tips on buying used boat out of state ?

bassrman · Post by **bassrman** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 1:41 pm

I am considering buying a used/memo boat from a fairly well known pro,from back east,has any one done a similar buy,and have any tips,on the best way to go about this,he says he can have the boat delivered as far west as texas,I would have to arrange pick up from there,I would love to hear of any experiances from someone who has done this before !........bassrman

Dan McKenzie · Post by **Dan McKenzie** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 2:16 pm

Transportation- you'll need to get a carrier, the best quote I could find when I looked out of state was a 1.18 per mile, + insurance+ storage while it was waiting to be picked up, you'll also want it wrapped to keep the debris out of it during transport. You will still have to pay full sales tax to California. For me it didn't make sense, in the end I found one 30 miles away. A boat that I could test drive, take to C&C to get a leak down and compression test done on. Pro or not people don't always tell the truth, you need to take it to a reputable shop to be checked out, even if it's just 1 year old.

Ken C. · Post by **Ken C.** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 3:48 pm

What Dan said... Unless you are getting an exceptional price (as in, almost free!) on it you are going to spend just as much if not more bringing it home as you would just finding one out here. Plus unless you want to fly out there (more $$!) you will be buying it sight unseen.

This time of year alot of the pro staff guys are turning their boats over so there should be plenty to choose from out there right now. Most of the guys take pretty good care of their boats, but some don't so I would not recommend just taking someone's word as to the condition of it.

Neil · Post by **Neil** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 3:49 pm

I bought one last year out of Texas and it turned out to be a great deal, boat was just as stated with only three hours, mint condition, etc. delivered for $2,000 if I remember correctly. However I am sure there are many horror stories out there as well. If it is a sponsored pro I would call the company and see if they can vouch for him, I was able to do this and it helped ease my mind a little.

FRANK D. LOZANO · Post by **FRANK D. LOZANO** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 7:54 pm

We have checked out a few units purchased from Pros back East, all had the hours as stated, good squeeze (compression) but you could tell they were run hard and put away wet. They had around 50 hours on the ECM (computer) but the boat and motor looked like it had 200 plus. They had OE ECMâ€™s.

There are deals to be found, just be careful and get it checked out.

Boats in general are less expensive back East.

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K-DOGG · Post by **K-DOGG** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 8:15 am

I purchased a boat from Illinois in Febuary 2006. The 2000 Basscat Cougar had 82 hours on the engine and was in emaculate condition. The boat had been in his garage for three years due to a back injury. I had the owner(who was really interested in moving the boat) to deliver the boat to me here in Antioch (he drove it here in the snow in two days)for an extra $1K for a total of $18K for the boat. I had the leak down compression test and everything done at Antioch Marine and all was as the owner stated. I looked at a lot of boats in the area and I saved $7 or $8K based on what I bought. Do not knock the idea of purchasing out of state, but definitely do your homework. P.S. I would rather a boat from a non-professional than an angler's tournament boat though. Those boats are usually fished to death! Good luck on whatever you choose to do! Tight Lines!