If you are a first-time boat buyer, give yourself a
lot of time to explore all the different options available before you make this
important purchase. Boats area big investment and that’s particularly why you
shouldn’t take the buying process lightly. You can find a good used boat at a
fraction of the price of a new one. We’ll give you a few tips to help you get
started.
Do
your research
Like cars, you’ll find lots of places where they list
the value of most used boats. You’ll need to go through these sites and have an
idea of how boats are valued. It’s important to know what you want before you
go shopping for a boat. Start with the price that you can afford. How much have
you set aside for this purchase? This will guide you on the features to look
out for. Boats have certain
specifications that make one better than the other and you’ll need to look at
more than just the visual appeal.
Visual
inspection
You can tell a lot about the boat itself by conducting
a visual inspection. If the boat is dirty, scratched up and rusty, it could
mean that it hasn’t been well maintained. Check the floor of the boat and walk
over it. Any signs of rotting or poor construction should be a red flag. Just
remember, the floor is usually one of the most expensive items on a boat to
fix. But don’t buy a boat because of its flawless appearance. A used boat can
look clean and shiny but this could be a disguise used to cover hidden
problems.
Have
a test drive
As soon as you’re done with the visual inspection,
it’s important to take the boat for a test drive. Take it on the water and feel
how the boat rides when you go fast, slow or make turns. This is the only way
you’ll know how the boat operates before you buy. Go with your family or your
friends for the test drive, the same way you would when going for a boating
trip. It’s important to also get their approval before you buy the boat.
Find
a reputable boat dealer
First of all, you’ll need to find a trustworthy dealer
who can offer you a selection of boats that meet your budget and needs. You can
find dealers who have over 20 boats to choose from. That’s better because you
will not be restricted to a select few. Compare the boats offered by the dealer
and decide what you like and don’t like. A good dealer should be able to advice
you on what to look for in a good boat. You should easily tell whether someone
is genuinely interested in helping you find a boat or just making a commission.
Posted By: Stowaway Marine http://stowawaymarine.net
