Guidelines for buying a used boat?

Question

I'm looking for a used 17-20 foot I/O bowrider - from 2002 to 2006 year range.

When going to look at a boat being sold by a private seller, what things should you look for?

Is there a way of telling if the boat is generally in good condition just by checking certain components of the engine?

What specific things should I look at?

Answer 1

JUST LIKE BUYING A CAR--TEST DRIVE IT!!

Look at the hull for damage, check the interior, check the floor, ask if garaged or stored outside, start it run it but be sure to test drive it because it will perform differently on land than in the water, check the trailer tires, wheel bearings, trailer have brakes, how much does it weigh, how much weight can your vehicle pull safely, what type of hitch do you have is it able to handle the unit in tow?

If you are still uncertain then take the unit to a dealer to have it checked out, if it is in good shape the person selling it wont mind!!!

Answer 2

Here's a list of what I'd be looking for out of the water...

1. hull damage

2. fiberglass blisters

3. gelcoat shape (shiney or dull?)

4. outdrive overall condition as well as the prop

5. if depth finder is included condition of the sending unit

6. boot condition from outdrive to transom (rotted? torn?)

7. navigational lighting - does it work?

8. outdrive fluid - milky? If so there's water in it so have the drive checked professionally

9. cockpit flooring - any soft spots

10. engine - rusty? why? does the owner have a maintenance log?

11. canvas - what shape is it in?

12. blower - working? check the blower venting to

13. bilge pump - working? Signs of water ever being present?

14. vinyl - condition?

15. battery - how old?

16. engine oil - dirty? how often changed?

17. winterization - ask who winterized the vessel each year and what steps were taken. If warm weather climate ask if boat was always in that location.

18. ask if they are the 1st owner!!! If not get the name of the previous in case you have to ask questions of them

In water...and yes...TEST DRIVE IT AS MENTIONED BY ANOTHER

1. engine start easilly?

2. shift cable operating properly?

3. any play in the steering wheel? this could be cable related or worse with outdrive problems

4. check engine compartment for leaks (at transom, hoses, etc)

5. exhausting properly?

6. no signs of a sheen on the water? if there is you could have something simple to fix or something expensive. If exhaust is venting oil look for another boat but if it's hydrualic fluid for the power trim it's an easy fix

7. power when going up on plane

8. steering while on plane

and the list of things goes on and on and on. The best advice that can be given is the best money you could invest in buying a used boat is to pay to have a marine surveyor and a professional marine mechanic go over her.

Good luck!