Commonly Ignored Factors When Looking for Used Boats

If you love spending time in the water, you should think about owning a boat. However, should you buy a new boat, or invest in a used one? The answer to this question depends on many factors. However, if you have a tight budget and do not want the hassle of getting a new vessel, you will be glad to know that you can find used boats in good condition. That said, there are a couple of things you should look at when shopping for a used boat.

Sunken Boats — From the outside, it can be challenging to know whether the boat you are looking at sunk at some point or not. For instance, boats caught in a storm can easily sink, exposing the interior and hard-to-reach spots to deterioration such as corrosion. Unfortunately, most people think that boat sinking is a rare occurrence. However, nothing could be further from the truth because sinking is common, even in marinas. When it happens, a boat owner should thoroughly clean every inch of their vessel, particularly if it sunk in saltwater. Most importantly, a used boat seller must be forthcoming with the information. Even if marine engineers restored a boat completely, the owner should still tell you if the vessel previously sunk. It plays a crucial part in negotiating the selling price.

Warranty Transfer — When you buy a new boat, a dealer or manufacturer gives you a warranty. It means that any part damaged during the regular operation is subject to free repairs and parts replacement. Notably, some boat owners might want to sell their vessel before the warranty period expires. Therefore, it is advisable to inquire whether the warranty is transferable or not. Some dealers allow owners to transfer their used boats' warranty to new owners as long as all the necessary ownership information is changed accordingly. On the other hand, some dealers do not allow the transfer of warranty from one owner to another. Therefore, you can convince a seller to consider the absence of a transferable warranty in their price quote.

Salty or Fresh Water — You would think that knowing a boat's previous environment matters less when looking for a used vessel. However, the information is critical because it helps you gauge the level of maintenance extended to a boat. For instance, if a boat was exclusively used in saltwater, a seller must give you a detailed maintenance report since the environment takes a toll on vessels. Furthermore, boats used primarily on saltwater will likely be cheaper than those used on freshwater, considering the previous matainence and condition. The information helps you avoid paying more than you should for a used boat.


Share