How to Buy a Used Boat Without Getting Duped

Boating is a fun activity for the entire family. You can enjoy some simple bird watching, fishing or just a simple sunny day diving in the lake. You do not have to spend an enormous amount of money buying a new boat to enjoy this fun activity. There are plenty of used boats for sale in great condition and at a really good price. In case you want to buy a used boat, here are a few things to consider. The overall maintenance condition of the boat can tell a lot about how the previous owner used and treated it.

Check the fiberglass

Look out for any cracks in the fiberglass above and below the waterline of the boat. In case you see small cracks that look like spider webs in localized areas, you do not need to worry too much. These can be easily fixed to prevent them from getting worse. In case the crack is larger than two inches, you should be concerned about larger problems inside the boat such as a collision. Gel coat patches are a great indicator of extensive repairs that should make you question the general condition of the boat.

Signs of damage

Check for general signs of damage in the fiberglass and wooden areas of the boat including the floor, transom and the hull. Flexing, cracking, mold and moisture are tell tale signs of wear, delamination of the plywood and break down of the fiberglass. This is not a boat you want to buy.

Mildew

Thoroughly check the boat for any signs of mildew. Remember to check the storage lockers too. Even if the upholstery and covers have been cleaned and replaced, extensive molds inside the seats and other parts of the boat is a really bad sign of problems beyond what you can see.

Check the electronics

Ensure that all the electronics on the boat work. In case it needs electrical repairs, you can use this as a bargain point to reduce the cost of the boat. Things like burnt out bulbs are inexpensive to replace. However, if there are multiple devices not working, the boat could have serious wiring problems or a faulty battery, which costs so much more. In case the labels on the engine have peeled up and insulation wires have melted, you know the engine is overheating which is trouble that is even more expensive.

Start the engine

Just like a car, you can also get to test drive a boat to see how well it performs. When you start the engine, listen for excessive noise, unusual vibrations or excessive smoke. These could be symptoms of something as simple as old gas or too much oil, which can easily be fixed during a tune-up. It could also indicate bigger problems such as low compression in the cylinders, which requires an engine overhaul and this can be quite costly.

It is advisable to carry along a boat expert when inspecting used boats for purchase. You do not want to miss anything that could potentially cost you a lot of money.

 

 

Posted by: Stowaway Marine   http://stowawaymarine.net