What questions to ask when buying used boat?

Buying a used boat is an exciting experience, but also requires careful consideration to ensure you select the right boat for your needs and avoid any potential problems. Asking the right questions during the shopping process will help you evaluate key factors and make an informed purchasing decision.

What is your intended use for the boat?

First and foremost, think about how you plan to use the boat. Will it be for fishing, water sports, family cruising or entertaining guests? Determining your primary use will help guide you towards the right boat type and features.

For example, avid anglers will require different attributes than a family focused on waterskiing and wakeboarding. Fishing boats should offer plenty of storage for gear, mounting points for accessories and open deck space to move around. Meanwhile, watersport boats need to generate a quality wake and provide seating for multiple riders.

If you plan to entertain, look for boats with larger cabin space, a galley and head compartment. Understanding your intentions from the start will prevent disappointments later.

What size boat do you need?

The length of boat you need will depend on several factors like number of passengers, where it will be used, storage requirements and towing vehicle capabilities. While a larger boat provides more space and amenities, it also requires a more powerful vehicle to tow and costs more to maintain.

Here are some general size guidelines to consider:

• 16 to 18 feet – Best for solo fishing or cruising. Easier to maneuver and trailer.
• 18 to 22 feet – Accommodates 4 to 8 people comfortably for watersports or fishing. Family friendly size range.
• 22 to 30 feet – Provides ample space for overnighting and entertaining 6 to 10 passengers. Requires capable tow vehicle.
• 30+ feet – Offers living amenities like full galleys and multiple cabins. Requires professional offshore trailering.

Measure your garage or storage space ahead of time so you select a boat that will actually fit. Also, double check the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle.

What condition is the hull, deck and interior?

Carefully inspect the condition of the fiberglass hull, wooden deck and interior vinyl/carpeting. Check for cracks, cloudiness or soft spots in the hull that could indicate prior damage. Examine the deck for rot, splintering or cracks around hardware mounts. Soft decking can be a safety hazard.

Make sure the interior shows minimal wear and tear for the boat’s age. Pay particular attention to the condition of upholstery and steering wheel(s). Replacing worn out or weather damaged interiors can be costly.

How many engine hours and has maintenance been done?

Confirm the hour meter reading to determine total engine usage. In general, look for motors with no more than 500 hours for outboards and 1600 hours for inboards. Also ask for maintenance logs to verify regular upkeep has been performed.

Ideally, all scheduled maintenance tasks like oil changes, tune-ups, belt/hose replacements etc. have been dutifully completed. Things like impellers and pumps wear over time and require replacement around certain hourly thresholds.

Has the boat been damaged or repaired?

Ask if the boat has been involved in any accidents or incidents. Collision repairs on fiberglass boats can be complicated and expensive. Additionally, groundings can damage the hull and running gear.

Look for patches, uneven panel gaps, variations in hull color or other signs of repairs. Mismatched bolts or hardware can also indicate prior collision work. Request to see repair invoices and verify work was done properly.

Why are you selling the boat?

Understanding the seller’s motivations can provide useful insight into potential issues. Common reasons for selling include not enough usage, cost of maintenance, family situation changes or purchasing a different style of boat better suited to their evolving needs.

Responses like “needing something bigger” or “getting out of boating” are generally positive indicators. However, be wary of vague responses that fail to directly answer the question.

Can you provide references from prior owners?

Asking for references can help substantiate the seller’s claims about the boat’s history and condition. Ideally, they will provide contact information for previous owners going back several years.

Speaking with past owners gives you another perspective and may reveal undisclosed damage, chronic problems or usage patterns. Beware if the seller seems reluctant to provide references.

Has a marine survey been done?

A professional marine survey is recommended for used boats to identify issues that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. Surveys evaluate structural integrity, electrical systems, engine compression and overall seaworthiness.

Ask the seller if they have a past survey report you can review. Anything dated more than 12 months ago should be considered expired. For boats over 10 years old, a new survey is highly recommended prior to purchase.

What is included in the sale?

Find out exactly what is included with the sale of the boat besides the base hull and engine(s). Make sure accessories like electronics, covers, safety gear, trailer and spare parts are documented as part of the transaction.

Having certain accessories already included can enhance the boat’s value and usability. Since removing mounted electronics and accessories can damage fiberglass, verify items you want stay with the boat.

Can I do a sea trial before buying?

Taking a boat out for a sea trial is the best way to evaluate its performance and condition. How it runs, handles and rides on the water can help confirm specs claimed by the seller. Pay attention to engine noise, throttle response, steering and acceleration during turns.

If possible, run it at a fast idle for 10 minutes to check for overheating issues or oil leaks. Make sure to get in writing the sea trial is conditional on passing a professional survey after purchase.

What is the price and payment process?

After considering the condition, included accessories and your intended use, determine if the asking price seems fair. Research actual selling prices for that specific make and model in your area to gauge market value.

Many boat sales involve third-party escrow services to ensure both parties are protected. Never pay the full amount until you have legal ownership of the boat and trailer.

Conclusion

Asking the right used boat buying questions takes some upfront work but can help avoid expensive surprises down the road. Focus your inquiries on verifying maintenance history, prior damage, intended usage patterns and getting fair market value. If possible, conduct a sea trial and secure a marine survey before purchase to thoroughly examine condition and seaworthiness.

Question	Importance
What is your intended use for the boat?	High
What size boat do you need?	High
What condition is the hull, deck and interior?	High
How many engine hours and has maintenance been done?	High
Has the boat been damaged or repaired?	Medium
Why are you selling the boat?	Medium
Can you provide references from prior owners?	Medium
Has a marine survey been done?	High
What is included in the sale?	Medium
Can I do a sea trial before buying?	High
What is the price and payment process?	High