Buying a boat is like purchasing a house or a car. It takes a lot of time to do research to find the right boat for your wants and needs within your budget. Buying a new boat can be really pricey and unless your wallet is decked out with cash, most boats can be out of your range. Fortunately, there are a lot of boat dealers in the market that sells quality used boats.

Purchasing used boats for sale will give you lots of advantages— aside from getting a good deal at half the price, you also get to negotiate for additional equipment and accessories without extra costs. Plus, you also get to acquire the maintenance record of the boat so you will know the actual condition of the boat.

If you’re seriously considering buying a used boat, researching and talking with a boat dealer is not enough; you also have to personally inspect the boat you’re wanting to buy. Aside from taking it on a sea trial, you also need to take a closer inspection of its condition.

Side note: If you’re not too familiar with all the technical and mechanical details of a boat, invite a mechanic to come with you during the inspection. This is to ensure that you’re getting a good boat without any unpleasant surprises or problems that may spring up sooner or later.

Here is a list of things to look for when buying a boat:

The Type of Boat You’re Buying

Know first what type of boat you’re going to need. Decide what you will use it for. Will you use it for recreational purposes or do you plan to use it for fishing? Knowing the type of boat that you’re planning to have will narrow down the various options you’re going to look out for.

Dealer’s Background

Of course, you don’t want to be purchasing boats from shady dealers with dubious backgrounds and qualifications. You have to make sure that the dealers you’re buying from have a good reputation in the marine market. When looking for boat dealers online, make sure they have a proper website set up and that they are reachable on various social media sites and that they have working contact numbers.

Check reviews and testimonials as well. Check also their history in dealing with clients. When you get the chance to talk with the dealer, make sure to ask a lot of questions about their background. An honest reputable dealer has nothing to hide from you. If they try to avoid your questions, then it’s best to move on to other dealers. Make sure to also check if they have the proper licence, permits, and paperwork to sell boats.

Oil and Engine

Assuming you found the boat that you’re looking for from a reputable dealer; it’s time to personally check out the boat before you close the deal. This is your chance to sharpen your observation skills and your keen senses.

Closely identify the second-hand outboard motor for wear and tear. Check the oil in it. If the oil has a gritty feeling or it looks oily, it means the engine might be damaged or broken.  Check the engine’s start; does it slip, smoke, vibrate, or start with a lot of noise? There might be old oil stored in the engine. A tune-up can easily fix this issue. However, it may be a sign of other concerns such as low compression at the engine’s cylinders.

Don’t forget to check the prop shaft. See if they are bent and worn out. These parts are crucial to examine because if they are damaged or not working properly, you may be forced to pay for an expensive engine repair. If the mechanic will give you any pressing concerns about the engine, you have no choice but to back out of the deal.

Belts

Check if the belts are in good condition. Worn or cracked belts are good indicators that the belt is not maintained regularly.

Hull

Check the hull if there are any holes, damages, or scratches. Make sure that they are all fixable.

Electronics

Make sure all electronic devices in the boat such as the radio and navigation, for example, are working properly.

Mildew or Mold Buildup

Check around the boat, in every crevice and nook and cranny, if there are any mildew or moulds or other damages. Make sure none of these is present in the boat. Fungi are hard to clean and they can also pose health risks.

Boat Documents

Once you’ve made up your mind that the boat is perfect for you, confirm with the dealer if the boat has registered documents. The documents are crucial since they provide you with all the important details about the boat and its previous owner. Take some time to read the documents. Voice out your concerns if there are details that are confusing to you. Make sure that the dealer can provide you with a bill of sale when you’ve successfully purchased the boat.