What should i look out for when purchasing a used boat?

Question

It's a 1988 Wellcraft 18' center console that comes with a motor (50 horse) and trailer. What top 3 things should I check out before purchasing/while negotiating? The asking price is $1200, so I'm not expecting anything in stellar condition, by far.

Answer 1

ask to hear the engine run. does it have power trim? look at the hull. it sounds like it has an outboard engine. definately check the transom where the engine mounts to the boat. i have seen many boats with a soft transom and they do not last long for a new owner.

Answer 2

You should make sure the fiberlass or wood is not rotted & make sure the transum is in good shape. Tell them you want to hear the motor run

Answer 3

http://www.sailboatsurveys.com/survey-ch...

Answer 4

Has the boat ever been sunk?

Is the engine in good working condition with regular maintenance?

Does this boat do everything I need it to do?

Answer 5

Ask particular questions.  Has this boat ever been sunk?  (there are a lot of boats that have been underwater, cleaned up and put on the market.  You may be lied to, but ASK the question)  Look for cracks in the boat, there may be some surface crazing in the gel coat, not a big problem, however, cracks that allow for flexing at critical points are not good, see transom, keel, bow, along the sides where one m,ay tie up, and let the boat hit against the dock.  Look at service records on the engine for sure.  Check the bearings in the trailer for signs of dirtiness.

Enjoy your boat.

Answer 6

You have gotten a lot of great answers.  For $1200 I would not expect it to be in perfect shape.

1. Ask to hear motor run.  Even better would be if you ask for a test ride. Just because a motor starts and run hooked up to a water hose does not mean it will run in the water with a load against it.

2. Check hull for signs of repairs, cracking in the gel coat, or any damage.  Depending on the damage and what you may want to repair may make or break the deal.

3. Ask why they are selling the boat and how long has it been for sale.  They may be willing to take less than the asking price if it has been for sale for a while.  Also they may not tell you everything wrong but they may tell you what they think is wrong.

Now that is the boat and motor, but be sure to check the trailer.  Are the tires worn out, when were the wheel bearings changed, lights, is the frame rusted through ( check the cross members ).  

Good luck and if this boat does not meet your needs keep looking, there are plenty out there for sale.

Answer 7

Compression test the motor.  If the worst cylinder isn't within 5% of the best, walk away.

Ask the owner to start the engine for you.  If he does so without hooking it up to the hose, walk away -- the motor's been abused -- only takes about 30 seconds of dry running to ruin a water pump impeller.

raise the motor full up, grasp the lower unit and give it a good shake -- don't try to tear it off the boat -- you're looking for any flexibility in the transom.  If it flexes at all, walk away.

Answer 8

make sure the title matches the seller and the hull vin

Answer 9

thats cheap, first start the engine rev it up and listen, take it for a ride if you can

next push and pull on the transom there should be very little movement

nezt walk heavy on the deck and see if the deck is soft, check the steering but thats not a problem anyway and check the light,bilge horn compass and fuel lines