The Hull
At the low end of the scale the ship is likely to be smaller, 18 to 21 metres, perhaps a less popular shape than the classic luxe-motor, with a steel wheelhouse, and may be fairly rough in the bilges, sheers, deck and hull metal.
A safe price is generally in the 100,000 Euro vicinity but this should be a price offered by a reputable builder who is prepared to stand by during the fitting out process to help in the many required tasks that are beyond the capability of the average DIY enthusiast.
Below the bottom end of the scale mentioned the ship has probably not had the benefit of a shipyard's attention. Old hulls trade in the area of 30,000 Euros and the shipyard has to put in about twelve man-month's of work to bring it up to saleable condition. This might include replacing tanks, removing cement ballast, refurbishing the motor, replacing the sheers, adding railing, adding floor joists, and converting the hatch cover area into a superstructure to house living quarters. All this work will bring the cost up to the hundred mark so when the hull is offered at substantially less there is usually something serious missing.
This price range is based on the hull being in sail-away condition so it is important to define what one can expect to be included. Activate the button on the right for a list of the inclusions.
For budgeting purposes include the cost of a survey (1- 2000 Euros), notarial or legal services (1000 Euros), ballast at 2 - 5 Euros per kilogram unless included in the hull, and foam insulation (2 - 3000 Euros).
The sail away list includes big ticket items, like the motor, which are not negotiable and smaller items that may or may not be included, but do not add up to a substantial cost. In negotiations one has the option of going for price or inclusions or both. Our experience is to go for the latter recognizing that the vendor sees these at his cost and the overall sale is far more important than the slightly greater effort he may have to get the hull in acceptable condition.
Thus ends the base cost of the beginning of the build process. You will probably have committed to spend some 110,000 Euros to get the hull you want in the state of completion you want and with the ownership and insurance nicely taken care of. From now on you enter into the magical world of long, arduous days during which you sink large amounts of cash into your new home. It is vital to put a budget in place for the process, and to make the spending decisions based on that budget.
