Beginner"s Guide to Buying Used Watercraft From Individuals and Boat Dealers
From cruising along the lake at a leisurely pace to fishing to water skiing, boating is one of the most popular summer activities to try.
When you own some type of watercraft, the recreational options are endless.
But it's not a cheap activity, which is why we have created this guide to help folks buying used watercraft, whether from individuals or boat dealers.
There are advantages to buying used, especially for first-time owners.
Someone else has paid full price for the watercraft and has already tested it for a period of perhaps several years, so you can be sure the model is reliable.
You'll also save significantly over buying a new model.
However, there are some risks or disadvantages to buying used as well, especially if you end up with a vessel that wasn't properly maintained.
To start the search for your perfect vessel, you'll need to pick out the right model for your family.
Ask yourself what the craft's primary purpose will be.
Do you plan to leisurely float around the lake? Pull your kids on wakeboards or tubes up and down the river? Cruise along looking at scenery with your family? Depending on your answers to these questions, you may find that a sailboat, a speedboat, a pontoon, or some other type of watercraft is best for your family.
Once you've settled on the type of boat, you can do research to figure out what specific models to check out at boat dealers.
When you go to view a boat for sale, you'll want to make sure it's in good condition.
If it doesn't look good, chances are it probably wasn't well maintained, so use your best judgment.
Check out any metal or wood surfaces to be sure they appear to be in good condition.
Keep an eye out for any corroded, dirty, cracked, or weakened surfaces as this could signal serious damage.
Pay special attention to boats kept in salt water as it can be extremely damaging.
You wouldn't want to buy a car without taking it for a spin around the block, and the same is true for a watercraft.
It's a good idea to bring a marine mechanic with you to see how the boat functions on the water.
The engine as well as any gaskets and seals should be clean, well maintained, and free from rust.
Your mechanic should also check out the engine oil, batteries, plugs, cables, and bilge pumps to be sure everything has been properly maintained and is functioning correctly.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember when purchasing a used boat is to use your best judgment.
If it doesn't look like it's been well maintained, it probably hasn't been.
Whether you are looking at vessels for sale from individuals or boat dealers, follow our tips and you'll be on your way to summer fun on the water in no time!
When you own some type of watercraft, the recreational options are endless.
But it's not a cheap activity, which is why we have created this guide to help folks buying used watercraft, whether from individuals or boat dealers.
There are advantages to buying used, especially for first-time owners.
Someone else has paid full price for the watercraft and has already tested it for a period of perhaps several years, so you can be sure the model is reliable.
You'll also save significantly over buying a new model.
However, there are some risks or disadvantages to buying used as well, especially if you end up with a vessel that wasn't properly maintained.
To start the search for your perfect vessel, you'll need to pick out the right model for your family.
Ask yourself what the craft's primary purpose will be.
Do you plan to leisurely float around the lake? Pull your kids on wakeboards or tubes up and down the river? Cruise along looking at scenery with your family? Depending on your answers to these questions, you may find that a sailboat, a speedboat, a pontoon, or some other type of watercraft is best for your family.
Once you've settled on the type of boat, you can do research to figure out what specific models to check out at boat dealers.
When you go to view a boat for sale, you'll want to make sure it's in good condition.
If it doesn't look good, chances are it probably wasn't well maintained, so use your best judgment.
Check out any metal or wood surfaces to be sure they appear to be in good condition.
Keep an eye out for any corroded, dirty, cracked, or weakened surfaces as this could signal serious damage.
Pay special attention to boats kept in salt water as it can be extremely damaging.
You wouldn't want to buy a car without taking it for a spin around the block, and the same is true for a watercraft.
It's a good idea to bring a marine mechanic with you to see how the boat functions on the water.
The engine as well as any gaskets and seals should be clean, well maintained, and free from rust.
Your mechanic should also check out the engine oil, batteries, plugs, cables, and bilge pumps to be sure everything has been properly maintained and is functioning correctly.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember when purchasing a used boat is to use your best judgment.
If it doesn't look like it's been well maintained, it probably hasn't been.
Whether you are looking at vessels for sale from individuals or boat dealers, follow our tips and you'll be on your way to summer fun on the water in no time!
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