spring, buyers come out in droves and you are now competing with other buyers who are looking at the same inventory of boats. There is nothing worse than going through the entire selection process, finding the boat you love, and discovering that she is Sale Pending!

You have agreed on a deal. The boat is out of the water and hidden behind other boats waiting to go in the water in the spring. How do you find out if she is in good condition and her systems work? Major investigation can still be made while she is out of the water by an accredited marine surveyor. All major structural components, 12V and 110V systems can be tested and turned on at this time. A detailed Decommissioned Systems Escrow Document will protect you and the seller for systems that could not be fully tested. Ask your broker for details on this document and how it has worked for years, protecting buyers and sellers in the Northeast and in cold climates.

Congratulations, the purchase of your much sought after boat is now a reality. All of the holiday presents can now be purchased for her! It makes the winter go by faster, your spring is more enjoyable, and a summer season on the water is guaranteed. It doesn’t get any better than that!