Lady K Sailingvideo

Should You Buy A USED Sailboat from Bahamas? Ep 245 - Lady K Sailing

September 22, 2023 · 17 min · 29K views

What this video covers

Buying a used sailboat recently returned from the Bahamas offers the advantage of pre-installed cruising gear, such as solar panels and large battery banks, but requires careful scrutiny of the vessel's condition and maintenance history.0:41 The Beneteau 393, a 2006 model, serves as a capable cruiser for couples due to its 17,000-pound displacement and five-foot draft, though the three-cabin layout often proves less desirable than the two-cabin version for liveaboards.2:18 Prospective buyers must investigate potential issues like non-functional refrigeration, missing air conditioning documentation, and the lack of battery containment boxes, which may violate ABYC standards and complicate insurance.9:38 Additionally, boats approaching the 20-year mark face challenges with financing, insurance eligibility, and the likely need for rigging and sail replacement.5:00 While the 1,100 watts of solar and 600 amp-hour AGM battery bank provide significant value, buyers should weigh these upgrades against the cost of a cheaper, better-maintained hull that allows for custom outfitting.13:04 Professional surveys and oil analysis remain essential for verifying the health of the Yanmar 4JH engine.14:29

Watch on YouTube

Boats in this video

Chrysler Marine 22Their boatHughes 35Their boatBeneteau 393ReviewedBeneteau 393Compared

More from Lady K Sailing

Should You Quit Your Job and Go Sailing?Oct 2026What Does $300,000 Buy You in a Sailboat?Oct 2026The 3 Worst Sailboats of All TimeOct 2026Is Sailing Really Dying? I Checked the NumbersOct 2026

From Lady K Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue