Here’s are a few reasons why it makes perfect sense to upgrade

You know what they say – complacency is the enemy of progress. After all, life without any aspirations is not really life lived to the fullest, wouldn’t you agree? In this article, we’re not talking only about getting the latest, shiniest new yachts available on the market; we’re talking about the reasons a boater should get a newer boat, especially if your current model has passed her decade mark.

Just to be clear, we’re not saying boats older than 10 years are no good, far from it. Like all machines, boats that are well maintained will live a long and happy life. However, just like driving a ten-year-old car versus a current model, the difference between the user experience of an older yacht versus a current yacht is astounding. We’ll explain why.

Improvement in boatbuilding techniques

Just like the automotive industry, the advancement in boatbuilding has been truly astounding, especially in the past decade. Across the industry, vacuum resin infusion is now considered to be the most advanced technology right now. To explain, the traditional method of boat construction is to lay down reinforcing fabric that has been dipped into resin (or other polymers), then squeezing out excess resin via rollers. It is labour intensive, and the best reinforcing-to-resin ratio achieved on average is 60:40.

In vacuum infusion, pre-cut reinforcing fabric is placed in ‘stacks’ in a mould, and once stacked, resin is drawn through the stack via vacuum pumps. This results in an average reinforcing-to-resin ratio of 70:30. While both techniques result in equally strong hulls, vacuum infusion uses less weight to achieve the same strength. If less weight is good on cars, they are even better for boats. Fuel economy goes up, the craft is more responsive to helm, and most importantly, boats can have a larger interior volume and that means more space to enjoy all the things boaters enjoy whilst out at sea.

While upgrading parts of the boat may lead to a better experience, the hull of the boat is untouchable, which is why Pen Marine highly recommend sea trials. A prospective owner should always feel the boat underneath first before making a purchase, and the hull – its shape, its weight – more than anything else affects the experience.

If you want to know more, this article from seattleyachts.com explains these two different construction techniques in greater detail.

The inexorable march of technology

Just like cars, newer engines on boats are smaller, but they are able to create as much (if not more) power as their older, larger counterparts. For example, Honda unveiled a range of V6 outboard engines in 2018 that featured VTEC. The variable valve timing technology on these engines ensured miserly fuel economy at lower revs, and more power at high revs. They also featured a more precise fuel injection system, which essentially created more torque at low revs.

So, newer engines = better. In the same vein, all other areas have also seen the march of technology. Traditionally, boats used fin stabilisers, but today, gyro stabilisers, like Seakeeper, are the norm, and they are proven to be effective even on smaller boats of around 40’. What’s more, boaters can have higher resolution touch screens to interface with equipment like radar and fish-finders, and also have better quality sound equipment.

All these means better quality of life onboard. Sure, you can retrofit certain items onto the vessel, but it is always better if these items come as standard. Retrofits won’t have the same seamless experience, and sometimes getting into the guts underneath panels may be more trouble than it is worth. It is also highly inadvisable to touch any of these if the craft is still under warranty.

So what should I do with my older boat?

If the vessel holds special significance to you, and you can afford to keep her, then do so. However, if you want to let her go, then partner with us to find her a new owner. Three decades of sailing this industry has given us particular insights on boaters’ preferences, which vary across regions, and a keen understanding of the market. Also, it brings us great pleasure to see a once beloved boat go to another owner that would care for her the same way.

On this final note, Pen Marine, together with our principle Ferretti Yachts, will also consider taking trade-ins if the owner is interested in a new Ferretti yacht. This is definitely a compelling reason to upgrade to one of the Italian boatbuilder’s finest. As always, get in touch with us to know more, and happy boating!