Boating Secrets

New boats are great to have. Just like new cars, there’s something satisfying about knowing that you are the only person who has ever piloted that craft. Having something brand new is a great feeling, but it does come with a price tag! Many people, especially new boaters will want, instead, to buy a used boat which can be just as nice as a new one at a much lower price.

Some people are interested only in impressing others with their huge, flashy boat. The waters are filled with people who often have more money than brains. For these kinds of people the bigger and more opulent their boat, the better they feel.

When you really think about it, though, the real point for a boating enthusiast is to get on the water. A real boater is someone who gets his or her boat moving. There are plenty of small motor boats that are out every weekend as opposed to the big boats that only see the open water once or twice a season. The people in those small boats are real boaters. They know the benefits of boating and are eager to be on board their vessel as much as possible.

Most vehicles lose their new value quite quickly. Boats are no different. Within two years, it will only be worth half of what it was new. But their appearance and mechanical abilities will still be in good shape – especially if you are conscious enough to take good care of your boat.

That’s why used boats are such a good value. You get a lower price and the previous owner has already “shook out the webs” so to speak. Of course, not all used boats are good buys, so you do have to be careful what you look for in a used boat.

Buying a used boat isn’t like buying a used car. They really haven’t been used very much when you think about the fact that boats sit most of the time. Don’t think you are buying into someone else’s problems. It’s easy to find boats with less than a couple of hundred hours of engine use.

Used boats often come with dock lines, life jackets, spare props, safety equipment, and other nice add-ons. New boat owners have to pay several hundred dollars just to get this same equipment.

Of course the wildcards with used boats are structural and mechanical condition and whether the previous owner did the proper maintenance. Prior to purchase you must get a used boat surveyed including a sea trial to be assured that it is in reasonable condition. You must also be willing to absorb mechanical repairs over time. The same is true when a new boat goes out-of-warranty.

You should allow an extra $1,000 or so above the price you pay so that you can make any necessary repairs. This money is nice to have as well so you can pick up any incidentals that didn’t come with your new used boat.

So, before you buy a used boat, what should you be looking for? Here are a few areas you should consider before buying:

• Who made the boat? Is the company still in business? If so, you will have an easier time getting parts and information about the boat.
• Check to see if the boat has been well-cared for. This can be relatively easy. Look at the upholstery for signs of excessive wear or abuse. Generally, serious boaters will take care of the whole boat – not just parts of it. If one part looks neglected, the engine probably is as well.
• Ask why the owner is selling his or her boat. The ideal answer is that they are moving up to a bigger or newer boat. If this is the case, you’ll know they are serious about boating and have probably taken very good care of this boat. If they are selling because it isn’t financially possible for them to keep up with the payments, chances are they are a bit irresponsible and have neglected to properly attend to the boat’s needs.
• Make sure all the equipment the boat needs is installed and that it works properly. If at all possible, you should get it out on the water before you buy and take it for a “test drive”.
• Boaters who keep a maintenance log are going to be very trustworthy sellers. This log will contain a list of all work done on the boat including tune-ups, oil changes, and repairs.
• Ask the seller what they primarily used the boat for. If it was mainly a fishing boat, pay special attention to the motor as trolling around at slow speeds all the time can be very hard on the engine as well as the drive system.
• It’s always a good idea to ask for a professional opinion from an experienced appraiser of some sort. This can give you some great peace of mind and keep you from making a serious mistake.

Here are two good checklists to use when you are looking at a used boat. The most expensive part of the whole expenditure will lie in the engine and the boat itself, so you should look for some very specific things during your inspection.

Engine Check List

• Is there oil in the bilge? It may be a sign of an oil leak and warrants closer inspection.
• Are there signs of lubricant leakage around gaskets, freeze plugs and hoses?
• Are the hoses, belts and fittings cracked or brittle?
• Pull a spark plug and see if it appears relatively new, or burnt and poorly gapped. This will provide an indication of how well serviced the engine is.
• Is there a white chalky residue on the engine or drive? This may indicate that it has been running hot.
• Check the engine's oil condition and level. If the oil looks milky, water may have entered, indicating the possibility of serious mechanical problems.
• Check the gear case oil.
• Are the sacrificial anodes on the drive in good shape, or should they have been replaced long ago?
• Are there signs that the drive, rudder or propeller has hit submerged items?
• Look for signs of cavitation damage on the propeller(s), which is indicative of poor performance.
• Check for broken engine mounts.
• Do a compression check on the engine to be sure all cylinders are firing.

Boat Check List

Aside from the engine, your inspection should also include the following on the boat:

• Check steering and throttle controls and cables.
• Switch on and operate all systems; bilge pump, blower, lights, stereo, winches, freshwater sink and shower, galley stove, head, heater, air conditioner, generator and so forth.
• Make sure all hardware is still firmly attached and check the condition of backing plates where possible.
• On a sailboat, check all rigging, hardware and sails.
• Open and close hatches.
• Check out the fuel tanks, fittings and lines. Be sure to smell for leaks.
• Are the batteries securely fastened in acid-proof containers?
• Perform an out-of-water inspection to see if there are dings or cracks. Also check for stress cracks, chips in the gel coat, hull blisters and other hull irregularities.
• Is the propeller shaft and rudder stock straight?
• Is the upholstery in good condition and the stitching still holding?
• Does the cabin smell like mildew?
• Check through-hull fittings to ensure they are not loose and leaking.
• Check electrical items and connections for rust.

If you don’t feel qualified to judge these points or if you’re not sure exactly what to look for, you can always contact a boat specialist or appraiser. Of course, you’ll have to pay a small fee, but that could be good in the long run as you will know exactly what you are buying.

You will also want to pay special attention to the boat’s trailer. Often, inexperienced people will just check out the boat they are buying, but the trailer is important as well. If the boat and trailer are not properly matched trailering a boat to and from the water, launching and retrieving can be the most stressful part of boating.

With the right trailer under your boat, you'll never know it's behind you as you tow it to the lake. However, if the trailer isn't properly set up and adjusted, you'll notice problems right away.

For example, too much tongue weight can cause excessive swaying while towing. Also, if the bunks or rollers aren't properly adjusted, launching and retrieving can be difficult even under the best of conditions. And worse, if the boat's hull isn't adequately supported, the trailer can actually damage the boat.

So how do you know that the trailer is right for the used boat you're buying? Here are some tips for inspecting a used boat trailer that should help you avoid any major problems.

First, check to see if the trailer is NMMA-certified. There are industry guidelines that ensure a trailer has been built with safety, quality and structural integrity. Also, check the weight limit the trailer can safely handle. Compare this number with the listed weight of the boat and motor. Exceeding the trailer capacity is not only dangerous, it's illegal.

Next, inspect the trailer carefully. Things to look for are rust or corrosion, cracks in the frame or evidence of major frame damage or repair. Also inspect the leaf springs for cracked or broken leaves. Check for excessive or uneven tread wear on the tires. If less than a quarter-inch of tread remains, you'll need to replace them. Also, if the trailer has bearing protectors, see if the grease reservoir is full. If so, the spring-loaded piston will be approximately 1/8-inch from its seated position.

Trailers either have bunks or rollers, and they seldom need replacement, but a quick inspection will show if there are any problems. Is the boat level on the trailer? If not, take a close look to make sure the bunks and rollers are properly adjusted. Is the hull well supported from front to back?

Hook up the trailer to your truck or car and make sure all the lights are working - brakes, running lights and turn signals. Burned-out bulbs are easy to fix, but rewiring a trailer can be a chore. Also, check out the winch and straps for frayed edges. It may need to be replaced.

After your inspection of the trailer, if you have any concerns, take the boat to a dealer and have him check out any problems you might have noticed. Most dealers will be happy to give you a second opinion and can also cure any trailering problems you might incur.

Axles can be adjusted for better tongue weight and bunks and rollers can be positioned for easier launching and retrieving. If you decide to upgrade to a better trailer, your local dealer can help you select the right trailer for your "new" used boat.

There are a lot of great bargains and investments in the used boat market. Just remember that a good trailer will go a long way toward protecting your investment. And the truth is that there are a lot of places you can go to when it comes to buying your boat.