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 Buying a Used Boat
Shop with the Internet
and Conventional Wisdom
First Published: June 2004
Last Update: June 2004
Author: Michael Medeiros
There are numerous benefits to buying a used boat. One obvious benefit is the model has been tried and tested by people who bought the boats new.
This is
a big factor in determining which boat models are reliable. Another
reason is
monetary savings. Buying pre-owned can save a significant amount of
money, when
compared to purchasing new. This may be the reason, “60 percent of
first-time
boat buyers, purchase a used boat,” as reported by the NMMA
(National Marine Manufactures Association).
Purchasing a used boat does have
risks. You should make sure the boat was properly maintained. To say the
least,
if things go wrong on a boat, all passengers will likely remember the
experience
with great detail. For this reason, inspect a used boat carefully before purchasing. If possible, have the boat reviewed by an experienced marine mechanic. In addition, never purchase a watercraft without a test cruise
with
the owner.
Using Online Resources when shopping for a used boat
There are few resources as valuable to the Internet, when buying a
used boat.
Familiarize yourself with the U.S.
Coast
Guards Boating Website. Here you will find a variety of boating
statistics,
regulations, boat recalls, defects, and more. This valuable resource will provide insight on virtually any used watercraft you are considering
purchasing.
In addition, their recall information will prepare you with valuable
questions
to ask the current boat owner, when reviewing a used boat. In addition to the Coast Guards Website, most boat manufactures have
their
own website. Manufacture Websites are the ideal place to research a boats specifications and recommended operating capacities. In addition, they may indicate the key differences between similar models. Through the manufactures website, you may discover if the model you are considering purchasing is their, "low-end model," or, "top-of-the-line model". Once you have determined some boats for review, search the
internet for the manufacture to find their website. Another valuable resource is online Boat Classifieds. Shopping
through online
classifieds will allow you to browse boats for sale in various regions.
Once you
have the right boat in mind, online classifieds will be ideal for price comparisons, and finding a boat that is in good condition.
First-time boat buyers
First-time boat buyers often find
themselves lost at sea before they step foot on a boat. There are numerous models to choose and Coast Guard regulations affecting use. Before you start glancing at used boats, know what the boats primary use will be. If you are looking to spend time cruising in peace, a Sailboat may be ideal. On the
other
hand, if you are looking for an all-around boat, Bow-Riders and Cuddy
Cabins may
be practical. To ensure you make the right decision, place considerable
thought
into boating plans. Once you have an idea, research the Coast Guard
operation
requirements, and the models that may suite your needs. Also, there are
a variety of Internet forums that will prove useful in receiving
feedback on the different boat styles, manufactures, and practical uses.
At times, when you view a used
watercraft, the boat may not be in water. It is common, depending on the
region,
to find boats for sale at the owners’ home or Marina. You can make a reasonable assessment without the craft being in water. Still, if a boat is, “the right one for you,” ask to take the boat for a test cruise before buying. An accurate assessment can not be achieved, unless the boat is
operated
in the water. In addition, browse the internet for feedback related to
the boat you are considering. Unhappy owners are generally more than
happy to make their problems known.
Always review the boat
manufacturers’ recommendations. If the owner does not have the manual,
try the manufactures' Website. Most importantly, consider the recommended maximum weight and number of occupants for the boat. If you plan on spending long days on the water with family, you want room to be comfortable.
Also, make
sure the recommended maximum weight leaves room for occupants plus carryon articles. On power boats, new or upgraded engines may offset the recommended operation weight or horsepower. The new motor may lack power to bring
the boat,
“on plane,” or be to strong for the Hull’s design. Also consider the
added or reduced weight of the motor. Never
exceed the manufactures maximum ratings, especially for a new boat
owner.
Reviewing a Used Boats Appearance
When assessing a boats condition, go by your first impression. If a boat looks horrible, it more than likely was not maintained properly.
Remember, Salt
attacks everything. If a boat was not properly cleaned, the salt caused
damage
to the boat. Here are ways to determine if a boat was properly
maintained:
- Lift any objects on the boat. Pick up coiled ropes, flooring materials, or articles on deck. Look for discoloration or moss. Light discoloration may be fairly common, but deep discoloration or moss, is a
sign
the boat was neglected. Moss will commonly be found on the Northern side
of any
objects and the craft.
- Look at metal and wood surfaces. Do you see corrosion? Unprotected surfaces in a salty environment deteriorate rapidly. Teak (Common Wood for
Boats) will become unsightly, if not oiled. Aluminum will pit, and it may be cracked or appear weakened.
- Look over material used for riggings, depending on the craft. Nylon may appear dirty, frayed, or weakened. On certain water craft,
sailboats
in particular, riggings are important.
- Analyze the Gel-Coat. The Gel-Coat should be waxed annually. This depends how often the boat was cruised. If not done sufficiently, the
Gel-Coat
will have a dull appearance. Rub your fingertip over the finish. If you
notice
chalk, you either have to live with a dull appearance or paint the boat.
As some
people may disagree with this statement, let me say, “I know many people
that
tried restoring the finish of a boat, but I have never seen anyone
succeed. Even
buffers and compounds failed”.
- Examine the
hull for problem areas. This will be seen by a discoloration in the
Gel-Coat. If
you believe the hull was repaired, inquire about the matter. Ensure the
repair
was done right.
- Make sure bulk heads are secure. Often bulk heads are secured with a laminate. This laminate may separate from the hull over time, leaving
the bulk
heads loose. If this is the case, I strongly urge you do not purchase
the boat.
These are areas of interest to
find neglect on a used boat. Some of the areas mentioned are irrelevant to performance. They will alert you to little annoyances that need to be
replaced
in the future. For most boat owners, appearance of the craft is important. Spending hours on a dull and unsightly boat is not enjoyable. However, this reverts back to intentions of the boats.
Mechanical review of a Used Boat
Depending on the type of boat you
are planning to purchase, the mechanics are one of the most important areas. Marine engines are expensive, when compared to Automobiles. In addition,
with
single engine boats, failures can leave you stranded. Once again, I suggest taking the boat for a test run, and have the motor reviewed by an
experienced
marine mechanic. For your initial inspection, here are some factors to
examine:
- Is the engine clean? A dirty engine is a good sign of neglect. As a boat owner, I routinely clean my engine after each use. In addition, I
give
extra care to the engine after it is run in salt water. Most engines
produce an
oily film when run. This film will cause salt to stick and induce
pitting and
corrosion to important parts.
- Are there heavy deposits of grime near gaskets or seals? This will indicate both neglect and possibly a significant leak. Additionally,
they are a
good indicator that the engine was exposed to salt for a long period of
time.
- If the engine is rusted, there may be problems with the cooling system. Salt water that passes through the engine may be leaking.
- Freeze plugs should be made from brass, not steel. If steel freeze plugs are on the engine block, they should be replaced.
- If applicable, pull the dip-stick and look at the oil. If the boat has a diesel engine, the oil will be black. Oil with a foamy film may
indicate
cracks or neglected seals. Two-stroke, oil injected engines have additional components that properly lubricate the engine. Ask if the system has been checked or if any parts been replaced. Consult with the documentation to
review
the maintenance schedule.
- Check the batteries. This should be done whenever you take a boat for a cruise. But for review purposes, if the water is low, you will need to replace the batteries.
- Check any steering cables by giving a little tug. If loose, they need attention.
- Make sure the bilge pump works. The bilge pump removes water from the hulls' interior. This is an important component.
- In addition to the bilge pump, some boats have bilge blowers. Generally, bilge blowers are on Gasoline powered boats, but may be found on Diesel powered boat as well. The U.S. Coast Guard requires, “The use of a mechanical ventilation system for all non-open type boats built
after July 31, 1980, which run on gasoline”.
Refer to the manufactures suggestion on use of the bilge blower, prior
to starting the bilge
pump (especially on Gasoline powered boats).
Buying a Used Boat Summary
Never mistake the importance of a watercrafts condition. At any given time, your life and the people onboard may rely on the boat.
The
most recent report issued by the U.S. Coast Guard (PDF), showed, “5,705 reported accidents, 4,062 injuries, and 750 fatalities in 2002. They further reported, “capsizing and falls overboard are the most reported types of fatal accidents and account for over half (56%) of all boating
fatalities”. In addition, “machinery system
failure,” was reported the eighth highest factor, accounting for 276 accidents, and 23 fatalities.
On a personal note, the number of capsizing boats demonstrates exceeding the boats recommended operation. Also, I believe some accidents could have been avoided, by determining the right boat
for the
activity and detailed inspections. Keep in mind, no used boat will pass an overly meticulous review. There are will be signs of use on boats that been used. However, a neglected boat is something that should be avoided,
unless you
intend to invest the time and money toward repairs.
About
the Author: Michael Medeiros is the Owner of Mjmls.com.
Mjmls offers free online advertising for New and Used boats for sale in the United States.
Cellular: (609) 922-1800 | Email: Admin@mjmls.com
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