what to look for when buying a used boat?

rangerdriven373 · Post by **rangerdriven373** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 1:17 pm

i found a boat but whats the little things i should look for and ask about?

Fishin' Dave · Post by **Fishin' Dave** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 2:54 pm

TRANSOM! If it's a 96 or newer, there's a good chance it's composite, but if it's wood have it inspected!

the Boatmasters team are pros at this, they can check the transom, motor, and trailer.

Look at the use of the boat. Was it a tournament thrasher, or an old man (some of these "old men"are ruthless too so look out!)

rangerdriven373 · Post by **rangerdriven373** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 3:22 pm

its a 2001 triton tr21 with a 225 efi

Ken C. · Post by **Ken C.** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 4:07 pm

Some things to check would be the motor, the motor, then check the motor! Check out the bilge for any water, then fill up the livewells with a hose. Make sure the drain valve holds water in, and run the recirc pumps while you are looking over the rest of the boat. After some time look into the bilge area again check for water (or more water

). This will help you find any leaks in the plumbing. Check the fuel and oil lines for any cracks or leaks. Squeeze the priming bulb to make sure it pumps up & holds pressure. Check the tilt & trim (all of the controls - on motor, on shifter, turnsignal and bow switches if applicable), listening for any crunching noises, squeels or other bad sounding noises. Test the on-board charger, inspect the trolling motor wiring and while you're at it check all of the wiring under the console. Make sure all of the gauges, accessories and hatch latches work. Look at the bottom of the hull for damage, esp. around the area of the pad as anything hit at speed will leave its mark towards the back of the hull. At the same time as was mentioned check the transom. I have read on various forums at BassboatCentral.com that some Tritons tend to exhibit alot of stress cracks (which all glass boats will get at some point) but if they're really concentrated (or has bigger cracks) at the corners of the transom it could indicate something was hit by the lower unit. Oh, did I say check the motor? Spin the prop by hand to look for a bent prop shaft, but by all means spend the money to have a qualified marine mechanic do an inspection (compression & leakdown tests for sure, and download the computer printout if applicable to your motor). It is the wisest money you'll be throwing at it! This is also a great time to ask the owner for service and maintnenance records (which hopefully he has!) Finally take it out for a wet test to make sure everything's good to go, then get ready to spend lotsa money!

reellittlephish · Post by **reellittlephish** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 4:18 pm

Ken covered it all on the boat . Don't neglect to inspect the trailer also. Lights, rollers, hitch, signs of rust, wheel fenders attached, condition of the bunks, Wheel bearings, leaf springs, jack stand.

If the boat has electronics( fish finders) then try to get the manuals and receipts for them. That will help if you have to send one back for repair. Same for the trolling motor. Usually those warranties are not transferable.

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 5:05 pm

Mercury EFI is going to use alittle more fuel than the optimax. i don't know if you are going to be making long runs but is something to consider when fuel is 3.00 +\- Gallon