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Tips for buying a Used Boat
There are numerous benefits to buying a used boat. Once obvious benefit is
the model has been tried and tested by people who bought them new. This is a
big factor in determining which boat models are reliable. Another reason is
monetary savings. Buying pre-owned can save a significant amount of money,
when compared to purchasing new. This may be the reason, “60 percent of
first-time boat buyers, purchase a used boat,” as reported by the NMMA (
National Marine Manufactures Association).
Purchasing a used boat does have risks. You should make sure the boat was
properly maintained. Simply put, if things go wrong on a boat, all
passengers will likely remember the experience with great detail. For this
reason, inspect a used boat carefully before purchasing. If possible, have
the boat reviewed by an experienced marine mechanic. In addition, never
purchase a watercraft without a test cruise with the owner.
First-time boat buyers
First-time boat buyers often find themselves lost at sea before they step
foot on a boat. There are numerous models to choose and Coast Guard
regulations affecting their use. Before you start glancing at used boats,
know what the boats primary use will be. If you are looking to spending time
cruising in peace, a Sailboat may be ideal. On the other hand, if you are
looking for an all-around boat, Bow-Riders and Cuddy Cabins may be practical
. To ensure you make the right decision, place considerable thought into
boating plans. Once you have an idea, research the Coast Guard operation
requirements, and the models that suite your needs.
At times, when you view a used watercraft, the boat may not be in water. It
is common, depending on the region, to find boats for sale at the owners’
home or the Marina. You can make a reasonable assessment without the craft
being in water. Still, if a boat is, “the right one for you,” ask to take
the boat for a test cruise before buying. An accurate assessment can not be
achieved, unless the boat is operated in the water.
Always review the boat manufacturers’ recommendations. Most importantly,
consider the recommended maximum weight and number of occupants for the boat
. If you plan on spending long days on the water with family, you want room
to be comfortable. Also, make sure the recommended maximum weight leaves
room for occupants plus carryon articles. On power boats, new or upgraded
engines may offset the recommended operation weight or horsepower. The new
motor may lack power to bring the boat, “on plane,” or be to strong for
the Hull’s design. Also consider the added or reduced weight of the motor.
Never exceed the manufactures maximum ratings, especially for a new boat
owner.
Appearance review of a Used Boat
When assessing a boats condition, go by your first impression. If a boat
looks horrible, it more than likely was not maintained properly. Remember,
Salt attacks everything. If a boat was not properly cleaned, the salt caused
damage to the boat. Here are ways to determine if a boat was maintained:
Lift any objects on the boat. Pick up coiled ropes, flooring materials, or
articles on deck. Look for discoloration or moss. Light discoloration may be
fairly common, but deep discoloration or moss, is a sign the boat was
neglected. Moss will commonly be found on the Northern side of any objects
and the craft.
Look at metal and wood surfaces. Do you see corrosion? Unprotected surfaces
in a salty environment deteriorate rapidly. Teak (Common Wood for Boats)
will become unsightly, if not oiled. Aluminum will pit, and it may be
cracked or appear weakened.
Look over material used for riggings, depending on the craft. Nylon may
appear dirty, frayed, or weakened. On certain water craft, sailboats in
particular, riggings are important.
Analyze the Gel-Coat. The Gel-Coat should be waxed annually. This depends
how often the boat was cruised. If not done sufficiently, the Gel-Coat will
have a dull appearance. Rub your fingertip over the finish. If you notice
chalk, you either have to live with a dull appearance or paint the boat. As
some people may disagree with this statement, let me say, “I know many
people that tried restoring the finish of a boat, but I have never seen
anyone succeed. Even buffers and compounds failed”.
Examine the Hull’s for problem areas. This will be seen by a discoloration
in the Gel-Coat. If you believe the hull was repaired, inquire about the
matter. Ensure the repair was done right.
Make sure bulk heads are secure. Often bulk heads are secured with a
laminate. This laminate may separate from the hull over time, leaving the
bulk heads loose. If this is the case, I strongly urge you do not purchase
the boat.
These are areas of interest to find neglect on a used boat. Some of the
areas mentioned are irrelevant to performance. They will alert you to little
annoyances that need to be replaced in the future. For most boat owners,
appearance of the craft is important. Spending hours on a dull and unsightly
boat is not enjoyable. However, this reverts back to intentions of the
boats.
Mechanical review of a Used Boat
Depending on the type of boat you are planning to purchase, the mechanics
are one of the most important areas. Marine engines are expensive, when
compared to Automobiles. In addition, with single engine boats, failures can
leave you stranded. Once again, I suggest taking the boat for a test run,
and have the motor reviewed by an experienced marine mechanic. For your
initial inspection, here are some factors to examine:
Is the engine clean? A dirty engine is a good sign of neglect. As a boat
owner, I routinely clean my engine after each use. In addition, I give extra
care to the engine after it is run in salt water. Most engines produce an
oily film when run. This film will cause salt to stick and induce pitting
and corrosion to important parts.
Are there heavy deposits of grime near gaskets or seals? This will indicate
both neglect and possibly a significant leak. Additionally, they are a good
indicator that the engine was exposed to salt for a long period of time.
If the engine is rusted, there may be problems with the cooling system. Salt
water that passes through the engine may be leaking.
Freeze plugs should be made from brass, not steel. If steel freeze plugs are
on the engine block, they should be replaced.
If applicable, pull the dip-stick and look at the oil. If the boat has a
diesel engine, the oil will be black. Oil with a foamy film may indicate
cracks or neglected seals. Two-stroke, oil injected engines have additional
components that properly lubricate the engine. Ask if the system has been
checked or if any parts been replaced. Consult with the documentation to
review the maintenance schedule.
Check the batteries. This should be done whenever you take a boat for a
cruise. But for review purposes, if the water is low, you will need to
replace the batteries.
Check any steering cables by giving a little tug. If loose, they need
attention.
Make sure the bilge pump works. The bilge pump removes water from the Hull.
This is an important component.
In addition to the bilge pump, some boats have bilge blowers. Generally
bilge blowers are on Gasoline powered boats, but may be found on Diesel
powered boat as well. The U.S. Coast Guard requires, “The use of a
mechanical ventilation system for all non-open type boats built after July
31, 1980 which run on gasoline”. Always refer to the manufactures
suggestion for the bilge blower, especially on Gasoline powered boats.
Buying a Used Boat Summary
Never mistake the importance of a watercrafts condition. At any given time,
your life and the people onboard may rely on the boat. The most recent
report issued by the U.S. Coast Guard (PDF)http://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident_stats.htm, showed, “5,705 reported accidents, 4,062 injuries, and 750 fatalities. They further reported, “capsizing and falls overboard are the most reported types of fatal accidents and account for over half (56%) of all boating fatalities”. In addition, “machinery system failure,” was reported the eighth highest factor, accounting for 276 accidents, and 23 fatalities.
On a personal note, the number of capsizing boats demonstrates exceeding the
boats recommended operation. Also, I believe some accidents could have been
avoided, by determining the right boat for the activity and detailed
inspections. Keep in mind, no used boat will pass an overly meticulous
review. There are will be signs of use on boats that been used. However, a
neglected boat is something that should be avoided, unless you intend to
invest the time and money toward repairs.
Michael J Medeiros |
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