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Jones Boatyard, The Boathaven, Low Road, St.Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 5ET
  • OPENING HOURS:
  • Mon - Sat | 09:00 - 16:30
  • Sun & Bank Holidays | 10:00 - 16:00
  • Workshops & office open Mon-Fri

The Beginner’s Guide to Boat Ownership

Helping you buy the right boat with confidence.

Family-run Expertise

With decades of boating experience, our friendly team can help match you with the right boat for your lifestyle and budget.

Carefully Selected Boats

We offer a quality range of carefully selected new and used boats, all professionally presented and ready for viewing.

Easy Buying Process

We make buying straightforward and stress-free - whether you're a first time buyer or experienced owner.

Support Beyond Sale

From surveys, moorings, maintenance and servicing, we're here long after you take ownership of your new boat.

Trusted Knowledge

As a well-established River Great Ouse marina, we understand local cruising, licensing, moorings and life on the water.

Honest Guidance

Our honest guidance means you'll receive genuine recommendations based on what's right for you, not what's easiest to sell.

How Buying a Boat Works

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.

Here’s what we will be covering:

  • Knowing What You're Looking For
  • Arrange a Viewing
  • Making an Offer
  • Survey & Preparation
  • Collect & Enjoy!

Knowing What You're Looking For

Understanding different boat types

Whether you’re looking for a family cruiser, sports boat, fishing boat or liveaboard vessel, understanding the different styles available is the first step. We’ll help explain the key differences and what each type is best suited for.

Type

Advantages

Disadvantages

Best for

Inboard Shaft Drive

Reliable, simple, durable, lower maintenance, ideal for slow-speed cruising.

Deepest draft, prop and rudder always in the water, poor in shallow areas, can’t trim up.

Traditional river cruisers and relaxed cruising.

Inboard with Outdrive

Improved handling, can trim up in shallow water, good all-round performance.

Usually bigger engines, highest maintenance costs, more moving parts, expensive repairs if neglected.

Mixed river/coastal use and higher-speed cruising.

Outboard

Easiest to maintain, can tilt completely clear of the water, best for shallow areas, easy engine replacement, more internal space.

Less traditional appearance, weight at the stern, can be noisier.

First-time owners, rivers, shallow water, day boats and weekend cruisers.

What's our thoughts?

🥇 Outboard

Simple, practical and ideal for shallow water, with easy maintenance, lower ownership costs, and excellent suitability for first-time boaters.

🥈 Shaft Drive

Ideal for traditional river cruising, offering excellent reliability and low maintenance, but requires care in shallow water and outside marked channels.

🥉 Outdrive

Offers the most versatility but also the most maintenance. The extra performance is often wasted on rivers with low speed limits.

For a first boat, condition and maintenance history matter more than drive type. A well-maintained boat with a full service history will almost always be a better buy than a neglected boat with your preferred engine setup.

Matching a boat to your lifestyle

Before you start viewing boats, ask yourself a few simple questions. Your answers will help determine which style of boat is best suited to your needs.

Day Trips & Social Boating?

If your perfect day on the water involves family, friends and relaxing cruises, you’ll likely benefit from a boat with plenty of seating, easy access and open social spaces. Day Boats, Bowriders and Sports Boats are popular choices for enjoying sunny afternoons, waterside lunches and entertaining guests.

Weekend Getaways & Overnight Stays?

Planning to spend nights onboard? Look for boats with comfortable sleeping accommodation, toilet facilities and practical onboard amenities. Cabin Boats, Sports Cruisers and River Cruisers offer the comfort and convenience needed for weekends away and short breaks on the water.

Cruising & Exploring?

For those looking to venture further afield, comfort and practicality become increasingly important. Features such as larger cabins, generous storage, galley facilities and greater fuel capacity make Cruisers and Flybridge Boats ideal for extended cruising and longer adventures.

Inland or Coastal Waters?

Where you plan to boat can significantly influence your choice. Some boats are designed for the calm waters of rivers and inland waterways, while others are built to handle coastal conditions and offshore passages. Understanding where you’ll spend most of your time helps narrow down the most suitable options.

Not Sure What’s Right for You?

Many buyers begin their search with one type of boat in mind, only to discover another better suits their needs. That’s where we can help. By understanding how you want to use your boat, your budget and your future plans, we’ll help guide you towards the right options and make the buying process as straightforward as possible.

Setting a realistic budget

A successful boat purchase starts with a clear understanding of your budget. While the purchase price is an important consideration, there are other costs to factor into ownership, including mooring fees, insurance, maintenance, servicing and fuel.

Our team can help you understand the complete picture so there are no unexpected surprises further down the line. We believe in providing honest advice from the outset, helping you find a boat that delivers the best balance of enjoyment, practicality and value for your budget.

Arrange a Viewing

Explore your options

Viewing different boats is one of the best ways to understand what works for you. Comparing layouts, sizes and specifications in person often reveals things that photos simply can’t show.

Ask the right questions

Our experienced team is on hand to answer any questions you may have, from ownership history and maintenance records to handling characteristics and onboard equipment.

A relaxed, no-pressure experience

We believe buying a boat should be enjoyable. You’re welcome to take your time, view boats independently and explore your options without any pressure or sales tactics.

Making an Offer

Understanding market value

Once you’ve found the right boat, we’ll help you understand its value and current market position, ensuring you can make an informed and realistic offer.

Negotiating with confidence

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced owner, we’ll guide you through the offer process and liaise between buyer and seller to achieve a fair outcome.

Deposits & paperwork made easy

From deposits and purchase agreements to proof of ownership documents, we’ll explain every step clearly and ensure the process runs smoothly.

Survey & Preparation

Arranging a professional survey

A marine survey provides valuable peace of mind. We can recommend trusted independent surveyors and help coordinate inspections at a convenient time.

Organising lifting and transport

Whether the boat needs lifting for survey, transport to a new location or preparation for launch, we can help arrange the necessary services and logistics.

Preparing for ownership

Before collection, we’ll ensure all agreed works, servicing or preparations are completed, helping you start your boating journey with confidence.

Collect & Enjoy!

Comprehensive handover

When you collect your boat, a member of our team will provide a full handover, explaining the vessel’s systems, controls and key operating procedures.

Practical advice & ongoing support

We’re here long after the sale. From maintenance tips and safety advice to recommendations for equipment and upgrades, our team is always happy to help.

Discovering local cruising & berthing

Not sure where to start? We can provide guidance on local cruising routes, marinas, moorings and destinations to help you get the most from your new boat.

Your Next Adventure Starts Here.

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

Explore the range

Testimonials

“It was excellent service from the initial valuation to the final completion of my boat sale. I felt like they represented my best interests at all times and provided great advice. I’d definitely use Jones Boatyard again.”
“Just sold our boat through the sales team at Jones Boatyard. Steve was patient, understanding and friendly throughout. Keeping us informed and giving invaluable advice, all we had to do was fill in the paperwork. I would recommend Jones Boatyardto anyone looking to sell their boat.”
“Just about to complete on the sale of our boat. I’m so glad I used the brokerage at Jones Boatyard. I can’t recommend them highly enough. Thanks to Kate, Paul, and Mark for all your hard work.”

Jones Boatyard, The Boathaven, Low Road, St.Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 5ET

Marina & Boat Sales
  • 01480 494040
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  • Mon - Sat | 09:00 - 16:30
  • Sun & Bank Holidays | 10:00 - 16:00
  • Workshops and Office open Mon - Fri
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