Buying a used Boat

[Rooger]

One of my fishing buddies found an incredible offer on a 2003 bass boat. Knowing that if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is, so I thought I'd seek advice from the many experts on this forum.


Thomas wants me to go with him to look at it and take it for a test ride. Unfortunately, this week is impossible to get away. Truth is, I really don't know what to ask/look for anyway since I've never bought a boat.


Any advice would be appreciated. If there have been similar posts on the subject, sorry for the redundancy - I'm not sure how to search previous posts for this info.

Thank you!

Rooger

[ASD]

Look @ the hull for areas that might of ben repaired and if the boat looks good take it for a ride and if all still looks good take it to a shop and have it looked over by a pro as a new OB will cost BIG $$$$$$$$$$$$$

An read this
http://www.westernbass.com/dotcom/libra ... ml?id=2307

[sweetbass]

Look @ the hull for areas that might of ben repaired and if the boat looks good take it for a ride and if all still looks good take it to a shop and have it looked over by a pro as a new OB will cost BIG $$$$$$$$$$$$$

An read this
http://www.westernbass.com/dotcom/libra ... ml?id=2307

+1

Additionally, if the seller refuses to let your friend have the motor inspected, that would be an immediate red flag NOT to buy. There is no shortage of used bass boats in this economy. You'll know when it's the right one based on your research.

[Rooger]

Thank you! If it gets to the point that he wants to have a pro look at it, any recommendations in the Folsom/Roseville area? What can he expect to pay for an inspection?

[ASD]

What brand of boat?

[whazup]

If he found it on Craigslist, BEWARE!!! There are a couple of bass boat scams running now.

[ASD]

like this 1 that wants to use EBAY fund transferr

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/for/1785363715.html

It seems that their sun was just killed in the sand box and they need to sell it so they do not have to look @ it

Funny thing is that this same add pops up about every 6 months or so with a diffrent email address I have tryed to buy it for about 6 years and if I say I am in san franciso the boat is on the east cost and if i am on the east cost then it's out west and when I tell them I will be out their in a week on bis they stop emailing back

[sweetbass]

Thank you! If it gets to the point that he wants to have a pro look at it, any recommendations in the Folsom/Roseville area? What can he expect to pay for an inspection?

Closest to Roseville would be C & C Marine on Auburn Blvd. Shop rates are about $100/hr. He might just charge you a flat rate to do a quick compression/leakdown test.

The number is:

916-729-0590

Ask for Mike.

[whazup]

like this 1 that wants to use EBAY fund transferr

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/for/1785363715.html

It seems that their sun was just killed in the sand box and they need to sell it so they do not have to look @ it

Funny thing is that this same add pops up about every 6 months or so with a diffrent email address I have tryed to buy it for about 6 years and if I say I am in san franciso the boat is on the east cost and if i am on the east cost then it's out west and when I tell them I will be out their in a week on bis they stop emailing back

That same boat is here in AZ........

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/for/1786522989.html

[ASD]

Bingo an i bet if you e mail them it is "NOT NEAR YOU" and if you just put your $$ in the ebay trust we will ship it to u and we wont tuch you $$ till u get it

[swordfish]

If your instict says to good to be true beware, there are many boat scams out there. However, now is a good time to buy a used boat but only in excellent condition, the first must is low hours, garage kept up to date maintance. A look at the owners garage and other vehicles will also give signs of up keep and care. The money for a compression check and inspection from a skilled mechanic will be well worth it. The outboard make, horepower, condition will be the #1 factor then trolling motor and electronics and make sure the hull is over 18' in length and not previously damaged, check the tramson and floor of the boat for flex and soft spots

[ash]

Here is a great article written by GATOR, whereever he is....

http://www.westernbass.com/ncalifornia/ ... ml?id=2307

Also write down the serial number and hull number the guys on Bass Boat Central can do a check on the engine.

My opinion is this, in a used boat what are you buying? Pretty much an insurance policy that the engine has been well maintained and hopefully wont blow in the next 3-5 years and that the hull wont snap and crack on you.

Besides that, deck, layout,transom, stress cracks etc... the Trolling motor and electronics are not what you are paying for so forget about the incidentals....and focus on the engine first...if the engine doesnt pass the muster then its a dead deal, if it does go on, is it the hull you want? How is the transom, how clean is the hull, how clean and orderly is the wiring? Stress cracks? Any chips or dings...if not I would ask point blank what glass work was done on the boat.

And above all else, tell your buddy to slow down, breath, be aware of the scams out there ask what dealership she was serviced at, call the dealership talk to the service department, you really want to get to know her before you take her home. Be careful of scams, remember scam artists play upon the greed of their marks

[Rooger]

Again, thanks to all. It seems he was looking at the same post on Craigslist that a couple of you mentioned. I'll let him know to pass on this.

[ASD]

So i sent an email an said i wanted to buy it and this is what i got back O an if you email ebay they know nothing about this sale

Hi Scott,
The boat is at the shipping company in Austin TX sealed and ready for shipping. I have a contract with eBay so this deal must go through them. According with eBay you have 5 days from the time you receive the boat to inspect it and decide if you want to keep it or not. Here is how it will work:
First of all,I will need the following details from you: full name, full shipping address. After I have received these details from you, I will forward them to eBay. After they will process your info, they will send both of us invoices. The invoice will send you the details on how to make a refundable payment. eBay will contact me and I will ship the boat to you. After you receive the boat you will have 5 days to test it, verify it and do whatever you want with it. If you are going buy it, then I will receive the payment details from eBay so that I can pick up the money.
If you decide that you won't buy the boat, eBay will refund the money and I will have the shipping company come pick up my boat. If you wish to make the transaction, please send me the necessary info so that we can proceed. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
Thank you,

[Rooger]

These are sad times when someone has to resort to schemes like this, but I suppose it's really nothing new. Sadder still if someone actually falls for them. Too bad craigslist and ebay don't (can't?) do anything about it.

Thanks again to all that responded. This is what DOESN'T SUCK about this site! I forwarded a link to this thread to one of my fishing buddies in S. Carolina and he was truly impressed with the help that was offered so quickly and sincerely. Westernbass & all you nutcases out there - you rock!

Rooger

[WackySenko]

I was informed, by someone that has been selling on Ebay for years, that Ebay does not do business that way. I bet that if you present this information, he will not respond to you again. But he will move on to the next person that answers the add. Looks as though he has already moved to another area to try and get somebodys money. It is a shame that the govt does not punish the ones they catch enough to deter others. To bad the military can not go after him.

[split172]

Here is a question check list I ask the seller to answer.

Boat Check list:

Motor:

1.) What motor is it?

2.) When was it last run?

3.) How many Hours?

4.) What is compression?

5.) Any repairs/rebuilds?

6.) Service history?

Boat:

1.) Any damage to hull? (Scrapes, gouges, holes, cracks, repairs)

2.) Any damage to transom?

3.) Any damage to railing?(Oxidation, Sun Fade, Scrapes, gouges, holes, cracks, repairs)

4.) Condition of carpet? (Rips/Tares, frays, burns, stains)

5.) Condition of Upholstery? (Rips/Tares, Burns, Stains)

6.) Drivers Console? (Gauges all work, condition of console)

Trailer:

1.) Does it have swing-away tongue?

2.) Does it have disc brakes? If so is it dual disc? (on each axle?)

3.) Any damage to trailer? (Dents, dings, etc.)

4.) Condition of bunks?

5.) Trailer lights functioning?

6.) Condition of tires?

7.) Come with a spare tire?

Has the boat been garaged while not in use?

Why are you selling?

What electronics come with boat?

What is the condition of batteries?

Does boat come with any extras? (cover, prop, life jackets, etc...)