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