12 Factors to evaluate When Picking Up a Used Boat

1. Legalities
2. Size
3. Deck Boats
4. Pontoon Boats
5. Boat Types - Sail or Motor?
6. Pricing
7. Insurance
8. Storage
9. Title and Registration
10. Boat Trailer
11. Cables and Hardware
12. Hull, Stability, and Ride
13. Activities
14. Maintenance
15. Conclusion

Buying a boat is a big decision, and there are many things to contemplate before buying a used one. So, what should you look out for?

Boats come in various shapes and sizes. Some boats are designed for fishing, some for cruising around lakes and rivers, and some for racing. The boat you choose depends on where you plan to take it and what kind of activities you want to enjoy.

Buying a boat is a significant investment. Before deciding on investing in one, here are 12 important considerations to ensure you get the best deal possible on a pre-loved boat.

Legalities

If you've been saving for some time, or money isn't an issue, buying a new boat is the better choice, but if you're reading this article, you're likely considering a used boat.

The correct ownership documents are critical to avoid legal trouble when buying a used boat. Ensure the previous owner has updated the ownership documents before selling to you.

Furthermore, unlike new boats, used boats often don't have a warranty.

Size

The best way to find out how big a boat you need is to measure yourself against the other boats around you. If you're planning on fishing, then you'll want something that has plenty of room for gear. If you plan on cruising, you'll want a comfortable and stable boat.

Deck Boats

Deck boats are often used for fishing, swimming, diving, kayaking, and boating. A typical deck boat is usually between 6-7 meters (19-23 feet) long and 1½-2 meters (4-6 feet) wide.

Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats are generally used for recreational activities such as fishing, camping, water skiing, jet skiing, tubing, surfing, sailing, and motorcycling. They usually come in one-, two- or three-person models. Some models even allow for multiple passengers.

Boat Types - Sail or Motor?

The term "motor boat" refers to any type of boat powered by an internal combustion engine. Gasoline and diesel engines are typically found in larger vessels such as yachts, while smaller craft uses electric motors. Electric motors are often preferred because they do not produce harmful emissions.

A sailboat is ideal for cruising around lakes, rivers, and oceans. They are generally slower than motorized boats but offer much better maneuverability.

This makes sailing boats perfect for navigating shallow waters and narrow channels. Sailing boats can also travel farther distances than motorized boats due to low fuel consumption.

Pricing

Used boats are cheaper than new ones because they've already experienced deprecation. This makes them an excellent option when you're looking to buy a boat. However, buying a used boat requires some research and patience.

First, check the state of the vessel. If any major repairs are required, take care of them first. Then, compare its cost against similar vessels to determine whether you can afford the initial investment.

Many people are looking into financing boating these days, which makes perfect sense given the current economic situation. However, financing options vary greatly depending on how much money you wish to borrow.

Therefore, before you take out a boat loan, you should look closely at what you can afford to repay each month.

Insurance

Insurance is essential when purchasing any boat. If you want to know how much it costs, look up the average insurance premium for vessels of similar size and age.

Boat insurance policies vary from state to state, so check out their coverage. For example, some states require that you carry liability insurance, while others only need collision insurance. Most states also require that you have hull insurance.

Collision insurance covers damage to other vehicles or property when your boat collides with something else.

It's worth noting that some insurance providers won't cover used boats at all.

Storage

Storage costs vary depending on how big of a space you need and what kind of storage facility you choose. You might want to find out about the monthly fee and compare it to the price of keeping your boat at home.

A few storage examples include marinas, dry docks, slipways, floating slips, piers, and floating jetties. Each option offers different benefits. Some require monthly payments, while some provide free access.

Many options allow you to keep your boat in a secure location without worrying about theft or vandalism.

Title and Registration

If you want to register your boat for insurance purposes, you should obtain a title and registration from the local authorities. However, if you wish to use your boat for pleasure, you don't need a title or registration.

A boat needs a title and registration when it is used for commercial purposes, such as transporting passengers or cargo. The owner must register the vessel at the local Coast Guard office.

Boat Trailer

Consider a boat trailer when purchasing a used boat. A boat trailer is essential for transporting craft from one location to another.

Trailers come in different sizes and shapes depending on what kind of boat you want to transport. If you plan to tow a small boat, you need a smaller trailer. However, if you plan to tow a large boat, you should go for a larger boat trailer.

Cables and Hardware

When you buy a used boat, it's essential to know the electrical system's condition. You might think the seller is telling the truth about how well things are working, but some telltale signs could indicate trouble ahead.

Check the fuses and circuit breakers. They should be appropriately installed and not corroded. You can also test them by turning off the power supply and checking if the lights work using a different power source. If they do, then you know that the problem lies somewhere else.

Hull, Stability, and Ride

Each boat is different regarding hull, stability, and ride. So it's essential to evaluate each when deciding what type of boat to buy.

Deck boats are fast, stable, and maneuverable. They're great for racing and fishing. But they're also slower and less comfortable than pontoon boats.

Traditional pontoon boats are better suited to cruising around lakes and rivers. And while they don't rock or sway like deck boats, they tend to move up and down more.

Towboats combine the advantages of both designs. They're lighter, faster, and more stable than either type of boat alone. This makes them ideal for racing, fishing and even cruising.

Activities

Before choosing a boat, consider what kind of activities you will be using your boat for.

A pontoon boat makes an excellent choice for boating, swimming, scuba­dying, and other water activities because it has a flat bottom. They offer plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making them ideal for family trips or entertaining guests. Some pontoons have built-in seating areas, while others include a swim platform or a hot tub.

Consider a decked-out vessel if you want a stable and controllable craft. Deck boats usually feature a raised cockpit area that allows you to stand up easily while operating the controls.

Most deck boats also have a bow thruster, allowing you to maneuver quickly without capsizing. Deck boats typically seat fewer people than pontoon boats, but they can still accommodate large groups.

Whether you opt for a pontoon or deck boat, both types are excellent options for boating. If you plan to use your boat for fishing, swimming, or other water sports, a pontoon boat is probably best because it provides ample space for passengers and cargo.

However, if you'll mostly be tubing or skiing, a deck boat might be a better choice because it offers excellent stability and control. In addition, both boats are suitable for cruising around lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Maintenance

It's important to weigh how easy the boat is for you to mai­nage. However, boating requires proper care and attention to avoid having your craft break down and cause damage to other vessels nearby or, worse, cause harm to passengers or people nearby.

Conclusion

Buying a used boat is an exciting experience, especially when you've got a budget to stick to, but it's essential to keep these factors in mind when buying.

Do you want to buy a used boat now? Then, join our community and get access to exclusive offers! Visit our site for more information.