There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a day on the water under the sun on your boat. The laughter of pulling water skiers is exhilarating. The joy of casting a line while fishing is timeless. The peacefulness of sitting on the water while the sun sets is soothing. Owning your own boat is truly one of the great pleasures of life. If you’d like to join the boating lifestyle, or would like to get another boat, you might consider shopping the used boat market. You can often find great deals from people selling used boats.
The used boat market is often good because boats share something in common with treadmills and exercise equipment. People often buy them with good intentions, but then some people decide they aren’t using them as much as they thought they would. Eventually people put a “for sale” sign on them. You can take advantage of getting a boat from someone who no longer needs it.
Of course, when shopping for a used boat, you want to go in with a strategy. Doing so will improve your chances of getting a good deal. Here are some tips when shopping.
What you need to know when buying a used boat
Outboard Motor: The motor is a highly expensive part of the boat you’re buying, so you want to know what you’re getting. Getting a marine mechanic to do a compression test will let you know what shape the motor is in and reveal any underlying issues.
Propeller and Shaft: Inspect the propeller and shaft for damage like nicks, dents or bends. The condition of these parts will determine the smoothness of your ride.
Structural Condition: You should thoroughly look over the hull, transom (the back section where the motor is positioned) and deck. Check for any holes, rot or scrapes.
Alternator: The alternator is the power source that generates voltage to store in the battery and power electrical accessories. If you need to replace the alternator, make sure you get a marine-grade model.
Starter: If a boat has a hard time starting, a prime suspect is the starter. It’s not a big deal to replace the starter; but like the alternator, you want to choose a marine-grade one. Be sure to look for a marine outboard starter or marine inboard starter.
Tilt Trim Motor: The tilt trim is an accessory motor that raises and lowers the outboard motor. The tilt trim motor is essential for controlling the boat in different water conditions. It also helps protect propellers from damage when in shallow waters by raising the outboard motor.
Seats and Cushions: The condition of the seats and cushions may seem like a simple appearance matter, but it’s also important for your comfort. Don’t ignore the importance of taking seats and cushions into consideration.
Warning Signs: Keep a keen eye out for signs of rodents such as droppings or mold from water damage. Either one of these conditions may make you want to take a pass on a particular boat.
Getting a good deal when buying a used boat
Before you start shopping, ask yourself: Do you want a boat in near-perfect condition or one that needs some fixing? Either choice is okay as long as you’re getting what best meets your needs and the price you pay reflects the condition. You should expect to pay more for a boat in mint condition, but you should get a discount for one needing some work. Use the cost of repairs in negotiations for boats requiring some fixes. Once you get the boat of your dreams, you’ll be ready to set sail into days of fun on the water.
