Tips For Buying A Used Boat

Buying a used boat comes with quite a few additional focus points and things to look out for when compared to buying a brand new boat. Be prepared to exercise much more caution and let me show you what to look out for.

You’ve probably been told to never judge a book by its cover. This same “rule of life” applies to buying a used boat or any used item for that matter. This kind of reminds me of the Carfax commercial where a car is stuck in a flooding river and an ‘ad’ appears on the screen that first says “minor water damage”, is then backspaced and replaced by “new upholstery” (while the car is pretty much “drowning” in the river). Anyway, to get back to boating, just because the boat got a fresh coat of paint doesn’t mean it’s in top condition. Even if you do see certain things on the exterior of the boat, there might also be problems with the interior of the boat, namely the engine/motor. These things may not become apparent until long after you bought the boat.

If you’re going to buy a used boat, here are a few tips that will help ensure the best possible outcome.

Set Your Budget and (try to) stick to it!

The first thing you’ll want to do if you’re in the market for a used boat is to set a budget for yourself. This will not only help keep you from spending too much of your hard-earned money, but it will also narrow down your selection dramatically.
Figure out what’s the highest amount you can spend on a boat without going overboard (no pun intended) and make sure you keep shopping for boats that fall within your price range. Also keep in mind that after you buy a boat there are other things that will cost you money such as required safety equipment, licenses, gas, possibly build a dock, etc. You’ll find more articles on all the things that boating brings along with it elsewhere on this site (through our navigation menu)

Check List

Here’s a short checklist you’ll want to make sure any used boat you buy can pass.

• Make sure there is oil in the bilge. This may be a sign of an oil leak and warrants closer inspection
• Are there signs of lubricant leakage around hoses, freeze plugs or gaskets?
• Does the engine have a white chalk-like residue on it? Or the drive?
• Do you see any signs that the drive rudder or propeller have hit any submerged objects? Are they damaged or bent?

You’ll really want to take at least all of these questions into consideration and make sure that your future boat is in a condition worth buying before you sign any sales contract. You must also be realistic and try to buy a yacht with rowing boat money :)Look online for used boats of similar make, model, and year to get ensure you’re in the right spectrum and are not getting ripped off. You’ll also want to make sure you’re not getting a mega-cheap deal as this is often sign of trouble down the road.

Although most sellers will do the right thing and inform you of things that are wrong with the boat, not everyone believes in “honesty lasts the longest”. So be sure to protect yourself and spend your money wisely and be cautious, even when buying from someone you do actually know. Go to different sites and forums and talk with other boat owners. Sites like Cheap Sailor are a great place to start looking for boats. Use the proper precautions and take these tips into consideration when you are shopping for a boat and you should get rewarding results.