In this interview, we explore the factors that can influence your decision, whether you're a seasoned sailor or a first time boat buyer. So, if you've ever pondered over the age-old debate of sailboat versus powerboat, read on to gain valuable insights from these experienced boating enthusiasts.
Choosing between a sailboat and a powerboat is a decision that extends far beyond just picking a vessel for aquatic adventures; it's a choice that can shape your entire boating experience. Each type of boat has its unique set of characteristics, advantages, and limitations, making the decision a reflection of your personal preferences, intended use, and the kind of adventures you seek on the water.
Recently, we had a great chat with Alister Brunskill and Nicole van de Wall about the big decision: sailboat or powerboat. They shared insights that can help you make the right choice for your boating adventures.
In this interview, we explore the factors that can influence your decision, whether you're a seasoned sailor or a first time boat buyer. So, if you've ever pondered over the age-old debate of sailboat versus powerboat, read on to gain valuable insights from these experienced boating enthusiasts.
Dione: Is a sailboat or a powerboat something that’s in people’s blood or is it more of an age and a stage thing through the boating journey?
Nicole: The first boat you have and that you will love the most is the boat you end up using the most. It doesn’t matter if it’s a sail or a powerboat.
What is important to know is that with sailing boat there is a barrier to entry which is the learning of how to sail, all the different names, all the different riggings, but to overcome that, there is a strong tradition in the sailing world with collaborating or inviting friends on board or you’ve got a lot of youth sailing programs so people grow up with sailing and there are more and more sailing programs in Asia doing the rounds. In the end, if you think of buying a boat, think carefully like what do I want to do with the boat and what will I end up using the most.
Please be aware to include your family in the decision as well because I’ve often seen people, the man is totally enthusiastic about the boat and end up buying, and then he keeps pushing his family to go on board and they don’t like it. So please include your family and what they like.
Dione: Is a sailboat or a powerboat something that’s in people’s blood or is it more of an age and a stage thing through the boating journey?
Nicole: The first boat you have and the one you'll end up cherishing the most is the boat you use most frequently. Whether it's a sailboat or a powerboat, it doesn't really matter.
What's crucial to understand is that with sailing boats, there's a learning curve involved, including grasping the various terminology, riggings, and techniques. However, sailing benefits from a rich tradition of collaboration and inviting friends on board. Additionally, there are numerous youth sailing programs, especially in Asia, nurturing a generation of sailors. So, when considering buying a boat, reflect on your intended use and which type you'll use most.
It's also essential to involve your family in the decision-making process. I've often witnessed enthusiasts who are all in for the boat, but their family doesn't share the same enthusiasm. In such cases, they end up trying to convince their loved ones to go on board, and it doesn't turn out well. So, please take your family's preferences into account."
Ali: I think there is no right or wrong answer in terms of that being a first-time buyer. One thing I probably would say is you see what the environment that you’re in. Particularly with sailing yachts, you need one important element to do that which is to have wind and there are some areas that just don’t have the wind. If you’re in an area that doesn’t have much wind, then it’s pointless to be looking at a sailboat because you’ll be running on the motor anyhow.
Again, it’s a case of what type or style of boating you want to be doing. Are you someone who values speed and reaching your destination quickly? In that case, motor yachts might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you're more of a family-oriented person or enjoy hosting guests and entertaining, sailboats could offer a different kind of experience.
For first-time buyers, I'd recommend exploring both motor and sail yachts, perhaps even participating in sea trials for both types. This hands-on approach allows you to get a feel for each and keep your options open, ultimately helping you determine what suits you best.
Dione: Are sail boaters fundamentally different from power boaters? Are we dealing with different people here that are fundamentally different or is it age and stage?
Nicole: You know, the choice between sailboats and powerboats often comes down to your dreams and your budget. If you're thinking of epic adventures like sailing around the world on a budget, a sailboat can make that happen.
Sailboat buyers are like a different demographic of the population. With Princess Yachts, people in general are rich and have a bigger budget compared to somebody buying a Bavaria original sailing yacht because you’re talking about 250,000 to 300,000 euro purchase for a new boat. The buyers are very aware of what they want and how they want it. A lot of people have preferences for sails. They know where they are going to sail and what they are going to use it for.
Dione: What advice would you offer to a first-time boater with a $300,000 budget who isn't quite sure about what they want? Could you give us three pros and cons of choosing a sailboat versus a powerboat in that price range? What are the three compelling reasons to go for a powerboat, three for a sailboat, and some comments on the downsides?
Ali: Well, if you're working with a $300,000 budget, especially here in Asia, you're looking at the used boat market, whether it's sail or power. It's crucial to examine the boat's condition and maintenance history. For powerboats, there's typically more to consider in terms of service. If you're dealing with twin engines and a generator, you'll want to ensure the previous owner has kept up with servicing and overall maintenance.
On the other hand, with a sailboat, there's certainly maintenance involved, but if you keep your boat in great shape and ensure the sails are still in good working order, I’ll probably give the advantage more to the sailing yacht in terms of that aspect.
Nicole: I agree with Ali. If you want a boat for $300,000 you have to look at the used market.
If you don't have a specific preference, consider your location and what you'd like to do. For $300,000 you could get a fantastic center console outboard. If you keep it under $150,000 horsepower, it doesn’t cost you too much petrol the moment you take it out. In Bangkok you have a lot of lakes, so perhaps you can consider a boat on a trailer.
You can't really make a one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to boat buying because it's a very emotional decision. It's not just about the money; it's about what excites you and what suits your lifestyle.
Dione: What about comfort? Which is more comfortable?
Ali: I would say they are both comfortable.
Dione: As far as buying a boat, are powerboats more expensive to buy than sailboats?
Ali: Again, depending on the brand and depending on the size, historically, motor boats have been more expensive and the main cause is because of the engine. At least with the sailing boats, they have much smaller engines although you still have the similar components that you do have on a motorboat, for example, your generators and your galleys. Motor yachts do tend to be more expensive because they have more mechanical functionalities.
Dione: Which boat holds its value better, a sailboat or a powerboat?
Nicole: Well, there's a general rule of thumb that holds true, and it's strongly influenced by the charter industry. Typically, you can expect a 10% depreciation in the first year, 8% in the second year, and after five years, the value generally hovers around 50%, regardless of whether it's a sailboat or a powerboat. Another factor to consider is the currency in which you bought the boat. In places like Asia, we often have to contend with exchange rate fluctuations. It's possible that you initially bought a boat in Singapore dollars, but due to currency fluctuations, your depreciation might be less, or you could even turn a profit.
But as a general guideline, the depreciation of sailboats and powerboats tends to be quite similar. However, there's a sweet spot at around eight to ten years where the value tends to stabilize. Regardless of the investments you've made in the boat, it won't increase in price, but it also won't decrease significantly.
Ali: Absolutely, I'd advise anyone buying a boat to protect their investment and maintain it meticulously. Eventually, there will come a day when you decide to sell the boat. Keeping it in top-notch condition is a smart move because potential buyers will compare your boat to others on the market. One key factor that can set your boat apart from the rest is how well it's presented and whether it comes with a comprehensive service history. This attention to maintenance can go a long way in preserving the boat's value.
Dione: What are the pros and cons of a monohull versus a multihull for a first-timer or someone that’s looking at their first boat?
Nicole: Multihulls have grown in popularity, not only due to charter but because they’re an excellent platform for entertainment. You can have more people on board. But then, the initial purchase price for a multihull is much higher, so they cost more, and there are things you have to think about when you sail a multihull. For instance, they can't sail as close to the wind as a monohull sailing yacht.
What's great is that multihulls have undergone significant advancements, and I love the fact that they are more popular because it allows manufacturers to bring different models in the market as well.
Ali: Especially in the Asian market, catamarans are a compelling choice for first-timers. They offer more space and provide greater stability. Some folks may not have the best sea legs, so it's important to prioritize comfort for everyone on board, and the added stability that catamarans offer can make a significant difference in that regard.
Dione: Ali, among the boats in your portfolio, do you have a personal favorite in the 40 to 45 feet range that you'd recommend for a first-timer? Any suggestions?
Ali: I've actually had two personal favorites, and they’re motorboats, mainly because of my background. If I were considering a boat purchase, especially in a place like Thailand, I'd look at the B40. It's a fantastic choice for those who want to explore the islands. With two spacious cabins, it's just the right size for a family of four. It offers both comfort and functionality.
Dione: Ali, Boat Lagoon Yachting seems to have a significant presence in Asia, right?
Ali: That's correct. Our headquarters is based in Phuket, Thailand, and we operate marinas both in Phuket and Krabi. Our territory encompasses Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Maldives.
Nicole: Engel & Volkers Yachting may not typically focus on the 45 to 50-foot range, but speaking from my personal preference, there's a boat I've quietly been endorsing to a few folks. Nordhavn recently introduced a 40-footer, and it's truly exceptional. This new 40-foot vessel is impressively robust, and I can easily picture myself enjoying island adventures and spending nights on board.
Dione: Are there any developments to bring the world of sailing and the world of power together?
Nicole: Some manufacturers try to bring it together like Nordhavn brought out in the past a motor sailer. Moody had a motor sailer for a long time. Nautitech in Finland had a motor sailer. But overall, a lot of the shipyards have their own niche. They have their own target audience and they know specifically what these people want and a crossover is not so much wanted. You rather stay with what you know would work and what you’re famous for and what you’re good at which will give you repeat sales.
Ali: Sometimes, trying to be everything to everyone isn't the best approach.
Dione: Let's talk about hybrid technologies, like electric and solar power. Are there any notable developments in your portfolios regarding hybrid boats?
Ali: Currently, for the brands we represent, there are no hybrid boats entering full-scale production. The main challenge is that the costs associated with these technologies are quite high at the moment. However, there's a noticeable shift towards environmental consciousness among consumers. As the market increasingly leans in that direction, it will likely drive the industry to invest more in developing hybrid options.
Nicole: There was a time when Lagoon had an electric hybrid engine as an option. However, it proved to be both expensive and unreliable at sea. They had to bring back all the catamarans equipped with these electric hybrid engines to refit them with diesel engines. Currently, the conversion of a boat to a hybrid with lithium batteries costs around half a million dollars more than traditional engines. It's not a viable investment, and the returns are minimal. The transition to hybrids will happen eventually, but right now, it remains a costly alternative compared to conventional engines.
Dione: When a boat searcher or a boat buyer comes to you and they’re not sure whether they want to buy a sailboat or a powerboat, can you both just give me maybe three steps that you would go through with someone to help them decide?
Ali: Firstly, I'd inquire about their motivations for getting into boating. Based on their response, I can assess whether a motorboat or a sailing boat is better suited to their needs.
Next, I'd take them on board both types of yachts, paying close attention to their likes and dislikes about each boat. This way, if they start leaning towards one type, I can help them find a more suitable model, whether it's in the motor yacht or sailing yacht category.
Finally, I'd have them experience being on the water in both boat types to see which one feels more comfortable and functional for them.
Nicole: When you talk with customers from Europe, they probably know everything about boats and they’re very brand orientated. Here in Asia, people have a certain budget in their minds and they just want to go out with their friends and family and they’re actually open for both of them and easily they compare catamarans with outboard boats and extreme sailing boats.
Like Ali said, just talking with the customer and making him realize what he likes and prefers. Make the picture in his mind clear how a typical day for him would be on the water, and step two, very important, is go charter. Experience it for a week, for a day. You can talk all you want and look at the computer all you want about a 36-foot powerboat and flybridge, but if you haven’t been out on the boat, you don’t know how you feel in relation to this space.
Dione: What is your number one or two tips for a first-time boater?
Nicole: Read! Google is your friend. If you’ve seen boats, see them again and do your homework. Do your due diligence. Ask questions about maintenance. Ask questions about usage. And something that is important, especially with sailing boats, is to talk with the neighbors. Often, boaters are very happy to talk about the different models or what they’ve seen the boats being used for.
Ali: Doing your homework is definitely important in making sure what sort of model is right for you. Also do your homework on the people that you’re buying from and make sure that they’re well-represented and they offer you the after sales service that you need.
The choice between a sailboat and a powerboat is an exciting decision that goes beyond just picking a type of boat. It's about going on adventures and creating experiences on the water. Whether you're an experienced sailor or a first time boat buyer, your choice depends on your dreams, budget, and personal preferences.
From the conversation with Alister Brunskill and Nicole van de Wall, we've discovered that there is no one right answer to the sailboat versus powerboat debate. It all depends on your situation, where you live, and what kind of experiences you want. Whether you're drawn to the wind in your sails or the power of an engine, the most important thing is to find a boat that resonates with you and matches your vision of aquatic adventures.
If you’re a first-time buyer, this conversation has given valuable insights and a roadmap to navigate the uncertainty of buying a boat. By involving your family, doing thorough research, and actually experiencing sailboats and powerboats, you can feel confident in your boat-buying journey.
The world of boating is diverse, offering many choices to suit everyone's taste. Your decision will not only open up new horizons but also create lasting memories for every journey you take. So, get ready.
Note: This interview is being run for the Boat Buyer Expo (www.boatbuyerexpo.com). You can also watch the interview on YouTube HERE.
About Nicole van de Wall:
Nicole joins E&V Yachting and will be based out of Phuket, Thailand where she has been living since 2013. She began her career as a crew member onboard a 36m schooner-rigged gaff top. She previously worked for nine years in Cape Town, South Africa as a yacht broker and additionally as a crew volunteer with the National Sea Rescue in her free time.
She has been working as a yacht broker since 2000 and became an EMCI Registered Yacht Broker in 2004. Nicole continues to grow her knowledge by attending a Superyacht Management course at the Maritime Training Academy. She is passionate about boating, both Sail and Power.
She loves doing improv theatre and is part of an active theatre group called Theatrix. One of Nicole's significant accomplishments is her involvement with the SV14 project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at making parasailing programs more accessible to yacht clubs worldwide. Learn more about this noteworthy venture at SV14.org.
About Alister Brunskill:
Alister runs Boat Lagoon Yachting’s operations in Singapore as the Country Head and is one of the most experienced brokers in Asia. Born in Indonesia, Alister has lived in South East Asia for over 25 years and also worked in the UK for the Princess Yachts shipyard for 6 years as their International Sales Manager for the Americas and APAC region. He has been successful in increasing the brands market share in the region, and in April 2019 became a Brokerage Representative of Burgess as well.
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