Boat Buying 101

with

John Neal

Team Mahina

Navigate the boat-buying process with clarity and confidence—unlock essential know-how before you step aboard.

90-Minute Live Session

On Demand Replay Available

Live Q&A

Purchasing a boat is thrilling—and complex. Whether you're searching for your first sailboat or transitioning to liveaboard or long-term cruising life, this course equips you with the knowledge, checklists, and insider tips to make informed decisions with confidence.

FREE

Boat Buying 101

Online class overview

Set sail on Boat Buying 101: a comprehensive, multi-session journey through every phase of boat ownership—from goal-setting and budget planning to hull inspections and final negotiations. With real-world case studies and expert guidance, this course offers deeper, broader insights for today’s market than ever before. Learn how to evaluate design, construction, survey reports, and market trends to find a boat that matches your dreams and lifestyle.

Who is this online class for?

This class is ideal for aspiring liveaboards and cruising hopefuls preparing to purchase their first boat, as well as seasoned sailors looking to upgrade or transition to a more capable vessel. It’s also perfect for anyone who wants to avoid costly mistakes and gain confidence in selecting the right boat for their needs.

What will I learn?

You’ll start by defining your cruising vision and budget, then transition into technical and practical aspects—from hull materials and rig types to survey fundamentals and negotiation techniques. By the end, you’ll have the skillset to confidently assess listings, conduct inspections, and close the deal.

List of topics:

Defining your cruising goals and realistic budget
Understanding hull types, construction, and rig configurations
Insights into age, size, and resale trends
Decoding broker listings and market language
Preparing for and interpreting survey results
Common green and red flags during inspections
Negotiation strategies and closing logistics

Before You Buy, Know the Why

Sail smart, invest wisely

Buying a boat isn’t just a transaction, it’s a turning point. Whether you’re planning a life afloat or searching for your first sailboat, the decisions you make now will shape your cruising future. With so many variables, from hull types and rigging to budgets, surveys, and negotiations, this course gives you the tools and mindset to navigate the process with clarity, confidence, and control.

Clarity, Confidence & Smart Decisions

Led by renowned offshore sailor and boat-buying consultant Captain John Neal, this course transforms the often-overwhelming buying process into a logical, step-by-step journey. From defining your cruising vision to inspecting listings, reading surveys, and sealing the deal, you’ll learn how to evaluate boats based on what really matters for your goals, lifestyle, and budget.

Real Advice from a World-Class Cruiser

Captain John Neal has logged more than 400,000 offshore miles and helped thousands of sailors buy the right boat for their dreams. His insights are grounded in real-world experience from bluewater passages to boatyard deals. This course is your chance to avoid costly mistakes and start your sailing story on solid ground. Whether you’re buying your first boat or your forever cruiser, Boat Buying 101 is your blueprint for smarter ownership.

Your Host

John Neal

John Neal’s 400,000 offshore miles include six Cape Horn roundings plus expeditions to Antarctica, Africa, Australia, and Spitsbergen. Since 1976, John’s passion has been sharing his ocean cruising knowledge through 204 sail training expeditions aboard Mahina Tiare III, a Hallberg-Rassy 46 and various other yachts. John is author, co-author or contributing author of 17 books including Log of the Mahina. When John’s not at sea leading sail-training expeditions he teaches Mahina Offshore Cruising Workshops and offers boat purchase consultation services. Details on mahina.com

Get the class Bundle

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Online Class Registration

@ 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (90 min)

Regular Price

ASA Member Price

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!