Basic Boat Buying Tips and Considerations

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When you are interested in buying a boat, there are a number of considerations that need to be addressed.  What follows is a relatively comprehensive list of some of the key points that you should focus on if you want to get the best boat for your money.

• Look for the “NMMA Certified Using ABYC Standards” label.  This label means that a professional third-party inspector has systematically and extensively inspected the boat’s main safety systems.
  
  
  Consider what you want to do with the boat.  Will the boat be used for fishing, water skiing, taking trips, or for racing?  This will help determine the size and the type of boat you should probably be looking at.
  
  
• Determine what kind of boat you can afford.  Ask yourself what kind of boat is right for your budget and best for your lifestyle.
  
  
• The type of water you will be boating on is also an important consideration.  For instance, will you be boating on fresh water or in the ocean? 
  
  
• What kind of climate will you be boating in?  If you will be boating in a colder climate, you may want a boat that offers more shelter from the cold.  Keep in mind, moreover, that the bigger the body of water, the larger the waves and the more demanding the conditions will be.  Typically, this means a larger and more powerful boat may be needed.
  
  
• Are you considering a used boat or a new one?  Remember that like cars, new boats depreciate the second they are taken from the showroom floor.

• If you decide to purchase a new boat, a good place to start shopping is at boat shows.  Here you can get educated about the different types of boats that are available, as well as find boat specials. 
  
  
• If you decide to purchase a new boat and saving money is a concern, consider looking at the previous year’s boats after the new models have come out.  Not unlike new cars, some good deals will be available at this time.  Another good time to buy a new boat is at the end of a model year when dealers are trying to sell the previous year’s inventory.
  
  
• If decide to buy a used boat, a good place to start your shopping can be the classified ads found in the magazines, newspapers, and on boat-related websites.  You may also go to a dealership.  Remember, however, that because of overhead and sales commissions, going through a dealer will usually be more costly than going directly through the owner.
  
  
• When you have found a used boat that you are interested in, make sure you call the U.S. Coast Guard (800- 368-5647) and find out if a manufacturers' recall has been initiated for the model boat you are interested in.  If a recall has been initiated, ask the owner if the repair has been made.  If you are still interested in this particular boat, it would be wise to take the boat to an authorized dealer to verify that the repairs have been made according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  
  
• If you really want to be on top of things, check the seller's proof of ownership.  If the price is too good to be true, this may mean that the boat is stolen property.  As a result, make sure you look at the appropriate documents, and if the seller cannot produce them, it would probably be a good idea to buy your boat elsewhere.

A Major Consideration: Your Engine Check List

A major issue with used boats concerns the condition of the engine.  Since many more demands are placed on a boat engine as compared to a car engine, it is important to have an authorized boat mechanic do a thorough inspection of the engine.  Some of the key areas of concern are the following:

• Is there oil in the bilge?  The bilge is the rounded portion of a ship's hull that forms the transition between the bottom and the sides of the boat.  If there is oil in the bilge, this may be an indication of an oil leak and will certainly demand closer inspection.
  
  
• Are there indications of a lubricant leak around hoses, freeze plugs, or gaskets?
  
  
• Are the fittings, belts, or hoses brittle or cracked? 
  
  
• Remove a few spark plugs and look at how much the plugs are burnt and how they are gapped.  This will offer some insight into how well the engine has been serviced. 
  
  
• Is there a white chalky deposit on the drive or on the engine?  If so, this could be a sign that the engine has been running hot.
  
  
• Check the level and condition of the engine oil.  If the oil is relatively low, this may indicate an oil leak.  If the oil feels very thin and looks discolored or milky, water may have found its way into the oil system.  This may indicate overheating, poor cooling, and other undesirable mechanical issues. 
  
  
• Also check the gear case oil.
  
  
• Check for broken motor mounts.
  
  
• Check the engine compression.

Boat Check List

• Inspect the steering and throttle cables and controls.
  
  
• Look at fuel lines, fittings, and fuel tanks for leaks.
  
  
• Turn all major systems on and see how they operate: air conditioner, lights, toilet, shower, stove, generator, bilge pump, blower, stereo, winches, sink, heater, etc.
  
  
• Open and close hatches.
  
  
• Is the rudder stock straight?
  
  
• Are the batteries mounted in a secure manner in acid-proof containers?
  
  
• Check the electrical system for rust and loose connections.
  
  
• Look at the hull fittings and make sure that are not leaking or loose. Make sure to inspect the condition of the rudder, propeller, or drive.
  
  
• Are there any indications that any of these have hit objects?
  
  
• Check the anodes on the drive. Are they worn and need to be replaced or are they in good condition?
  
  
• Does the cabin smell fresh or is there a mildew smell?
  
  
• How’s the upholstery?  Is it still in good condition?  Is the stitching still tight or is it unraveling?
  
  
• Inspect the propellers for prop erosion (cavitation), an indication of less than optimal performance.
  
  
• Is the propeller shaft straight?
  
  
• When the boat is out of the water, see if there are stress fractures, dings, cracks, or blisters in the gelcoat or hull.

The Test Drive

Not unlike buying a new or used car, it is a wise idea to take the boat for a test drive.   Make sure to focus on the following when you put the boat through its paces:

• Is the engine(s) already warm before you turn on the ignition?  If so, the owner may have done this before you arrived to cover up the fact that the engine smokes excessively or has difficulties with cold starts.
  
  
• Check the bilge before and after the test drive for oil leaks.
  
  
• Drive the boat around the dock in forward and in reverse to observe how well and how rapidly it responds to helm input.
  
  
• Create some waves by driving in circles and go into the waves at many angles.  Does your weight cause side-to-side rolling?
  
  
• Perform a number of wide turns and tight turns and do these at different various speeds.
  
  
• In straight runs, does the boat bounce up and down at the bow?  If so, does adjusting the trim eliminate the problem?
  
  
• See if the instruments and gauges work appropriately and accurately.
  
  
• Observe how long it takes for the boat to come on plane (while five seconds is average, 10 or more seconds is too much for most boats).
  
  
• Run the boat long enough to observe whether the engine overheats and make sure to inspect the oil pressure gauge.

Concluding the Sale

If the condition of the boat and its performance meet your approval, the next and last matter is price.  By now, you should have a good idea how much you can afford and what you are willing to spend.  To help determine whether the asking price is legitimate, look at the following guides for pricing information: 

• The NADA Marine Appraisal Guide
  
  
• The ABOS Marine Blue Book (800-262-1954)
  
  
• The BUC Used Boat Price Guide (800-327-6929)

After you finish negotiating the price, get the sales agreement in writing (even with friends!).  This written document should specify issues such as payment terms, accessories that were included (and not included) in the sale, repairs that need to be made and who is responsible for making them (plus a time limit if the seller is responsible for the repairs), delivery dates, and any other relevant aspects of the sales agreement.

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