| We've all heard it a million times: Buyer
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| | it is consistently solid. Check
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| Beware! That may never be truer than
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| | carefully for mismatched paint (this
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| when buying a used boat. Most experts
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| | could be a sign of a previous accident),
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| agree, first time boat buyers may be able
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| | and also gel-coat blisters and dry rot -
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| to find a great deal from a private
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| | more signs of potential trouble.
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| seller, but your best bet is heading to a
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| | Propeller:
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| reputable dealer to find a good quality
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| | Check for warping, cracks, or nicks -
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| used boat at a fair price. Experienced
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| | they can hinder performance.
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| boat owners may opt to forgo the
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| | Storage:
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| dealership in lieu of finding a great
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| | How has the boat been stored while not in
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| deal elsewhere.
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| | use? Dry storage is best, but a well-kept
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| Whether you decide to risk buying your
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| | outdoor stored boat shouldn't be
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| first (or next) boat from another boat
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| | discounted.
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| owner, or from a dealer, there are a few
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| | Upholstery:
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| things to watch out for when purchasing
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| | Check for ripped seams and color fading.
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| any used watercraft:
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| | Of course how much of this you can
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| Maintenance:
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| | tolerate is solely up to you.
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| Ask for a detailed maintenance history so
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| | Extras:
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| you can see firsthand what kind of major
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| | Always ask if there are any extras that
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| repairs have been made in recent months.
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| | come with the purchase. You may be
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| Also, find out who handled the repairs,
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| | surprised at what the owner may throw in
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| so you can ask them what type of work
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| | to seal the deal: a depth finder; a
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| maintenance may be need in the future.
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| | stereo; a radio; life jackets; or even an
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| Marine Survey:
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| | anchor. Either way, it can't hurt to ask.
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| It's a good idea to have a qualified
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| | N.A.D.A. Boat Appraisal Guide:
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| marine mechanic thoroughly inspect any
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| | Find the boat you are looking at in the
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| boat before purchasing it. To find a
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| | N.A.D.A. Guide to see what its current
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| marine surveyor call either the Society
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| | market value is. Remember, if it is
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| of Accredited Marine Surveyors - SAMS.
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| | priced too low, it may have unseen
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| This can be pricey however, and some boat
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| | problems. And if you trust the owner,
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| buyers decide to go it alone. At the
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| | ask why he's selling it for so much less
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| minimum, do-it-yourself inspectors should
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| | than book value. If his answer makes
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| always check the following: spark
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| | sense, count yourself lucky. You just
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| arrestors and plugs; the alternator;
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| | found a great deal!
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| belts; hoses; strainer; blower; shift
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| | Buying a used boat is much like buying a
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| cables; and engine alignment.
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| | used car: you have to take your time,
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| Hull Condition:
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| | not let your emotions rule the sale; and
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| Make sure the hull is in good condition.
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| | be clear as to what you want and how much
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| Tap on it all the way around to make sure
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| | you're willing to pay for it.
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