10 Things to Consider When Buying a Pre-Owned Boat

Spring is just around the corner. Before you know it, the temperature will start inching up, and it’ll be time to pull out the grill and put on your flip-flops.

When the weather warms up, there’s nothing that compares to spending long, leisurely days on the water.

If you’ve been thinking of owning a fishing boat or pontoon boat, now’s the time to quit dreaming and start looking.

Maybe you’ve let the cost scare you away from owning your own boat. But, you can get a great deal on a pre-owned boat and pay a fraction of the cost that you would for a new model.

Have you dreamed of having your own boat, but haven’t had the cash to spend on a brand new one?

A pre-owned boat could be the solution. But, before you buy used, there are some things you’ll need to consider.

Find out what you need to know here!

Tips for Buying a Pre-Owned Boat

If your looking for a beautiful used Lund boat for sale or other boat manufactuerer, buying your boat used can save you a lot of money. But, if you don’t know what to look for, it can end up costing you even more in the long run.

Instead, be prepared before you start your search. You will save time and money if you keep these tips in mind.

1. Know What You Want

You don’t have to know the exact make and model that you’re after. When you’re buying used, your choices are most likely going to be more limited than if you were buying brand new. So it’s wise to give yourself a little leeway.

That said, you should have an idea of what you’re after already in mind.

Like buying anything else, when you start your search, you may be entertained with all kinds of watercraft. If you don’t have any set criteria, you might walk away with a pre-owned boat that doesn’t meet your needs or expectations.

Ask yourself a few crucial questions and write down your answers to take along with you when you go to meet the seller.

If you are hoping to trade in an older model on your purchase, then you may need to visit a dealer.

These questions might include:

How many people do you need to accommodate? (Will it be for you and possibly a friend or do you have a family that will be with you most of the time?)
What type or types of a boat fits your needs/preference? (fishing boat, Bass boat, ski boat, powerboat, pontoon boat, sailboat, etc.)
What do you plan to do with your boat? (fish, ski, sightsee, etc.)
How much is your spending limit?
Before you even begin looking, decide what characteristics are non-negotiable, and which ones have room for modification
What are your top preferred manufacturers/brands?

Decide which of these are non-negotiable (for example, if you have a family, then it will need to have ample seating) and which areas you might consider choices (perhaps you would prefer a Mastercraft, but you would consider a Yamaha or Sea Ray).

Once you decide which items are a must, don’t budge. If you’re visiting dealerships, you’ll likely be shown a variety of boats. But if you have decided what you want, it will be easier to resist the pressure to settle for something that you may not be happy with down the road.

2. Look for Cracks

Some cracks may be purely cosmetic, while others can indicate potentially dangerous problems.

If you see spider cracks, it’s probably a surface issue and won’t affect the boat’s condition or performance. However, cracks that are longer than two inches long demand a closer look.

If you see a deep or long crack, first ask how the crack happened. The seller may not have a definite answer for you. But, they could reveal that the boat has been in a wreck or tell you something that may change your mind about buying.

If you aren’t sure, it’s best to consult with pros before making a purchase.

3. Check the Dipstick

The dipstick can offer insight into the condition of a pre-owned boat and its propensity for longevity.

Does it have a burnt smell? If so, that’s no good. It indicates that the engine is burning oil and could forecast a burnt motor.

Is the oil milky? Milky oil indicates that it has water in it, another sign of trouble.

Is the oil black? This could mean that it hasn’t been changed or it’s the wrong viscosity. This could be a warning sign that proper maintenance has not been performed on the boat, which can mean whoever buys it is left dealing with the consequences.

4. Test the Fuel and Oil

If the fuel or oil has water in it, you should be concerned.

Water sucked into the engine usually indicates a problem that needs attention. You probably don’t want to move forward without having this checked out.

But, if there is water in the oil, it can indicate a cracked block. In this case, you might be looking at having to spring for a new motor, which in some cases costs as much as a pre-owned boat itself.

5. Inspect for Damage

A glance around the boat’s exterior and interior can tell you a lot.

Here are some of the things that you should be looking for:

Look for loose parts, screws, or attachments
Check to see if the lights are intact
Is the surface of the boat damaged?
Are the floorboards lifting?
Is there any visible puckering or swelling?
Are there any broken or missing pieces?

Depending on what you find, there may or may not be a quick and relatively inexpensive fix to an issue that you encounter.

For example, a loose seat or missing screw could need a simple piece of hardware to be brought up to speed.

But, puckering, flexing, black mould or moisture could indicate rot, which can be pretty pricey to replace and tends to spread once it starts. Plus, if left untreated, black mould can carry serious health risks.

6. Look for Signs of Mildew

Check out the flooring, the storage compartments, the seats, and other areas for dark patches of mildew.

Be on guard for the tell-tale stench of mildew as well because sometimes mould can be lurking beneath the surface areas, under the floor or in the foam seating. In these cases, it may not be visible, but you might be able to smell the odour in which case you should consider that there may be more going on than meets the eye.

7. Start the Engine

If you are buying from an individual, request a cold start. A pre-owned boat dealer may not be able to guarantee a cold start, but if you time your visit at the beginning of the day, you will be more likely to be the first one to start the engine up.

A cold start will tip you off to any rattling or otherwise strange noises that can often lessen the longer an engine runs.

If you hear squealing, then there may be a worn belt that needs replacing.

A stalled start could indicate the need for a new alternator or starter.

Let the engine idle and listen for sputtering, which might indicate water in the gasoline.

Take the boat for a test drive to ensure that the gears shift properly, you don’t feel any jerking or bouncing, and you don’t hear any alarming noises.

If there is anything that concerns you, it’s definitely worth having an expert boat mechanic to check it out. The last thing you want to do is buy a pre-owned boat that will break down shortly after your purchase.

8. Check for Leaks

Is there water on the floorboard or in the storage compartments?

Are there any visible leaks on the bottom of the boat or sides? Be especially cautious when checking the hull, which is the most probable area to endure the brunt of a collision.

Also, check the fuel line for leaks. Fuel leaks tend to occur if the owner has allowed the boat to sit without running for extended periods of time.

9. Examine Seats, Steering Column, and Storage Compartments

Check to make sure these are secure (not loose), and free of damage, cracks or tears. Look for apparent stains, lifting, missing latches or pieces.

If there are tears in the upholstery, consider the cost of recovering. If left open, they are subject to moisture, mould, and mildew. You will need to reupholster damaged vinyl to prevent this from happening.

10. Test Electronics

Do the headlights, taillights, blinkers, emergency hazard light, gauges, and speedometer work correctly?

If one light is out, then it can probably be replaced at a reasonable price. However, if several views are out or more than one electric gadget doesn’t work, there could be faulty wiring.

If there is a stereo system, intercom, depth finder or other features, check to make sure that they are working correctly as well.

Need Help Finding the Perfect Boat?

If you want to be sure that you have a boat that fits your needs and expectations at the start of the boating season, we can help.

You don’t want just any pre-owned boat; you want a pre-owned boat that will offer you top-notch performance.

You can’t find that just anywhere. But you can find it when you come to us. We’re committed to selling the highest standard of new and used inventory to our customers.