Smart Tips for Buying a New or Used Boat

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When you are looking to buy a boat, there are a number of considerations that need to be addressed.  What follows is a relatively inclusive list of some of the main points that you should consider if you want to get the best boat for your money.

Some Key Considerations When Buying a Boat 

Whether you are going to purchase a new or a used boat, there are a number of important considerations you need to examine. 

• Look for the “NMMA Certified Using ABYC Standards” label.  This label means that a professional third-party inspector has extensively and systematically checked the boat’s main safety systems.
  
  
• Consider what you want to do with the boat.  Will the boat be used for water skiing, racing, fishing, or for taking trips?  Knowing this will help determine the type and size of boat you should be looking at.
  
  
• Determine what kind of boat you can afford.  Ask yourself what kind of boat is best for your lifestyle and right for your budget.
  
  
• Are you considering a used boat or a new one?  Remember that not unlike new cars, new boats depreciate the second they are taken from the showroom floor.
  
  
• The type of water you will be boating on is also an important consideration.  For instance, will you be boating in saltwater or in fresh water?
  
  
• What kind of climate will you be boating in?  If you will be boating in a colder climate, you may want a boat that offers more shelter from the weather.  Make it a point to note, moreover, that the bigger the body of water, the larger the waves and the more demanding the conditions will be.  Typically, this means a more powerful and larger boat may be required.
  
  
• If you decide to purchase a new boat, a good place to start looking is at the local boat shows.  Here you can get educated about the different types of boats that are available, as well as finding specials.
  
  
• If you decide to purchase a new boat and saving money is an issue, consider looking at the previous year’s boats after the new models have come out.  Similar to new cars, some excellent deals will be available at this time.  Another good time to buy a new boat is at the end of a model year when dealers are trying to sell the previous year’s inventory.  
  

• If you decide to buy a used boat, a good place to start your shopping can be the classified ads found in the newspaper, magazines, and on watercraft-related websites.  Additionally, you might consider going to your local boat dealership.  Keep in mind, however, that because of sales commission and overhead, going through a dealer will usually be more expensive than buying directly from the owner.
  
  
• When you have found a used boat that you want to purchase, make it a point to call the U.S. Coast Guard (800- 368-5647) and find out if a manufacturers' recall has been initiated for the model boat you want to buy.  If a recall has been initiated, ask the owner for the repair documents.  If you are still interested in this particular boat, it would be a good idea to take the boat to an authorized dealer to verify that the repairs have been made in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
  
  
• If you really want to be on top of the buying process, check the seller's proof of ownership.  If the price is too good to be true, this might mean that the boat is stolen property.  Consequently, make sure you look at the appropriate documents, and if the seller cannot produce them, it would probably be a good idea to buy your boat from someone else.

Engine Check List

A major issue with used boats concerns the condition of the engine.  Since many more demands are placed on a boat engine as compared to a car engine, it is important to have an authorized boat technician do a comprehensive inspection of the engine.  Some of the main areas of concern are the following:

• Are there indications of a lubricant leak around gaskets, hoses, or freeze plugs?
  
  
• Is there oil in the bilge?  The bilge is the rounded portion of a ship's hull that forms the transition between the sides and the bottom of the boat.  If there is oil in the bilge, this may mean that there is an oil leak.  This will surely warrant closer inspection.
  
  
• Remove a few spark plugs and look at how much the plugs are burnt and how they are gapped.  This will offer some insight into how well the engine has been serviced.
  
  
• Are the fittings, belts, or hoses brittle or cracked?
  
  
• Is there a white chalky deposit on the drive or on the engine?  If so, this could be an indication that the engine has been running hot.
  
  
• Check for broken motor mounts.
  
  
• Check the condition and the level of the motor oil.  If the oil is relatively low, this may indicate an oil leak.  If the oil feels very thin and looks discolored or milky, water may have found its way into the oil system.  This may indicate poor cooling, overheating, and other problematic mechanical issues.
  
  
• Check the engine compression.
  
  
• Check the gear case oil.

Boat Check List

• Inspect the steering and throttle cables and controls.
  
  
• Open and close hatches.
  
  
• Look at fuel lines, fittings, and fuel tanks for leaks.

• Check the electrical system for rust and loose connections.
  
  
• Turn all major systems on and see how they operate: air conditioner, lights, toilet, shower, stove, generator, bilge pump, blower, stereo, winches, sink, heater, etc.
  
  
• Is the rudder stock straight?
  
  
• Are the batteries mounted in a secure manner in acid-proof containers?
  
  
• How’s the upholstery?  Is it still in good condition?  Is the stitching still tight or is it unraveling?
  
  
• Look at the hull fittings and make sure that they are not leaking or loose. Make sure to inspect the condition of the rudder, propeller, and the drive.
  
  
• Are there any indications that any of these have hit objects?
  
  
• Check the anodes on the drive. Are they worn and need to be replaced or are they in good condition?
  
  
• Does the cabin smell fresh or is there a mildew smell?
  
  
• When the boat is out of the water, see if there are stress fractures, dings, cracks, or blisters in the gelcoat or hull.
  
  
• Inspect the propellers for prop erosion (cavitation), an indication of less than optimal performance.
  
  
• Is the propeller shaft straight?

The Test Drive

Similar to buying a new or used car, it is always a good idea to take the boat for a test drive.   Make sure to focus on the following when you test drive the boat:

• In straight runs, does the boat bounce up and down at the bow?  If so, does adjusting the trim eliminate the problem?
  
  
• Is the engine(s) already warm before you turn on the ignition?  If so, the owner may have done this before you arrived to cover up the fact that the engine smokes excessively or has difficulties with cold starts.
  
  
• Check the bilge before and after the test drive for oil leaks.
  
  
• Run the boat long enough to observe whether the engine overheats and make sure to inspect the oil pressure gauge.
  
  
• Drive the boat around the dock in forward and in reverse to observe how well and how rapidly it responds to helm input.
  

• Create some waves by driving in circles and go into the waves at many angles.  Does your weight cause side-to-side rolling?
  
  
• See if the instruments and gauges work appropriately and accurately.
  
  
• Observe how long it takes for the boat to come on plane (while five seconds is average, 10 or more seconds is too much for most boats).
  
  
• Perform a number of wide turns and tight turns and do these at different speeds.

Concluding the Sale

If the condition of the boat and its performance meet your approval, the next and last matter is price.  By now, you should have a fairly clear idea how much you can afford and what you are willing to spend.  To help determine whether the asking price is legitimate, look at the following guides for pricing information:

• The ABOS Marine Blue Book (800-262-1954)
  
  
• The NADA Marine Appraisal Guide
  
  
• The BUC Used Boat Price Guide (800-327-6929)

After you finish negotiating the price, get the sales agreement in writing (yes, even with friends!).  This written document should specify issues such as accessories that were included (and not included) in the sale, payment terms, delivery dates, repairs that need to be made and who is responsible for making them (plus a time limit if the seller is responsible for the repairs), and any other pertinent aspects of the sales agreement.

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