Guide To Buying A Used Boat

When you go shopping for used boats, there are many factors working to your advantage. For example, you have a wide range of options open to you at reduced prices. If you shop strategically, you can end up with a real steal and, with a little remodeling, your boat can feel like home! To help you make the wisest purchase, we at Active Water Sports have put together this guide to buying used boats. To find out more or to check out some great used boats for sale, visit us at our dealerships in Beaverton and Oregon City. We are proud to serve the good people of Portland, Salem, and Eugene. 

Stick to a Budget

One surefire way to ruin all the fun is to buy a boat without estimating the long-term and short-term costs. Don’t set your heart on a fancy model or features that are out of your budget. Be wary of charming salespeople who try to bait and hook you. Having a fixed budget before you start shopping will help you stay away from temptations and allow you to narrow down your options.  

Don’t set your budget too low - it should allow for more than just the sticker price. Factor in the costs of any gear you’ll need, as well as a boat slip rental, fuel, insurance, and other additional costs. Do the math before you start shopping!

Inform Yourself

Look at a variety of boats to learn about the various designs and what they each offer. It’s hard to make an informed decision with only half the information. This knowledge will help you decide if you want a specialized fishing boat or versatile vessel that’ll be great for towing your kids on an inner tube. Narrow your options by boat type to make research more feasible.

As you start to look at used boats, think about how many people you anticipate taking with you. This will need to be within the boat’s maximum weight and number of occupants. If you want to regularly take 8 people on the water, your boat needs to have that potential. Make sure to check that none of the models you are considering were ever recalled.

Check the Paperwork

When you decide on a boat, ask the dealer about the history of the boat and the owners.  Find out the boat’s age and maintenance history, as well as how many previous owners it’s had. This information can help you determine how well a boat was cared for or if a problematic boat has changed hands many times. You can also use this information to figure out if the boat is being sold for a fair price for its age.

Perform an Inspection

Start by examining the exterior of the boat. Any cracks that exceed two inches could be an issue. Examine all wood and metal surfaces for any signs of corrosion. There are times when exterior flaws are simply cosmetic, but they can also suggest a lack of maintenance and further problems lurking beneath the surface.

Next, inspect the interior. Look underneath the flooring materials for any discoloration or moss, as these indicate poor maintenance. Check all electronic equipment to confirm it’s in working condition. Mechanical issues on boats are often much more expensive than you’ll find in cars. It’s not a bad idea to hire a surveyor to inspect the used boat you’re considering. You’ll be able to rely on expert knowledge to catch any issues you miss. This could easily save you from buying a boat that needs major repairs later.

Take a Closer Look

When there’s mildew, rust, and rot on a boat, know that it hasn’t been properly maintained. Extensive rust and corrosion can even mean that, at some point in the boat’s life, it was filled with water. This should immediately disqualify the boat you’re looking at. Seat cushions and canvas are good for spotting mildew, while mold anywhere on the boat probably means there’s more mold hidden away on it. Check the oil to ensure it’s neither milky nor black and sludgy. Grittiness in the oil means the boat’s metal is degrading.  

Take a Test Drive

Any used boat can look like a great deal when it’s docked. But looks can be deceptive. Always take a boat out on the water before buying it. You’ll want to get behind the wheel to see how it feels and handles.

While you drive it, run a few tests. Notice how the boat functions at different speeds and while idling. Test the brakes. Look for anything out of the ordinary with how the boat runs such as delays, odd vibrations, or odd sounds. If the used boat runs well and is within your budget, you found a winner!

We hope these tips help you snag a great used boat. To relieve yourself of some of the worry that comes with shopping for used boats, come to Active Water Sports in Beaverton and Oregon City. If you're looking for used boats for sale in Portland, Salem, and Eugene, call or come over today!