BEFORE YOU BUY
with Jamie & Behan Gifford | Sailing TotemReady to make your cruising dream real? We’ll teach you how the buying process works and how to smartly avoid the many pitfalls within, to land the right boat.
Every used boat tells a story—and not all of it is in the listing. From hidden maintenance costs to clever marketing, the difference between a dream cruiser and a costly mistake comes down to knowing what to look for. This online class gives you the tools to separate compromise from catastrophe and find a boat you’ll truly love.
REGISTER NOW
ONLINE CLASS OVERVIEW
Buying a used sailboat can open the door to adventure—or to costly surprises. This online class walks you through every step of the process: how to evaluate listings, decide when to use a buyer’s or seller’s broker, select a reliable surveyor, and understand contracts, paperwork, and registration requirements. Along the way, you’ll learn to spot hidden issues, avoid common “gotchas,” and negotiate with confidence so you end up with a boat—and a deal—you’ll love.
Who is this online class for?
This online class is for anyone who wants to be an informed buyer of a sailboat for coastal, regional and offshore sailing.
What Will I Learn?
Gain the knowledge and tools to shop with confidence. You’ll master the full buying process, perform thorough due diligence, and evaluate boat features and costs to ensure they match your goals and budget
List of Topics:
- Evaluating listings and spotting red flags before you schedule a visit
- Understanding when (and how) to work with buyer’s or seller’s brokers, or owner in a private sale
- Choosing and coordinating with a marine surveyor and conducting sea trials
- Negotiating price, contingencies, and contract details with confidence
- Navigating paperwork, registration, and closing logistics
- Estimating refit, maintenance, and hidden ownership costs
- Prioritizing boat features to match your cruising plans and budget
- Creating a realistic purchase timeline from first search to final handshake
Navigate the Used Boat Market with Confidence
From Overwhelmed to Informed
Every sailor dreams of the perfect boat, but the wrong purchase can sink that dream fast. Hidden costs, confusing contracts, or a shiny listing that masks years of neglect can turn excitement into regret. This online class takes the mystery out of buying a used boat by equipping you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to spot red flags, avoid costly mistakes, and make the right decision for your cruising life. With step-by-step guidance from Jamie and Behan Gifford, you’ll learn exactly how to evaluate, negotiate, and secure a boat that matches your goals and budget.
Practical Buying Skills That Save You Money
You’ll discover how to read between the lines of boat listings, know when to bring in a broker, and work effectively with a surveyor during inspections and sea trials. From understanding paperwork and registration to estimating refit and maintenance costs, you’ll gain the tools to protect your investment and sail away with confidence. Whether you’re looking for a weekend cruiser, preparing for long-term voyaging, or just trying to avoid expensive pitfalls, this online class shows you how to navigate the buying process with clarity.
Your Shortcut to Smart Boat Ownership
Perfect for first-time buyers, seasoned sailors upgrading to their next boat, or anyone curious about the used-boat market, this online class is your roadmap to success. If you’ve ever wondered whether that “deal” is too good to be true, or worried about what a survey might uncover, this is your chance to learn how to separate a dream boat from a disaster waiting to happen, and set sail with peace of mind.
YOUR HOSTs
JAMIE & BEHAN GIFFORD
Sailing Totem
Jamie and Behan are lifelong sailors who have logged tens of thousands of miles cruising internationally aboard their Stevens 47, Totem. They bring real-world experience to every lesson they teach—whether it's on watermakers, weather routing, or the day-to-day decisions that make cruising life successful and fulfilling. Their expertise is rooted in practical knowledge from more than 17 years of full-time cruising as circumnavigators, and a coaching service working directly with hundreds of coaching clients. Guided by a passion for life on the sea, they seek to make cruising accessible for all who wish to pursue the dream.
ONLINE CLASS REGISTRATION
@ 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (90 min)
Regular Price
$39
ASA Member Price
$29
ON-DEMAND ACCESS
All registrations include unlimited on-demand access to the recordings of the live online class. So if you are unable to attend live you can still register and watch at your leisure.
ASA MEMBER DISCOUNT
American Sailing Members can claim their discount in the Member Portal. If you're not a current member then for only $59/year you can join or renew today!
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