The Beginner’s Guide to Boat Ownership

Helping first-time buyers get on the water with confidence
A document titled 'Agreement for the Sale and Purchase of New and Second-Hand Vessel' from Jones Boatyard, along with a Honda Marine brochure and a key. The items are placed on a wooden surface.

Whether you’re buying your very first river cruiser or upgrading to your dream boat, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step – from your initial viewing and surveys to handover and berthing advice.

“How Buying a Boat Works”

Here’s what we will be covering:

  • Identifying what you’re looking for.
  • Arranging your viewing.
  • Making an offer.
  • Survey & preparation.
  • Collect and enjoy!

“Identifying What You’re Looking For”

Before you start looking, we like to ask whether you have ever been out on the water. Getting out on the water, even if it is for a short day trip with friends or hiring a boat, is a good way of experiencing the boating lifestyle. If you have not been out on the water, consider hiring a boat for a few hours and see what all the fuss is about!

“What Type of Boat Do I need?”

Your Next Adventure Starts Here.

Browse our carefully selected range of new & quality used boats for sale.

EXPLORE THE RANGE
A group of five people relaxing on a boat as it moves along a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery. Two adults are seated in the front, while three children sit on the back, enjoying the ride.

Testimonials

Here’s what some of our clients say about our service…

Stephen Oddy
Stephen Oddy
Sheerline 950
Excellent. The whole team couldn’t have been more helpful. From showing us around the boat, the negotiation and the sale to fixing all the items that came up in the survey. This is the second boat that I’ve bought through Jones and the service has always been the same. Well done.
Tim Palmer
Tim Palmer
Corsiva 500 Tender
Ben, Jack, Rob ( and Bert) were both very friendly and professional in the sale of my nearly new Corsiva 500 to me. They were all very flexable and helpful and I would not hesitate recommending Jones Boatyard for any of your boating needs from sales to serving or just some friendly advice.
Adrian Else
Adrian Else
Shetland 4 plus 2
Excellent friendly, knowledgeable and helpful service. Being new to boat ownership, guidance on the right boat to start in and offering practical and impartial advice was truly helpful. Definitely recommend.
Donna Davies
Donna Davies
Cranchi Giada 30
It is the first time we’ve bought a boat from Jones Boatyard. We found them to be extremely professional and knowledgeable. From start to finish the boat sale went very smoothly and we are very happy.
Andy Hodge
Andy Hodge
Capriole 850
I recently purchased a boat through Jones Boatyard, and could not fault their attitude and attention to detail. Keep up the great work guy’s, the service that you offer is amazing.
Clive Grounds
Clive Grounds
Freeman 22
Spent a lot of time at Jones's in my younger years. I have down sized from sea going to the river. Of all the yards on the river I really wanted to be based in St Ives. I was very pleased to find the boat I wanted at Jones's. They happily sorted my a berth. I could not fault the helpful and supportive team there.
Colin Arnold
Colin Arnold
Fairline Mirage
The experience of buying a boat from Jones Boatyard couldn't have been easier. Very helpful and pleasant guys from the sales team to the service team arranging a river trial. We hope that the boat we have will last us for quite a while but if I was looking for another river cruiser (and moorings which are now all excellent floating pontoons) I'd go straight to Jones.
David Swannack
David Swannack
Capriole 850
The staff at Jones Boatyard have been absolutely fantastic. Very approachable and keen to help. The purchase of my boat has been handled professionally and the whole process has been very smooth. I would not hesitate to buy or sell another boat through Jones. Excellent service.
Derek Adams
Derek Adams
Shetland Family 4
I visited this place several times as i was looking for a small boat. Each time i found them friendly and helpful and gave me lots of information (im not an experienced boater). They contacted me and told me they had a Shetland Family 4 in my price range for sale. I went to view it where they showed me the boat and told all about its history and what i needed to know about ownership. I was then left alone on the boat for as long as i needed with no pressure to buy. After i got my offer accepted the sales team went out of the way to get the boat ready to move on a trailer home. I can not speak more highly than all the staff they made purchasing my boat easy and stress free. I would highly recommend this company and all its staff.
Chris Whyman
Chris Whyman
Sumatra 755
I have just completed the purchase of my sports cruiser at Jones boat Yard. The buying experience went smoothly as ben Jones and Jack (sales) helped and advised me with any questions I had. They also kept me informed regularly of how the procedure was going. All the team there I have met have been very helpful and instructive. I am very happy to have bought from Jones and look forward to my boating journey with them. First class service.