Moving to an island surrounded by so much beautiful coastline and agreeable weather means many who live here opt to try the sea faring life. Although the whole idea of owning a boat and operating it might seem overwhelming, it’s actually easy to do with the right advice and resources
First-hand or second-hand?
There are two schools of thought when it comes to purchasing a boat. Being an island, the market here is saturated with numerous new and previously owned craft. The general opinion out there seems to be split; some are staunch believers that you should never buy a second-hand boat while others would only buy a vessel previously owned.
‘I have been working with boats for many years and my advice would be to never buy a used one,’ says Hamad Bachi, of Emocean Boats. ‘But if you absolutely insist, then please take the following advice: make sure there is no rust on the boat, take a qualified person with you to inspect the engine (you need to know if it was stored in or out of the water, and obviously it is better if the boat was stored on dry land).
‘The reason why it’s better to buy new is that you know what you are getting. The product comes with a warranty and, for example, our company will offer you services that you cannot get from purchasing a second-hand specimen. We can offer regular check-ups, and even help out in emergencies. We also offer financing solutions that could help you afford your dream boat, instead of shelling out a smaller fortune for a craft that might cost you more for the upkeep in the future.’
To learn more about the services offered at Emocean, visit www.emoceanmarine.com.
Parking
It seems that parking in Abu Dhabi is not just an issue with cars; boat owners need to work out the logistics of where to store their sea vessels when they are not in use. There are several well known marinas available around the city and the best way to find one that suits your needs is to visit their sites and talk to the people in charge. Ideally, you should also get some advice from someone who already uses their parking spots. Here are some of the more reputable marinas available.
• Marina Mall Marina
• Al Bateen Marina
• Mina Marina
• Yas Marina
• Al Bandar Marina
• Reem Island Marina
• InterContinental Marina
• Emirates Palace Marina
Case study 1
Antonio Neto is the owner and founder of Captain Tony’s, a company that delivers a wide range of affordable cruises that can be tailored to your specific needs
How did you obtain a boat in the city?
I searched everywhere, spoke to a lot of people, researched online, got familiar with the available options and prices and eventually found what I wanted.
What was the procedure for getting a boat here?
Once you find your boat you simply get it registered at the coast guard and off you go. Sadly there is still no requirement to obtain a license so anyone can drive a boat, even with little or no experience. Hopefully this will change soon.
As a boat owner, what are some of the biggest hardships and rewards?
The hardships are, of course, the costs of maintaining a boat as well as the headaches caused by the overall terrible service offered by the few available mechanic workshops. The reward comes from the beauty of our clean and calm coastline.
What advice would you give a novice who wants to own a boat in the city?
Get appropriate maritime training, certification and license. Then start with a small boat that’s easy to handle and stick to the inshore waterways, close to the coastline – do not venture too far offshore!
For more information about Captain Tony’s, visit www.captaintonys.ae (02 650 7175).
Case study 2
Almer Agmyren has just traded in his own boat and is now looking to own a new boat with a friend
What is the appeal of owning a boat with someone?
It definitely cuts down many of the costs; this way it is more affordable for the parking fees, as well as the maintenance and the upkeep. You just have to make sure that you go into this with someone you are comfortable with, as owning something with someone you are not close to might cause a whole range of problems; like when it comes to inviting friends out or organising the schedule.
What marina in Abu Dhabi do you use for storage?
I had my boat at the Al Bateen Marina and the experience was great. My boat was always in the water so I could take it out whenever I wanted to. Some of the other marinas, like the one on the Mina, park the boats outside, in which case you always have to show up at shore before sunset so they can haul your boat out.
What advice can you give someone who wants to keep their boat in the water?
The only real advice is to make sure that your engines don’t stay in saltwater and to keep them clean by hosing them down with clean water after a ride.
What are you looking for now you’re purchasing your new boat?
I am definitely looking to invest in a four- stroke engine, as opposed to the two-stroke one I had before. The four-stroke engine is much quieter and it is better for the environment. I think it’s really important to consider the environment if you are going out on the water and you should do your best to leave the least carbon footprint.
Where to find your vessel
Whether you are looking for new or second-hand boats, yachts, or sail boats, you are sure to find something that will suit your fancy and price range. It is definitely worthwhile doing some research on your own before purchasing a boat. Some small vessels can go for as little as Dhs27,500, but it’s always advisable to have an expert at hand to help you make that first purchase.
www.abudhabiboats.com: a great site for selling or buying boats of all sizes.
www.uaeboats4sale.com: buy and sell a wide range of boats and Jet Skis, as well as a large range of accessories.
www.dubizzle.com: you can find all sorts of accessories, engines and second-hand boats.
www.boattraderuae.com: a good list of companies that service boats in the UAE.
www.4yacht.com: they sell a wide range of luxury yachts.
www.luluboats.com: known for a whole range of services and activities, as well as charters.
