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How To Buy A Used Boat (With Checklist)

Mar. 16 2022 Lifestyle By Yankee Boating Center

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For many, buying a boat is one of the more enjoyable experiences in life. But, like buying a house, it can also be stressful. 


At Yankee Boating Center we have put together this used boat buyer's guide to help steer you away from the more expensive cost of boat ownership, less time on the water, or unsafe conditions.


ITEM 1:  DUE DILIGENCE

Your first step, especially in the case of a used boat, is to ensure the seller actually owns the boat and that there are no outstanding encumbrances such as unpaid marine mortgages.


Always try to find out the maintenance history of the boat. You need to know if there have been any major repairs, what other work, additions or alterations have been done, and whether the boat is still under warranty. It’s also good to find out where the boat was taken for any repairs. 


Ideally, the boat will have been serviced annually by a certified marine technician or service center.


ITEM 2: INSPECTION

You can’t always rely on the previous owner to be honest with this. If it’s not immediately visible damage, they may not bother mentioning it.  

Visually inspect the boat, or even better, have a professional marine technician perform this check for you. 

Items to inspect:

  • Hull Condition 
  • Propeller Condition 
  • Hours used
  • Storage conditions
  • Upholstery Condition
  • Engine Condition

ITEM 3: SEA TRIAL

On the water testing is the most crucial step in the buying process: this is an opportunity to ensure that the equipment is all in good working order. 

 

Pay attention to the following:


  • Vibrations 
  • Trim
  • Steering response velocity 
  • Planning
  • Shifting 
  • Reverse 
  • Gauges & Instruments 
  • Bilge 

 

Checking all these items can help ensure that you are confident about your purchase.  

Keep in mind that all of these risks can be dramatically reduced by working with a great marina and boat dealer. 

 

When you purchase a used boat from us at Yankee Boating Center, you can rest assured that you are getting a boat to withstand the test of time for years to come. We thoroughly inspect our used boats making sure you get the value for your hard-earned money. 

 

Stop by our dealership and browse our extensive selection of pre-owned boats for sale today!