Yatch Club - Building A Cruising Yacht

Everyone out there likes the idea of a shiny new boat. While buying a new yacht is an accomplishment in itself, you shouldn't spend over your budget then be unable to take it anywhere. When you buy a  yacht, always look at what comes with the boat  and decide if it's everything you want.

Types of construction

GRP
Almost all cruising yachts out there today are made  of GRP construction. GRP material is long lasting, strong, and easy to repair. Osmosis is the only  real problem here, as the blisters it leaves can be sometimes costly to repair.

Steel
Steel is always a great a idea, as it is by far the strongest material. There have been steel boats ran into reefs and banks and received just a few mere scratches. Even though steel has many advantages,  rust is the true enemy here. You must keep all surfaces thoroughly painted, primed, and ready to avoid all types of rust.

Aluminum
Although rare in the normal cruising market,  aluminum is very popular with the construction of  top quality custom built yachts. If you are looking for an aluminum constructed yacht, always make sure that it wasn't constructed by an amateur yacht  builder - as this can cause major problems later on down the road.

Wood
Even though it's the most traditional building  material, wood still has a lot to offer. If you get the right kind of wood, it can last just as long as any other type of material. The maintenance costs are very high with wood, especially if you do your own painting.

Ferro-cement
Concrete type boats have been around for a long  time. A cheap method of hull construction, it was very popular in the 70's. If done properly, it  can be a very strong method of yacht construction.

Rigs
The most popular choices of yacht rigs include sloop, cutter, and ketch - in that particular order. Sloop has the virtue of simplicity, while ketch and cutter rigs will split the sail plan into more easily managed areas. A ketch rig can sail under mizzen and headsail alone, while cutter rigs can offer a simple twin headsail with downwind option.

Essentials versus desirables Before you begin looking for a yacht, make a list of what you must have then make a list of what would be nice to have. There are many additions and add on's you can get for yachts, although they can get very expensive in a hurry.

When you shop for a yacht, always plan out your budget before you even start looking. A nice yacht can cost a lot of money, which is something you may need to save up for. Yachts are great to sail on, especially for those who have a lot of money to spare.

Types Of Boats Available

There are many boats out there on the market, with something for everyone. If you are new to boating, selecting the right boat can be hard. There are boats for every purpose on the water, all you have to do is find the one for you.

To help you in your quest, we'll go over the several types of boats available. This way, you'll know the differences when you head out to buy one of your own.

1. Vessel
The vessel is the most common name for a boat, as it's the description used or capable of being used on the water. Basically, it's another name used for a boat or anything capable of being on the water.

2. Power boat A power boat is any boat or vessel that's propelled by machinery. Fishing boats are great examples, as they are powered by motors or engines.

3. Houseboat
A houseboat is fitted for use as a living vessel or for leisurely cruising. Normally, a houseboat will include living accommodations such as sleeping quarters, kitchen facilities, and even a full bath. The cruising models are normally propelled by power.

4. Sailboat
A sailboat is any boat that's under sail along with no mechanical means of propulsion. The modern sailboats range from one person boats to luxury yachts that can accommodate several people. They are divided into three basic types:

1. Daysailer - This is a small boat that's designed for comfortable sailing without sleeping accommodations. It offers a roomy cockpit and can also contain an outboard auxiliary engine as well.

2. Cruiser - Cruisers are medium sized or large boats that contain a cabin with sleeping quarters, toilet, food area, and usually an auxiliary engine that's built inside.

3. Racer - Racers are boats built for speed and ease of handling - normally at the expense of comfort.

5. Zodiac
The Zodiac brand of high performance aluminum boats are some of the most popular in the entire boating industry. These boats are constructed with a conventional rigid hull with increased buoyancy and stability. The deep V hulls offered by these boats are made to take any weather. They are well known for their prowess and are used all over the world for commercial search and rescue operations.

6. Catamaran
These boats come with twin hulls. They provide safety, comfort, speed, and stability that's unmatched by single hulled boats. Popular with boating, they offer you a new twist to hitting the water.