Faulty Hull

First thing's first: the hull of your future boat. There are very few parts of a boat as important as the hull; it's your source of buoyancy! That's why we recommend giving your prospective boat's hull a thorough going-over. Examine it for any blatant issues such as:

●          dents

●          gashes

●          holes (repaired or not)

●          other visible problems

Be especially careful when checking below the water line - that area can incur unseen damage due to collisions with rocks, debris, or other boats. If there are signs that the previous owner banged up their vessel a few too many times, then we recommend moving on. Your life will quite literally depend on a structurally sound hull: don't take any chances!

Shoddy Deck

Once the hull has checked out, it's time to move onto the deck of your future vessel. Although it may not be as mission-critical as the hull, having solid flooring in your boat is just as important!

Completely inspect the deck, taking your time to look for things that may cause issues down the line. This includes rot, cracks, dents, holes or soft spots. The deck should feel firm when you apply pressure to it with your hands - not soft or malleable. Fiberglass delamination and signs of decay may suggest hidden damage. Also, examine any non-skid areas for worn patches that could lead to slips and falls.

Solid Engine

If there's one thing that can turn a good boat into a great boat, it's having a reliable engine. Furthermore, many boaters have their engines replaced or rebuilt over time, making it all the more crucial that you make sure your prospective vessel's engine is in proper condition.

To be sure you're making a sound investment, start by inspecting the exterior of the engine for any signs of leaking fuel or oil. If those are present, take a look under the engine for potential corrosion. If it passes the eye test, start up the engine to get a feel for how it runs. Ask the owner to run it at full throttle for ten seconds (or more) so that you can get an accurate idea of its capabilities. There's definitely a problem if the engine is:

●          loose

●          smoking

●          running rough

●          oddly noisy

Electronics

It's not uncommon for a boat's electrical system to undergo problems from time to time. Most of these are relatively easy to fix, but issues with electronics - radios, GPS, radar, flickering lights - may be indicative of more serious, underlying issues with the boat's wiring or electrical system. To make sure this isn't the case, check the vessel's wires for melted or otherwise damaged insulation. Also look for corrosion around the key electrical connection points, or any sign that the owner has had their wiring repaired more than a few times.

Inflated Price Tag

The next key warning sign to look out for when purchasing a used boat is an inflated price tag. Even if your vessel has passed every test until this point, an exaggerated price point can turn it all sour. This is when the current owner overstates their boat's value relative to what a similar vessel would fetch on the market. They're hoping you don't do your research, and they can walk away with more than their boat's actually worth.

To avoid falling into this trap, search the web for boat's of the same model and year as your prospect. Take into account their condition versus your own, and then compare the average selling price. If there's a major disconnect, take it as a red flag that you need to renegotiate.

Wrapping Up

Navigating the used boat market can be challenging, especially if you're new to the boating scene and don't know what to look for. That's why we compiled this list! While there are certainly countless variables to consider, these five are fundamental to any great prospective vessel.

Once you're ready to start your own boat-buyer journey, come on over to The Boat Stop! Our marketplace helps boaters buy and sell vessels that they'll love. We cater to all sorts of boats, from cruisers to speed boats. Check us out here!