Tips For Buying A Used Boat

Buying a boat can be an expensive endeavor. That's why looking at used boats is a great idea if you're looking to own a boat! Most new boats come with a high price tag, but with depreciation, you can get a great deal on a used boat. If you shop smartly and strategically, you can find a boat that's in great condition for much less than the price of a new boat. As your local boat dealer, Boats Etc. of La Porte, Texas, has provided some tips for buying a used boat, so continue reading to learn more!

Establish a Budget

First things first: establish a budget. Don't get sucked in by a fancy new model as soon as you walk into the dealership. The salesperson will likely try and sell you on the newest model as well, so be careful and stick to your budget. Having a set amount of money in mind helps to eliminate those temptations entirely. Knowing what you can and can't afford will help you remain practical throughout the buying process.

Don't forget to include enough room in your budget for extra costs, such as gear you may need. You will also need funds for a boat slip rental, fuel, insurance, etc. Make sure to do the math before shopping and you'll be set!

Do Your Research

It can be hard to find quality used boats if you don't know what you're looking for. The first thing you should do is decide what type of boat you want. Do you want a specialized fishing boat? Or perhaps a boat capable of towing your kids on an inner tube? Knowing what kind of boat you want will help narrow your search down significantly.

Also, keep in mind the number of people you want to take with you on your used boat. It will need to be within the boat's maximum weight and the number of occupants. Be sure to also check for recalls on the boat you want to buy. If there are any, make sure the boat was taken in and serviced for the recall.

Get as Much Data as Possible

Get as much information as you can about the used boat you want to buy. That includes the boat's age, maintenance record, and the number of previous owners. This can help you determine how well a boat was cared for, and whether it could be a problem in the future. You can also use this information to determine if it's being sold at a fair price.

Inspect the Boat

After finding a used boat you want, make sure to perform a thorough inspection. Start by checking the exterior of the boat and make note of any cracks that exceed two inches in length, as that could be indicative of a serious problem. Be sure to also check all wood and metal surfaces for signs of rot or corrosion. Exterior flaws can simply be cosmetic, but they can also demonstrate a lack of maintenance from the previous owner, resulting in issues down the road.

Next, check the interior. Look underneath the flooring materials for any moss buildup or discoloration. Check all electronic equipment to confirm it's in good working order. Something to keep in mind: mechanical issues on boats are, more often than not, more expensive than they would be on cars. It could be a good idea to hire a surveyor to inspect the used boat you're looking at. They'll be able to find any issues with the boat, saving you from purchasing a faulty used boat that will soon empty your wallet at the repair shop.

Test the Oil and Fuel

Check the engine oil and let it run through your fingers; if the oil is milky, there could be water in the engine. If you feel grittiness in the oil, that means metal shavings from the engine have gotten into it, which signals an engine problem. Smell the fuel and walk away from the boat if it smells rotten or strange.

Take a Test Drive

Last but not least, don't forget to test drive the used boat you want! You'll want to get behind the wheel to see how it feels and handles. When you're driving it, be sure to fun a few tests. See how the boat functions and feels at different speeds and when idling. Also, test the brakes! Make note of anything out of the ordinary, like delays, or weird vibrations or sounds. If the boat looks good cosmetically, has a fairly clean service record, runs well, and is in your budget, then you've found the used boat for you!

We hope this guide has been helpful to you! Visit our dealership in La Porte, Texas, to see our current selection of used boats for sale. Boats Etc. proudly serves the greater Houston metropolitan region.