Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Boat
Buying a boat can be incredibly exciting, but it is a process that certainly shouldn’t be rushed, especially if you are buying a used boat.
Purchasing a used boat can be incredibly cost-effective and many boats that have been used are in very good condition, as people who are selling often do so because they don’t have the time to enjoy the boat.
When it comes to buying a boat (new or old), being prepared is key, and understanding everything there is to know is a must. If you are thinking about buying a used boat, here are some of the questions you need to ask before making a purchase.
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What year is the boat/motor?
This is the first and most important question: how old is the boat and how old is the motor? The age of the boat will roughly determine how long the boat will last once you purchase it. As a general rule, boats usually work properly for around ten to twenty years.
How many hours are on the motor?
The amount of hours the motor has been running is another very important question to ask. This can be a deciding factor since the more hours it has been running, the fewer hours it is going to run once you have purchased the boat. Boats are usually sold with under 2,000 hours of use. However, it is more important to give the engine a thorough check over for signs of general wear and tear.
Are you the first owner?
This is a question you should ask the current owner. If the boat has had more than one owner, it is likely that it will have spent more time on the water, and potentially more damage or wear and tear.
Has the boat had any repairs?
This is another important question to ask, as it might affect any insurance you want to take out. Ask the owner if there have been any repairs, whether they were effective and how long ago they were. If there have been a relatively large amount of repairs, it might suggest that this boat is liable to damage and is therefore not worth purchasing.
Some other things you need to look out for:
Does the fibreglass have any cracks?
Make sure that you do a thorough inspection of every inch of the fibreglass surrounding the boat. If there are any cracks (above or below the waterline), it is a bad sign. If there are cracks over two inches long, the boat may require repairs.
Is there any mould or mildew?
Check the inside of the boat and around the windows for signs of mould and mildew. If there is extensive mould, this is a sign that water is present within the boat, which could require significant repairs.
Need more help?
Need more help to pick out a used boat in New South Wales? Contact our friendly team at Ballina Marineland; we sell a range of expertly checked-over used boats so that you can be assured that all of our boats are safe and value for money. Call us today on 02 6686 2669!
