There is a web site, boatequity.com.au/

You could also put up notices around the local clubs.

Your first issue to solve though would be where to keep the boat, as pens on the river are hard to come by.

Also be aware that if the boat does not have mast lowering capacity it costs around $10K.

You might be better finding a near new boat in Perth than a new one. Best place to start is to join your local yacht club, you will be supprised how helpful some are.

I've been in a syndicate of 5 for the past year. The syndicate has been around for a few years with a few ownership changes over that time, it has always been friends or friends of friends. The good thing about buying into an established syndicate is that the rules are well established so no real disagreements. Also the novelty has worn off a bit for some so not everyone wants to use the boat every weekend.

If I were to go into a new syndicate, I would first start with at least one friend/co-worker/associate if possible. Sure there is the danger of a fallout but I think it is better at least having someone you know to talk through any issues and support decisions. I wouldn't like to have 4 complete strangers. I was introduced to our syndicate by a friend, have become good mates with another owner and 2 owners I have never met.

One issue about getting partners from the yacht club is that you may end up with a group that always want to use the boat all the time. Fine if you want a group to race with, but also might lead to many clashes. I'd get one or two dreamers - never sailed/owned a yacht but think it would be good idea, end up hardly using it! Perfect, more time for me!

We run our syndicate very loosely. Mostly just text to use the boat and if there's a conflict, just work it out between each other based on fair share. We also have a google calendar but don't really use it much. This system works well for us and I wouldn't like a fixed system of set number of days or points.

Expenses are shared for most things - maintenance, marina, insurance etc. But I also spend a bit myself that I don't share the cost of as I figure I would spend it anyway if the boat were totally mine. Things like boat wash, polish, odds and ends. I wanted a TV on the boat so I bought it, I don't expect the others to pay for it.

What makes our syndicate work is this very flexible attitude. All the owners feel the same way and it works. But you have to remember there are others to consider. I would like to get a new set of sails to race the boat but not everyone may agree the sails need replacing just yet, I have to accept that, and I do. But when it comes to necessary maintenance - engine, slipping etc, the is no disagreement, every knows it has to be done and it gets done, and I only pay 1/5.

Good luck in your syndicate.

Careful racing is addictive I said similar about not wanting racing gear 50K ago.

I have my own yacht and a 4 way syndicate in a powerboat.
I would recommend becoming part of the yachting community first where you plan to sail, sail on lots of boats as crew.
You will then learn what are the good boats for you and who is selling and who is wanting to go in for a syndicate.
I have one crew member in particular, doing just that at present.
He had never sailed 18 months ago, started with Wednesday arvos or twilights with me and has worked his way up and is heading off to Bali in a couple of weeks after 18 months of boat hoping.
He is still undecided about boat ownership vs family syndicate vs full time crewing.

We have several dufours, a couple of Jeanneaus a couple of benneteaus and rather nice Hanse 400 (mine) all active within the club.
We also have a good bunch of guys on a S97 - they may have a syndicate spot open last I heard.

PM me if you want me to tee you up with a sail on mine or any of the other boats, I'm a member at South of Perth, big club , lots of different sized boats - cold beer.

Holler if you want to come down and chat further. I'm there most Wednesdays and Fridays. Will chat about yachting till your ears are bleeding.