Fontnautic - Brokerage y gestión náutica en Sitges

Fontnautic is a yacht brokerage and management company based on the Passeig de les Drassanes in Sitges (Barcelona). Led by Alberto Font, it offers a comprehensive service ranging from the sale and purchase of pre-owned boats to the coordination of all boat maintenance, including appraisals, transportation, and documentation assistance. The company positions itself as a trusted nautical management firm that acts as the shipowner’s sole point of contact.

Boat Sales and Purchases (Brokerage)

Fontnautic specializes in brokering used boats:

• Sale: Boat owners looking to sell their vessel rely on Fontnautic to set a realistic market price, prepare the boat for sale (cleaning, minor repairs, ensuring documentation is in order), list it on specialized websites, and manage viewings and negotiations.
• Purchase: For those looking to buy a boat, Fontnautic locates vessels that meet the buyer’s requirements, organizes viewings and sea trials, and handles all transfer documentation.
• Impartial Advice: Since Fontnautic is not a dealer for any specific brand, its advice is objective and focused on the client’s needs.

Maintenance Coordination

One of Fontnautic’s most highly valued services is the coordination of comprehensive maintenance:

• Engine: periodic inspections, oil and filter changes, tune-ups, and corrective repairs. Fontnautic works with specialized local repair shops and supervises every job.
• Propulsion: inspection of shafts, propellers, stern drives, and gearboxes.
• Electrical and Electronics: diagnosis and repair of electrical systems; installation of navigation electronics, batteries, and chargers.
• Hull and paint: coordination of dry-docking for antifouling, gelcoat repair, osmosis treatment, and superstructure painting.
• Deck and rigging: inspection of teak, fittings, furling systems, ropes, and cables.
• Plumbing and comfort systems: pumps, bilge valves, tanks, air conditioning, and heating.

The boat owner has a single point of contact—Fontnautic—which coordinates all vendors, supervises the work, monitors deadlines, and centralizes billing.

Surveys and Inspections

Fontnautic conducts nautical surveys for various purposes:

• Pre-purchase inspection: a comprehensive technical evaluation before purchasing a used boat. The inspection covers the engine, hull, electrical system, rigging (on sailboats), watertightness, and overall condition, with a detailed report and market valuation.
• Appraisals: valuations for insurance, estates, litigation, or sales.
• Periodic inspection: annual checkups to monitor the boat’s condition and anticipate maintenance needs.

Boat Transport

Management of boat transport by road (using a specialized trailer) or by sea (convoying) to any location in Spain and Europe. Fontnautic handles the permits, logistics, and coordination with the shipyards at the origin and destination.

Transport by Sea (Convoying)

For vessels capable of sailing under their own power, Fontnautic organizes transfers between ports with a professional skipper. This service is useful for those who purchase a boat in another region or wish to change their home port without sailing the vessel themselves.

Document Management

• Registration and flagging.
• ITB (Technical Inspection of Vessels): preparation of the boat and assistance during the inspection.
• Boat insurance: advice and management of policies with various insurers.
• Port procedures: mooring registration, renewal of concessions, and dealings with port authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What commission do you charge for selling a boat? The brokerage commission is agreed upon at the start of the assignment and is only charged if the sale goes through.

Can you manage my boat if I live outside of Sitges? Yes, many of their clients live outside the area. Fontnautic acts as the boat owner’s representative for any matters related to the vessel.

Do you work only in Sitges? They are based in Sitges, but they operate in ports along the entire Catalan coast and, for services such as transportation or brokerage, throughout Spain.

Do you perform sailboat appraisals? Yes, they have experience with both motorboats and sailboats, including inspections of standing and running rigging, masts, and sail systems.