what should I look for when buying a used-boat?
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Want to buy a used boat? Here are some things to look for to make sure you don't waste your money buying someone else's headache.
Checklist for buying a used boat
What should I look for when buying a used boat?
Most enthusiasts will eventually be in the market for a used boat, regardless of whether they’re pursuing peacock fish in Florida, cruising the open waters in California, or anything where else the waters will take you.
However, you do not wish to exchange your hard-earned cash for someone else’s problem. Here are some things to consider when purchasing a used boat and motor.
1) Make sure the Transom is in good shape
Ensure that the wood where the outboard motor is attached to the boat is in good condition and not rotten. Even if there is aluminum on either side of the wood, it is still susceptible to deterioration if not maintained. Make sure that the transom is solid on any boat you purchase.
2) Make sure the boat deck has no damage
Likewise, the wooden floor of a boat can rot. The dealership or private seller will not appreciate you attempting to pull up the carpet to inspect the flooring, but you can walk around the boat and press down on a few spots with your foot to determine the condition of the flooring.
Check especially high-traffic areas, such as where people enter and exit the boat, and areas prone to getting wet, such as the vicinity of the live well. Ensure that it is not soft or sponge-like.
3) Inspect the boat hull
The hull is the most important part of a boat, so pay close attention to it. Check it for flaws, dents, gouges, holes (repaired or not), and other problems, such as fiberglass repairs that can be seen. Check especially below the water line, which can be damaged by hitting rocks, other objects, or other boats.
The vertical part at the back of older boats, called the transom, is made of wood, which can rot from the inside. When you move the motor up and down or forward and backward a lot, it’s usually because the transom is weak or broken. Any crack or repair that is more than two inches long could mean the boat hit something. Your life depends on how well the hull is built.
Small scrapes aren’t a big deal, but look for anything that could lead to a full-blown leak in the future.
4) Check the boat trailer for wear and damage
In many states, boat trailers have to go through an annual safety check. Make sure that the inspection sticker or placard is up to date. Check the suspension and brake systems on the frame for rot, damage, twisting, or a lot of rust. Look for dry rot, bubbles, and holes in the tires.
If you can, take off the grease caps on the wheel bearings. When the grease on the wheel bearings is silver, it means that the bearings are broken, while a milky color means that water is getting into the hubs.
Make sure the suspension and brakes are in good working order on the boat trailer
4) Run the motor and check the lower unit
The boat’s engine is by far the most expensive part, so you should also check it carefully. First, check under the engine cover for rust. Start up the engine to try it out. Ask the person who owns it to run it full speed for at least 10 seconds. If the engine is loose, smoking, running rough, or making a lot of noise, there is something wrong.
Check to see if the belts and hoses are worn out, frayed, or have cracks. Rub a little bit of engine oil between your fingers to see if there is any dirt, water, or metal dust. If you want to buy a bigger boat, you might want to hire a boat engine mechanic to look at the engine(s) or do a fluid analysis test. A fluid analysis could help you avoid problems in the future that are hard to spot with a physical inspection.
If you can, check the condition of the fluid. Ask if you can take out the drain plug and get a sample of the gear lube. Look for bits of metal. Check the gear oil’s color. If it’s creamy, water got into it, which could mean that the seals are bad.
Check the prop for damage and make sure the prop shaft isn’t bent.
What should I look for when buying a used boat?
Make sure the outboard is pumping water before getting in the water. Keep an ear out for any unusual noises, such as loud knocks. A smokey four-stroke motor should be avoided at all costs. Ideally, the motor should start and run without difficulty or fuss.
5) Check tilt and trim on the motor
Make sure the motor goes up, down, and turns easily and correctly. Listen for the trim pump to make squeaking or squealing sounds. Make sure the trolling motor works well while you’re at it.
6) Check battery & Electronics
Batteries last for about five years. Check the terminals of the battery(s) for rust and see if the case is cracked or leaking. Also, make sure the battery(s) are firmly in the battery tray. If a battery is loose, it can short circuit and start a fire or explosion.
It’s not unusual for a boat’s electrical system to break down. Most of them are easy to fix. But problems with radios, GPS, radar, lights that flicker, and electronic shifters and throttles all point to a problem with the wiring or electrical system.
Check the wires for melted or damaged insulation, corroded connections, or too many splices where the wires have been repaired. These can be signs of bigger problems to come.
7) make sure boat Cables and Hardware are in good working order
A boat may have many systems that are run by cables. Check to make sure that all of the cables and controls for the shifting, steering, and throttle systems move smoothly and are not rusty or frayed.
It can cost a lot to fix or replace deck hardware. Make sure the seats are in place by shaking them and pulling on the hinges, rigging, and cleats. Loose or stripped screws can cause parts to move around, but this is easy to fix. But rust or loose hardware could mean that there is rot or other damage hidden.
8) Check the boat price to make sure your are getting a good deal
Everyone knows how to use the Kelley Blue Book to find out how much a used car is worth. Boats have options that are similar. When you’re ready to buy a used boat, look up the price to get an idea of how much you should offer. The National Automobile Dealers Association lets you search for boats online.https://www.nadaguides.com/Boats
Once you've bought a used boat...
Hope these tips help on What should I look for when buying a used boat?
Now it time to get your boat ready for the water! Start by Changing the lubricants in your marine motor to AMSOIL synthetic lubricants.
AMSOIL marine products protect against wear and buildup even in the worst conditions. Whether you have a two-stroke or a four-stroke motor, they give you what you need.
- Superior wear protection
- Excellent rust and corrosion resistance
- Maximum engine cleanliness
- Reduced smoke (two-stroke)
Make sure to check out these other helpful articles to keep your boat in tiptop shape.
Finally, ask to see the maintenance and storage records for the boat. This lets you know how well the boat has been taken care of and if it has been left outside all year.
You can save a lot of money and have a lot of fun on the water if you buy a used boat. If you don’t trust yourself to figure out how good a used boat is, you might want to hire a professional marine surveyor. A marine surveyor will check the structure and systems of a boat in the same way that a home inspector does.
