Essential Guide to Purchasing a Used Boat for Water Sports

Buying a boat is a significant financial commitment, comparable to purchasing a car. Therefore, it’s crucial to identify your needs, determine where to buy, and find the best deal. Although there is a wealth of information regarding boat purchases, especially for used boats, specific considerations must be addressed. Here is your comprehensive checklist for purchasing a used boat.

1. Take a Test Drive

You wouldn’t buy a car without testing it first; the same principle applies to boats, which require even more scrutiny. Boats are intricate machines that often demand more attention and maintenance than vehicles. During your test drive, pay close attention to the following factors, ensuring you have additional people along to gauge performance under varied weight conditions:

• Vibration – Excessive vibration could signal multiple issues, such as a bent propeller, and contributes to noise levels.
• Functioning Trim – If evaluating an inboard/outboard boat, confirm the trim functions properly, allowing the motor to adjust positions.
• Response – Carefully test the steering to measure how quickly the boat responds during directional changes.
• Planning – Monitor the duration it takes for the boat to plane after takeoff.
• Shifting – Ensure smooth transitions into gear; abrupt movements can indicate problems.
• Reverse – Test the reverse function, which becomes essential when docking.
• Gauges and Instruments – Verify that the temperature, RPM, and speedometer are working correctly.
• Bilge – Assess bilge functionality; if a short test ride isn’t adequate, run water in the engine compartment to see if it activates properly.

2. Check How Many Hours Are on the Boat

Unlike cars, boats are assessed based on operating hours. Generally, if a boat exceeds 500 hours, anticipate potential costs for upgrades and maintenance.

3. Check for Floor Rot

Water and wood can lead to significant problems, particularly on a boat’s floor. Carefully inspect for soft spots indicating rot. Don’t hesitate to kneel and smell for mildew.

4. Ask for a Maintenance History on the Boat

Inquire about the major repairs that have been conducted on the boat. A history of extensive repairs might suggest future expenses. Additionally, find out if the boat is still under warranty and the repair services previously used.

5. Have a Marine Surveyor Take a Look

Engaging a qualified marine surveyor for a detailed inspection can safeguard your investment. To locate a marine surveyor, you may contact the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors – SAMS. If opting for a DIY inspection, check critical components such as spark arrestors, plugs, and engine oil (cloudy or gritty oil could indicate a cracked engine block).

6. Inspect the Hull Condition

Walk around the boat to assess the hull, ensuring it is in solid condition. Listen for inconsistencies by tapping the hull, as mismatched paint may reflect previous accidents or repairs.

7. Check the Propeller for Warping, Cracks, or Nicks

Inspect the propeller for any warping, cracks, or nicks, as these issues can adversely impact the boat’s performance.

8. Find Out How the Boat Has Been Stored

Storage conditions greatly influence a boat’s longevity. Determine whether the boat was subject to environmental exposure or if it benefited from indoor, dry storage.

9. How Is the Upholstery Holding Up?

Storage conditions also affect upholstery durability. Look for ripped seams, color fading, and check the boat cover, if available.

10. What Are the Extras?

Check if the owner will include additional equipment with the sale. Essential extras might include a depth finder, marine radio, stereo system, life jackets, and an anchor. If the seller is amenable, they may also provide a speed control device for skiing.

11. Don’t Forget About the Trailer

If a trailer is included in the purchase, inspect it thoroughly as trailers can be expensive to replace.

12. Check the N.A.D.A. Boat Appraisal Guide

Utilize the N.A.D.A. Guide to ascertain a fair price range for the model and year of the boat you are considering. A lower-than-average price may indicate underlying issues, motivating the owner to sell.