Before You Buy - Online Class

4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET

Before You Buy

with 

Jamie & Behan Gifford

 | 

Sailing Totem
Ready 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.
90-Minute Live Session
On Demand Replay Available
Live Q&A
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.
FREE
39
Before You Buy

Online class overview

Ready 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.

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

Your Host
Jamie & Behan Gifford
With three young children, Behan and Jamie sailed Totem, their Stevens 47, South from Puget Sound in 2008. Trading a hectic suburban life for family adventure cruising in Mexico and the South Pacific was meant to be for 3 to 5 years; but 16 years, one circumnavigation, 48 countries, and 65,000 drama-free miles later, they are still cruising full time. Along their way around the world, Behan has developed her informative blog at sailingtotem.com into a leading resource for cruising inspiration and know-how. She also co-authored the acclaimed guide, Voyaging With Kids. Meanwhile, Jamie's mechanical expertise complements Behan's lifestyle communication. Serving as a proficient sailmaker, designer, and rigger, he is also well-versed in various other onboard technical skills. Together, Jamie and Behan present on multiple topics at Cruisers University and other boat shows and are frequent contributors to Cruising World magazine, all while also managing a coaching service to support thousands of fellow cruisers. Their expert guidance is broad ranging, from boat selection and cruising economics to routing, provisioning, and technical troubleshooting post-departure.

Get the class Bundle

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!