If you are new to the yachting lifestyle, it is important that you get unbiased, expert advice about your specific situation. The best way to do this is to establish a trusted relationship with a Marine consultant in the area where you are or you plan on using the yacht.

     Choose the consultant by word of mouth from yacht owners, captains and crew only. Everyone else will have their own agenda, however, sometimes lenders or insurers can turn you onto a good lead. Walk the docks at marinas and ask questions. Boaters and crew love to talk about their boats and experiences.

     A Consultant can listen to your needs, advise you on the type of yachts you should check out at shows to acquaint yourself with different layouts, do the hiring of your Surveyor / Representative in the country where the boat you're interested in may be, and continue working with you after delivery and all through ownership.

      The important thing is that the consultant does not make a commission on your purchase. The consultant does not profit from what kind of vessel or how expensive a yacht you get into, if you ever do get into a yacht.

     The consultant makes his money on doing the logistical chores of your vessel search and ownership and his business is strictly return client and very much reputation dependent. Obviously, that makes the consultant the objective person for your purpose, and while still there are no real guarantees, it betters the chances of your investment being in good hands.