Perhaps you have a long and exciting background in boating and feel much more comfortable out on the open water than with your feet on firm ground. Maybe, instead, you have always wanted to own a boat and are finally ready to ‘take the plunge’ and fulfill one of your biggest and most ambitious dreams. Regardless of your motivations, you have definitely clicked on the right article, as here is everything you need to know when considering investing in a secondhand boat.
Investigate Every Inch of the Deck
First and foremost, even if the individual components have been proven to have been replaced or upgraded only recently, if the foundations of the boat, in other words, the decking, are not up-to-spec, there is a problem.
Take your time in inspecting the entire deck for any soft areas, cracks, holes, dents, or even rotting spots, especially in the case of rot and mold; this could indicate something far more serious in the bones of the boat.
Bellows Need to be Clean & Smooth
Next up, if you find that, while the deck is free of issues and the engine runs smoothly and quietly, the bellows are dirty and rough in texture, either walk away from the sale or ask the dealer or private seller to have them replaced.
The bellows are a vital component of a boat, as they protect the engine, the other core mechanical systems, and the control cables themselves, so a dirty, unhooked, or rough feeling set of bellows makes for an unsafe boat.
Usually, if you are considering buying a secondhand boat from an official dealer, either online or from a physical store, transportation to wherever it is you are going to be storing your boat when not in use will be included.
However, when purchasing from a private seller, you will need to arrange shipping and delivery with a prestigious and professional courier company like Shiply USA, which will arrange everything for you for one simple price.
Inspect the Engine
Easily the most expensive piece of kit on any boat of any size, the engine also requires time and attention, beginning with the cover of the engine, as even the slightest hint of corrosion is not a good sign.
Other elements to check with the engine of any boat you may potentially invest in include the following:
- Check the cowling for water marks and rust
- Ensure the propeller has no cracks or markings
- Make sure the spark plugs and other electrical elements are fully functioning
- Do not buy a boat where the engine makes loud noises or vibrates excessively
The Age of the Battery
Finally, as the average lifespan of a battery made for a small to medium-sized boat is approximately five years from now, you may find that a dealer is either unaware of the age of the battery or is trying to rid themselves of the boat before the battery needs to be changed. Make sure you conduct a full physical inspection of the battery and ask for paperwork proving when the battery was purchased and fitted.