Tips For Buying a Used Boat
Cost is often the one factor that prevents people from living out their dream of buying a boat, and understandably so. Brand new boats can cost a fortune and not everyone can afford such a luxury. The good news is there are plenty of affordable options when you look at buying a used boat. If you follow a few key steps in the used boat buying process, you can find yourself an easily-maintained boat that’s good as new.
Richardson’s Boat Yard has prepared a helpful guide to buying a used boat. If you still have questions or you’d like to check out some of our used boats, stop by one of our locations near Portland, Maine today! We proudly serve Windham, Standish, and Auburn.
Build a Budget
The first thing you’ll want to do is build a budget. It’s very important to stick to your price range once you’ve determined what you can afford. When you’re out shopping, you could easily fall in love with a fancy boat that’s out of your league, or worse, you could be seduced by a charismatic salesperson. You don’t want to break the bank, which is the whole point of choosing to buy a used model. Establish a budget before you start browsing and make sure you stick to it.
It’s worth mentioning that your overall budget should include more than just the sticker price. Make sure to account for any gear you might need like lifejackets, boat slip rental, fuel, insurance, and so on. Unless you already have all these items, you need to make sure your budget accounts for them as well. Used boats are often out of warranty so any repairs will be an added cost at your expense.
Do your Research
If you don’t know what it is you’re looking for, it’s going to be pretty difficult to find it. Therefore, do your best to conduct thorough research beforehand. You can start by researching the different types of boats and deciding which will be best for your boating needs. You can narrow down your options by boat type to make research easier.
Once you start looking at your options, think about how many passengers you’re likely to have on the boat. Be sure that this number falls within the boat’s weight and occupant capacity. For example, if you plan to be boating with 8 people on a regular basis then you’re going to need a boat with substantial potential. It’s also good to confirm that none of the models you’re considering have ever been recalled.
Inspect the Boat
After pinpointing a potential option, you’ll need to take the time to perform a thorough inspection. It’s not difficult to make a boat appear great, but that doesn’t automatically indicate that it runs great. Start by examining the exterior of the boat. Any cracks in the gel boat that exceed two inches could be an issue. You should also examine all wood and metal surfaces for any signs of corrosion. There are times when exterior flaws can be simply cosmetic but they can also suggest a lack of maintenance and further problems lurking beneath the surface.
Next, you’ll need to inspect the interior. Look underneath the flooring materials for any discoloration or moss as these can indicate poor maintenance. Check all electronic equipment to confirm it is in smooth, working condition. Bear in mind that mechanical issues on boats are often much more expensive than cars. It’s not a bad idea to hire a surveyor to inspect the used boat you’re considering. You’ll be able to rely on expert knowledge that can catch any issues you miss. This could easily save you from buying a boat that needs major repairs later.
Go for a Test Drive
Used boats can look sparkly and perfect when they’re docked, but this can be deceiving. You should always take a boat out on the water for a test drive before buying. Keep an eye open for anything out of the ordinary such as delays or odd vibrations or sounds. If the boat runs well and is within your budget then you may just have found a winner!
Richardson’s Boat Yard has a great selection of used fishing boats, used pontoon boats, and more. Visit one of our locations near Portland, Maine today! We proudly serve Windham, Standish, and Auburn.