How To Buy a Used Boat
Buying a used boat can be like buying a used car. You can save a lot of money, but it's important to know how to buy a used boat so you don't end up with a lemon. Let's take a look at some tips for buying a pre-owned boat.
Finding the Right Pre-Owned Boat
When there's a booming market for new boats, sometimes it's hard to find a bargain. However, buying a used boat is a good alternative to achieve boat ownership without breaking the bank. Just like with a car, due diligence when shopping for a used boat is important.
It's a good idea to be familiar with the brand of boat you're looking at. If you're not, consider taking a friend or mechanic with you who is. Asking the right questions and performing an inspection routine are also essential aspects of buying a pre-owned boat.
Used Boat Inspection Checklist - Key Questions
Asking key questions is an important part of any used boat inspection checklist. Let's take a look at what to ask.
- What year is the boat? It's best if the boat is only a few years old. In general, you'll probably want to avoid boats that are over 20 years old.
- Where was the boat used? Freshwater use usually eliminates the risk of extensive corrosion on a used boat. Boats used in salt water are more likely to have these issues.
- What are the engine hours? Unlike cars, boat wear is calculated in engine hours rather than mileage. Higher hours are equal to more mileage.
- Are there parts that don't work? It's best to get this out of the way so you know what you're dealing with. You might also be able to use it as a bargaining chip.
- Is the title on hand? If the seller has the title, you can take delivery immediately.
Used Boat Inspection Checklist – What to Look for Before You Buy
Shopping for a used boat? Whether you’re interested in a pontoon, fishing boat, or family-friendly runabout, inspecting the boat thoroughly before you buy is essential. Here's a checklist to help guide your decision:
1. Engine Condition and Maintenance
Check for visible signs of corrosion, leaks, or poor maintenance. Ask for service records. Start the engine and listen for unusual noises, rough idling, or excessive smoke.
2. Hull or Pontoon Integrity
Inspect the underside of the boat for cracks, gouges, or repairs. For pontoons, check both tubes for dents, corrosion, or signs of leakage. Look for any warping or soft spots in the flooring.
3. Upholstery and Interior
Examine seats, flooring, and any canvas covers. Rips, mildew, or fading can be expensive to repair. Pay close attention to high-use areas in both pontoons and bowriders.
4. Electrical and Onboard Systems
Turn on every switch. Test the navigation lights, stereo, bilge pump, livewell, fish finder, horn, and any additional electronics. Verify battery age and connections.
5. Trailer Condition (if included)
Inspect tires, brakes, lights, and winch. Look for signs of rust on the frame and make sure the bunks or rollers are intact and properly aligned.
6. Storage Compartments and Features
Open and inspect all hatches and storage areas. Ensure compartments are dry, clean, and free from mold or mildew. Test features like bait wells, coolers, or rod storage if equipped.
7. Engine Hours and Test Run
Ask for verified engine hours and perform a dry start (or water test, if possible). Even without a full water trial, you should be able to check how the engine starts, shifts, and revs.
When's the Best Time to Buy a Pre-Owned Boat?
You might be wondering if there's a best time to buy a used boat. In fact, buying out of season can save you money. The fall and winter months are often ideal times to purchase, as dealerships look to clear out inventory before the off-season.
At the end of the boating season, buyer traffic typically slows down, but sellers are more motivated, often offering bigger discounts to avoid winter storage.
At Reeder-Trausch Marine Indy, we have huge sales going on right now on select pre-owned boats. Whether you're looking for a fishing boat, pontoon, or runabout, our discounted inventory is worth checking out. Call us today to learn more about current sales, discounts, and limited-time offers!
