Tips For Buying A Used Boat

If you constantly find yourself dreaming of spending sunny afternoons out on the water, but you have yet to take the leap, it might be time to broaden your horizons and buy a used boat. After all, investing in a brand-new one would break the bank for many of us. Fortunately, there are plenty of pre-owned boats for sale that’ll meet all of your needs. Germaine Marine has provided some tips on buying a used boat below. For more information or to check out our inventory, stop by our dealership! We are proud to serve both Arizona and Utah.

Set Your Budget

First things first, you’ll want to set a realistic budget. You’ll be headed into dangerous territory if you start shopping without establishing your budget first. Don’t allow yourself to be lured in by a shiny new model on the lot. Steer clear of the charismatic salesperson who will try to bait and hook you with a good pitch. When you go into the used boat buying process knowing what you’re able to afford, you’ll be in good shape.

It’s important to note that your budget should allow for more than the sticker price alone. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of any gear you still need plus fuel, insurance, registration, and so on. If you’re a beginner who’s just getting started, you’re going to need to add quite a few items to the list. Be sure to crunch the numbers before you start browsing.

Do Your Research

After you’ve worked out your budget, you’ll need to start thinking about your specific needs. The first step is deciding what type of boat you’re looking for. Whether it’s a specialized fishing boat or a versatile vessel that can handle watersports, it’s crucial to figure this out before you shop or you’re bound to be overwhelmed by the options. Take your time and do the research on different types of boats so you can choose the one that’s right for you.

Inspect It

Once you’ve zeroed in on the used boat you think you might want to purchase, you’ll need to inspect it from top to bottom. Anyone can make a boat look appealing on the outside, but that tells you nothing about how it runs, which is what truly counts.

Start by examining the exterior for any cracks in the gelcoat that are more than two inches long. This could indicate underlying issues. Next, examine all metal and wood surfaces for signs of corrosion. At times, there’s the potential for exterior issues that are only cosmetic but you’ll want to be aware that this can also suggest a lack of maintenance and more problems lurking beneath the surface.

Inspect the interior as well, including all of the electronic equipment to make sure it’s functioning properly. Mechanical issues on used boats are not the same as the ones you’ve dealt with in a car. In fact, these can be much more expensive to fix. If you really want to err on the side of caution, hire a surveyor to inspect it for you.

Test-Drive It

Lastly, you need to take the pre-owned boat out for a test drive. It might look perfect when it’s docked, but don’t forget that looks can be deceiving. You should never buy a boat without taking it out for a test drive on the water first. Get behind the wheel and see how it handles and feels. You’ll want to test the brakes, try driving at different speeds, and so on. Look for anything out of the ordinary with how the used boat runs, like delays, or odd sounds. If everything checks out and it’s within your price range, you may have found a winner!

Ready to browse some pre-owned boats for sale? Visit us at Germaine Marine today! We proudly serve Arizona and Utah.