Buying a pre-owned boat is often more cost-effective than buying new, not only due to the lower purchase price, but because used boats depreciate slower than new ones, and insurance premiums are usually lower, as well. However, if you’re thinking about buying a used boat, there are some important steps to follow in order to ensure you’re making a sound investment.
Do Your Homework
Before buying a used boat, learn everything you can about the brand and model you’re buying, and confirm that the seller has all the necessary paperwork and documentation in order.
- Research – Look up the brand and model online to get an idea of its market value, and to check for known issues or recalls.
- Ask Questions – Inquire about the boat’s history, including any major repairs, accidents or insurance claims.
- Review Documentation – Make sure the seller has a clear title, and review the service records for insight into how well the boat has been maintained.
Perform a Thorough Inspection
Carefully inspect the hull, engine, electronics and interior of the used boat for signs of excessive wear or damage, and test all components and systems.
- Hull & Deck – Check for cracks, soft spots, blisters, and signs of rot or delamination. Inspect the underside for any gouges, damage, or signs of significant impacts.
- Engine – Look for signs of corrosion, oil leaks, or other damage. Listen for unusual noises or excessive smoke, and check the propeller and prop shaft.
- Electronics – Test all lights, switches, pumps, and other electronics. Check for proper operation of plumbing, appliances, and steering, and inspect batteries.
- Interior – Look for tears or cracks in the upholstery and check the condition of storage lockers and doors. Be aware of musty odors, mold and mildew.
Conduct a Sea Trial & Marine Survey
If you’re satisfied with the quality and condition of the used boat, take a test drive to see how it handles on the water. You may also consider hiring a professional marine surveyor or mechanic, especially if you’re not an experienced boater.
- Sea Trial – Take the boat out on the water to test its acceleration, steering, and overall handling, and to confirm it runs smoothly without unusual vibrations or noise.
- Marine Survey – To uncover potential issues you may have missed, hire a professional marine surveyor to inspect the used boat. Surveys are often required by insurance companies.
- Mechanic – If purchasing the used boat from a private seller, you may want to hire a mechanic to perform an engine compression test, check the prop, and inspect the shaft alignment.
Shop Pre-Owned Boats for Sale on Great Sacandaga Lake
Buying a used boat from a reputable boat dealer can take a lot of the stress out of buying a pre-owned boat. At Reets Boatworks, we have a full-service repair shop on site and perform inspections to ensure all of our used boats are in saleable condition. We also have a legal obligation to disclose known defects or issues to potential buyers, and always insist on a sea trial to ensure you’re satisfied with the boat’s performance before finalizing the sale.
Shop our Used Boats for Sale on Great Sacandaga Lake, or contact us for more information.