As the weather gets colder and the Holiday season gets into full swing, thoughts of boating are only distant memories of last summer, right? Not for the savvy boat buyer, who knows that the autumn buying season is the time to lock up the best deals available on brokerage boats. A large selection of quality vessels remain on the market, and the brokers of Annapolis Yacht Company are working hard to match some very motivated sellers with qualified buyers.

Why buy now? There are several reasons. First, there are a large number of quality vessels available at very attractive prices. Because many decide to wait until spring to buy, you are much less likely to be competing with other bidder(s) as you and your broker negotiate the purchase price of your new vessel. In addition, most buyers of brokerage boats choose to add or upgrade marine electronics and other equipment; finding a marine contractor to complete the work in a timely fashion is much easier now than in the always busy spring season. So by buying now, you can not only find the perfect boat at a great price, but also have any needed equipment upgrades and installations completed well in advance of spring commissioning. While everyone else is trolling the marinas and yacht yards next spring, you’ll be out on the water enjoying your new boat!

For those of you who are current boat owners, it’s time to winterize. You’ll need to have your holding tank pumped out and add potable (non-toxic) antifreeze. Be sure to run all faucets, including the transom shower if you have one, until antifreeze comes out. It’s also a good idea to change the oil and filter, as well as other engine fluids- this will minimize corrosion during winter storage. If you are wintering in the water, make sure all through-hulls and seacocks are closed, including the engine raw water intake. It’s a good time to check the stuffing box too, and tighten if any leak is detected. Finally, add a fuel additive to your fuel tank to minimize any algae or other growth that could clog the fuel filter next year.

AYC’s new boat specialists have been busy with a number of clients interested in the new Marquis motoryachts. We have been conducting sea trials both on the Chesapeake and in Florida, and we look forward to seeing a growing number of these elegant yachts on the bay.

The brokers and staff of Annapolis Yacht Company would like to wish you a happy holiday season. Enjoy your dreams of yachting and fun on the water during the long winter nights, and then see us to turn those dreams into reality.