When deciding to purchase a used inboard boat, it is imperative to ensure that every part of that boat has been thoroughly inspected before signing on the dotted line. By inquiring about service records, storage and usage history, as well as an accidents the boat may have been involved in can help to ensure you are making a smart decision. Most importantly, it is imperative to not forget about the most important part of the boat…the engine.

Here are a few helpful steps on how to properly inspect an inboard boat’s engine:

1. First visually inspect the boat motor. Take note of any obvious signs of wear and tear, as well as welding spots, which can indicate past issues with the engine. In addition, check to see if any head gaskets are painted. If not, this could be an indicator that the motor was apart at some point in time.

2. It is essential to run a compression test. By using a compression gauge, this will show if all cylinders are operating within normal ranges.

3. Take the boat out on the water and perform a test run. When starting the engine, you should listen for a few key things. Note things like how fast it kicks in or any knocking or cranking noises. Do not forget to note things like the RPM and water pressure when doing your test drive.

4. After your test run, drain a small amount of grease from the lower unit of the motor onto a tray. Observe if grease, water, or both come out. If only water comes out, then it is likely there will be a potential issue down the road with the engine. If the liquid appears to have a milk consistency to it, this likely means that water is mixed in with the grease.

5. The last important step in inspecting the engine is checking the oil. Not only should you check the color and density, but also check the oil levels as well. Inquire about oil change history as well to ensure that proper care has been provided.

If for any reason the owner refuses any of the above steps to be performed, it is a good sign that this is not the right boat for you.

OnlyInboards is the Internet’s largest and most reliable inboard specific boat marketplace. Visit us to view our large selection of used boats, as well as our top of the line accessories.