When it comes to buying a used boat, many buyers aren’t sure where to look or what to ask. While buying from a reputable site or seller is a good start, there are several things to look for when buying a used boat.

Look for mismatched paint. When this is apparent, it could mean that the boat may have been involved in an accident, or there have been repairs made to it. Be sure to ask about the reason why the boat was repainted, and look further into any repairs or accidents the boat was involved in, if any.

Look for water lines. By looking for a water line on the inside of the boat an don the engine, you can determine if the boat had any potential issues with taking on water in the past.

Check for vibration. When there is too much vibration on a boat, it not only makes for a noisy boat, but it can also mean that there is a bent propeller.

Make sure the trim functions. It is critical to ensure that the trim works on an inboard boat. This will allow for the boat motor to move from the down position, to an angled one.

Check for soft spots. It is critical to check the floors of the boat and the deck on the bow for any soft spots. This could be an indication of rotting. Another good tip is to smell the floors, which can help you in determining if there is mold or mildew on the boat, which typically indicates any prior leakage, water damage, or neglect issues.

Check the response time. When doing a test drive, test the steering from one direction to another in order to determine how long it takes the boat to respond.

Know the maintenance history. Perhaps the most critical piece of information is the boat’s maintenance history. Not only will you be able to determine what kind of shape the boat is in, but if it was well cared for by it’s previous owners, if there have been many maintenance issues with the boat, and if any unnecessary work has been performed on the boat. When a boat has had lot of repairs, it will typically translate into more dollars spent for you.

Look for extras. Certain extras are necessary on a boat, and it’s a big bonus if the owner has already installed these for you. Some extras to look for are things such as depth finders, marine radios, quality stereo systems, speed control devices, and life jackets. In many cases, trailers may be included in your purchase, but make sure that the trailer is in good condition as well.

It is always a good idea to obtain an appraisal and have a good idea of how much the boat is truly worth before making the purchase.
Only Inboards is the Internet’s largest inboard specific site, specializing in the sales of used inboard boats, as well as top-of-the-line accessories. Visit us to see what we can offer you and your ultimate boating experience.