What You Need To Know To Buy A Good Used Boat
By Adam Lenk, Thu Dec 8th

More than 60 percent of first-time boat buyers purchase usedboats rather than new ones off of the show room floor. For many,this is a practical solution to save money, especially whenyou're not sure how well you are going to take to or howoften you will feel like devoting time to your new leisurepursuit.

While buying a used boat has many advantages, it is alsoimportant to make sure that you are getting a good buy for yourmoney and not unloading a faulty vehicle off of someone else'shands. For first-time buyers this is often the most difficulttask because they lack the knowledge that only years of boatingexperience can bring.

One of the most important things to consider when buying a boatfor the first time is exactly how you are going to use the boatand how many people you will be transporting on it. Differentboats have different uses and different weight specifications,be sure that the boat you purchase is compatible with yourneeds.

Once you find a boat that meets your particular needs, you needto inspect the mechanics of it to make sure that it isoperational and in good condition. It is better to take someonewith you who has knowledge of boats, but if no one is available,you should be able to do a fairly decent job of sizing the boatup on your own if you follow a few pointers.

You can easily tell if a boat has been properly maintained bytaking a quick look at the appearance

of the boat. If the boatlooks shabby, chances are that the owner did not take much timeor effort to maintain the mechanical aspects of the boat aswell. Lift up any objects on the boat to check for discolorationor moss.

Also look at the metal and wooden surfaces to see if they showany signs of corrosion or improper maintenance. Check theriggings to see if they appear strong and in good condition. Andlook to see if the bulk heads are secured with a laminate. Ifthe bulk heads are loose, do not purchase the boat.

Once you inspect the initial appearance of the boat, it is timeto get into the engine compartment. Check to make sure theengine is clean and rust free. Check the oil, the batteries andmake sure the bilge pump is in working order.

After you have looked the used boat over thoroughly, have theowner take you out on the water for a test spin. Do not worryabout inconveniencing the owner. If they truly want to sell theboat, they will not mind to take a little time to show off itsperformance. After all, they would likely not buy a used boatwithout seeing it in action either.

Buying a used boat can be a great experience if you take thetime to select the boat that is perfect for you. Be sure to takethat time and to consider all of your prospects. After all,buying a boat is not something that you do everyday so investwisely.

About the author:By Adam Lenk with Pro Shop

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