5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY A USED BOAT
Not everyone is in the market for a brand new boat. Some can’t swing it financially and some would just rather spend less. Whatever the case, there are plenty of good used bass boats to be found and if you do the research, you can find an excellent boat at a fraction of the cost of a new one.
Barry McDonell is the Marine Specialist at Redding Yamaha Sea Doo Can Am and has a wealth of experience when it comes to boating and helping customers find the perfect boat for their needs and budget.
Where to Start?
Boat Trailers are Part of the Used Boat Buying Package
Excitement will kick in when you take a look at a boat that can potentially be your gateway to the water. McDonell advises to start by looking at the trailer.
“Most folks tend to want to start looking at a boat package from the top to the bottom. Don’t, instead start with the trailer and work your way up,” he says. “Most good boat owners will take excellent care of the trailer regarding tires and brake systems. You also hear about people ‘kicking the tires’ before a purchase, but that is actually a good idea to test to see if there are any issues or if you see or hear the tires and wheels moving.”
He also says to take a close look at the trailer tongue and the underside of the trailer for any damage.
What the Carpet, Upholstery and Vinyl Reveal About a Used Boat
Besides just appearance, the carpet and vinyl show a great deal about how the boat was taken care of and if it was covered when not in use.
“If you see sun bleaching and cracking, beware. There’s likely more issues with hose lines and electronic wiring from the boat being exposed to the elements,” he says.
He added that the cost of these repairs may quickly get out of hand.
Outboard: The Most Expensive Component of the Used Boat Purchase
One of the most crucial (and expensive) elements of the boat is the outboard. Having a diagnostic test done beforehand is a great way to check engine hours and how it was used.
Even though a high number of hours may scare away buyers, McDonell says it matters more how well it was maintained.
“If maintenance is done regularly and all of the compression is good, relatively high hours do not mean the boat is bad. If you are interested in a boat, offer to pay for half of the cost of the diagnostic test; because it is cheap insurance, especially if it is done by a certified mechanic,” he says.
Other things to look for are bad wiring, gunk and debris and anything else that looks out of place. McDonell also advises going for a test drive to make sure everything works and sounds normal.
Checking Out the Hull on a Used Boat
For both fiberglass or aluminum boats, there are things you should be looking for. McDonell says to start at the bottom to look for scratching and for anything else that will need repairs.
“It will also be apparent if major repairs have been done,” he adds. “Then move to the side rails and bump rails and don’t hesitate to voice your like or dislikes to appearance and wear and tear.”
From there he advises to move front to back and check the electronics and all other switches to see what is in working order and what needs to be fixed.
Registration and Paperwork for a Previously Owned Bass Boat
One thing that is often overlooked is the paperwork required once a boat changes hands. There is something to be said about using a reputable boat dealer like Redding Yamaha Sea Doo Can Am as titles or “pink slips” are clear and ready to be registered to a new owner.
Buying from an individual seller could result in issues when going to register a boat if there are any liens against the boat or trailer. Another benefit of using a dealer is that boats are inspected top to bottom before they are even shown and if repairs are needed, they have the staff and expertise to get them completed.
About Redding Yamaha, SeaDoo Can Am
As the name implies, RYS offers a variety of brands and they are also a Ranger dealer who has achieved premier status. They frequently get used boats in as trades and can also search out specific boat styles, brands and price ranges. “Used boats do not last long at a dealership, it is hard to keep them in stock. If you are looking for something in particular, we can help to find it for you,” says McDonell.
Finding the right used boat for your needs can be done with research, caution and a general understanding of boats and problem areas. By following McDonell’s advice, you can go into the process with a game plan.
More info on RYS, can be found on their Facebook page.
Advertising