Buying a Previously Owned Boat
 

If you are the type of person that buys something uses it often and keeps it forever than maybe a new boat is for you. But buying a new boat is a big step especially in today’s market. If you’ve never been boating or have never owned a boat you’d probably be better off starting with a used boat. So you can test the waters so to speak. 

There’s nothing to be ashamed of in buying used. Some used boats are built far better than the new ones. Look at it this way there are hundreds if not thousands of boat owners who had to mortgage their house and sell their first born for that new expensive boat that sits in their yard all year. Probably the only water it has seen was from last weeks rain storm. Don’t be one of those boat owners.

The main thing is to enjoy yourself get out to the water and have a blast. Far better is the boater in his or her used boat every weekend than the rich guy working 70 hours per week getting out to the water once or twice per year.

How many times have you passed boats in yards around the neighborhood whose trailer tires are flat and dry rotted? Some people spend literally tens of thousands of dollars on fancy boats and jet skis and never use them. Buy the boat you can afford don’t go crazy just to keep up with your neighbor who never even invites you out to the water.  I know I’ve seen countless boats in yards being from Miami. While all the rich guys were working I was enjoying the ocean on my 16 foot 1967 tri hulled Woodsen.  Those were the day’s lots of fun.

Remember this; boats are like automobiles in that they depreciate just like automobiles do. So buying a used boat does have its advantages. It’s funny the term used boat is usually the furthest from reality.

Because usually nine times out of ten the reason the boat is being sold to begin with is because it is NEVER or seldom used. That’s why I referred to previously owned in the title of this article. I have bought boat engines that were considered relics with less than 100 hours of running time on them. Compared to your automobile that’s almost brand new.

Look at it this way it’s probably good that used boats already come with a few scratches and dents. This way you won’t feel so bad when you make a few of your own. With the money you save buying used you can afford to purchase accessories and make any necessary repairs. Boats are a lot of fun but the hobby can get a little expensive as well as time and labor intensive.  

Another thing is that when you purchase a used boat from a previous boat owner. The majority of the time the previous boat owner is getting rid of the boat because they never used it. So guess what you usually get all the goodies they bought for the 4 years or more that they had the boat. Family and friends keep buying birthday and Christmas presents for the not so avid boater. Hey they meant well. Their loss is your gain. Often times you can get marine radios, life jackets, antennas, fishing tackle all thrown in for one nice neat and tidy bargain price.

The only downside to purchasing a used boat is that one does not know whether or not the boat has had any previous maintenance issues. You won’t know whether or not the previous owner took the proper care of the boat. Unless of course you buy from the guy down the street, maybe you saw the boat in his yard for the last eight years. In any event it’s always a good idea to have someone knowledgeable inspect the boat for you. Like maybe a boat mechanic or someone who just knows a lot about boats. 

Read a lot about the subject. Check out some books from the library. Find out as much as you can about the model you are contemplating the purchase of. Often times a little due diligence on your part can go a long way. Good luck to you and I hope you find that gem of a boat for a bargain price.