When Purchasing A Used Boat What To Look For?

[airborne_angler]

So just like a lot of us that fish out of smaller vessels, I'm sure there are lots that are always looking to upgrade to something bigger.

I constantly surfing Craigslist looking for good deals.

When I find a price that fits my budget, how will I know I'm getting my moneys worth?

What are somethings to look for on a used boat? Like say Basstracker modied v hull...

What are some plus items to look for?

On the other hand...what are some "run away fast" deal breaker items to look for?

How bout test drive? The only local lakes around here are like 1-1/2 -2hrs away. If the seller doesn't want to take the time to show the boat at a lake, and allow a test drive...is that a red flag or just a seller that doesn't have time or doesn't want to bother with a test drive. I fully understand...you get a potential buyer, take time and spend $$$ on fuel to take the boat to the lake, and the interested party is either a no show or decides not to buy the boat.

Suppose from the sellers point of view, selling a boat can be a pain if there isn't any water nearby. Closest lake I fish only allows a 9.9hp max outboard...

[Nitrofreak]

First of all, is always and formost safety !!

 

Not only are you looking at the boat but the trailer as well, do you have a vehicle that can safely tow this boat?  you need to be thinking about everything and family too.

 

Once you decide you really want to expand your fishing onto bigger waters, make sure the boat is big enough to handle the waters you want to fish, rough waters in a small boat can get you in trouble in a big hurry.

 

When you think about used boats, your first question is, how do I know I am getting my moneys worth?  you really don't know, unless the seller keeps a transaction history, services, repairs, all are part of helping you be a little more comfortable when considering a used boat, things like keeping it in a garage or under a quality cover will indicate how much or how well the seller took care of his or her investment.

 

What are some things to look for in a used boat?   The best advise here will be to consider the size of the water you are going to fish first, DO NOT settle for an under powered vessel, or too small of a vessel, a modified "v" hull may be the boat you need, but how stable will it be on rough waters, think about the worst conditions and look at the boat and see if you think it will handle those conditions on the waters you want to fish, same goes for the trolling motor, is it strong enought to move that vessel out of harms way if need be.

 

What are some plus items?  overall condition would be my first, larger than needed trolling motor, deck space, storage space, it really depends on the application your looking for.

 

Run away fast?  you will know, but things that stick out in my mind are things like a clear title, a pushy seller, wood rot, rusty areas, trashy looking boat in general, no title and "im selling it for a friend" are sure ways to make me turn around and say have a good day.

 

As far as the test drive is concerned, as long as you have access to a good marine tech that you can have look over the craft and be able to give you an honest opinion, then the test drive will be up to you, me personally, if the seller is willing to haul it to a lake that far away, then take him or her out to lunch for doing so or comp in some way you are comfortable with, but in my opinion, this option is the best way to know for sure this is the boat you will be most satisfied with and have the most peace of mind with.

 

Always keep in mind that when owning a used boat, even after all is said and done and everything goes flawlessly, it's a mechanical thing, it can and most likly will give you some sort of issue the next time out, it does not mean the seller tried to rip you off in most cases, just look for boats that have been well taken care of and if at all possible have the records to prove it too, always have the option to have a qualified tech look it over and offer a solid opinion, in short give YOURSELF the best peace of mind you can for the investment you wish to make.

[jhoffman]

If I were going into it today this is things I would check

 

Iginition coils for signs of burn out(this can get to be a nightmare)

 

Replaced spark plug wires(just like a car, they need maintence)

 

Cylinder heads, look for fuel running out of the plug holes(tells me that its likely not adjusted properly)(ignore if EFI)

 

Compression(no brainer)

Fuel lines(you can replace these for next to nothing, anyone who cares about their boat will replace them)

 

Wrench marks on the bolts of the lower unit(tells me if he ever changed out the impeller)

 

Trailer Tires and Bearings(Need to be able to transport it)

 

Prop conditions(nicked up props make for bad performance, think of hanging a half oz weight on a ceiling fan running full bore)

 

Do the pumps work, bilge and livewell

 

Do all the fish finders work

 

Do the switches work

 

Any leaks

 

Bad Carpet

 

Whats the throttle feel like is it sticky

 

Hows the tilt work, will it hold it up indefinitely

 

Soft spots in the deck...

 

If I see any sign of neglect in the motor, forget it, thats where most of the value is. The rest we can start whackn money off the price to fix issues. I also want an on the water ride that lasts half a day. I wanna see the motor start cold, I wanna see the motor run its guts out for a half an hour then shut it off, fish run it hard again and so forth. Some motors will purr like a kitten on muffs and do a face dive on the water.

[ClackerBuzz]

If I were going into it today this is things I would check

 

Iginition coils for signs of burn out(this can get to be a nightmare)

 

Replaced spark plug wires(just like a car, they need maintence)

 

Cylinder heads, look for fuel running out of the plug holes(tells me that its likely not adjusted properly)(ignore if EFI)

 

Compression(no brainer)

Fuel lines(you can replace these for next to nothing, anyone who cares about their boat will replace them)

 

Wrench marks on the bolts of the lower unit(tells me if he ever changed out the impeller)

 

Trailer Tires and Bearings(Need to be able to transport it)

 

Prop conditions(nicked up props make for bad performance, think of hanging a half oz weight on a ceiling fan running full bore)

 

Do the pumps work, bilge and livewell

 

Do all the fish finders work

 

Do the switches work

 

Any leaks

 

Bad Carpet

 

Whats the throttle feel like is it sticky

 

Hows the tilt work, will it hold it up indefinitely

 

Soft spots in the deck...

 

If I see any sign of neglect in the motor, forget it, thats where most of the value is. The rest we can start whackn money off the price to fix issues. I also want an on the water ride that lasts half a day. I wanna see the motor start cold, I wanna see the motor run its guts out for a half an hour then shut it off, fish run it hard again and so forth. Some motors will purr like a kitten on muffs and do a face dive on the water.

every time i stop by the boat forum i'm reminded:  i can't afford a boat.

[Glenn]

A few articles worth reading:

 

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/buying_a_boat.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/buying_first_boat.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/boat_buying_license.html

[derekxec]

i would get the motor checked out by a pro if you can....im not selling my boat but i have one that i havent used in about 10 years or more never started the motor or anything over that time either and just yesterday me and a friend that is a boat mechanic started it up yesterday and it started up first crank and had no problems (well except a wasp nest in the handle to take the top cover of the motor off) lol

 

60hp johnson outboard...got to love johnsons

[Nitrofreak]

every time i stop by the boat forum i'm reminded:  i can't afford a boat.

 

It really depends on what boat you get, there are a ton of them out there that will give you years and years of care free service, I have had my little 1990 Nitro for twelve years or close to it, it has rarely cost me money, and yet even the cost has not been big things, don't let what can go wrong with a boat keep you from enjoying the waters you want to fish.

[Nitrofreak]

i would get the motor checked out by a pro if you can....im not selling my boat but i have one that i havent used in about 10 years or more never started the motor or anything over that time either and just yesterday me and a friend that is a boat mechanic started it up yesterday and it started up first crank and had no problems (well except a wasp nest in the handle to take the top cover of the motor off) lol

 

60hp johnson outboard...got to love johnsons

 

AMEN too dat !!!!

[Downeaster2010]

I would have to add that a check for transom stress cracks on fiberglass hull boats.  I always look to see if

the bass boat was also used on the ocean, and salt corrosion should be visible.  This would show on the rims

of the trailer in rust.  I have had Johnson's, Evinrude's, Mercury's, and now Yamaha.  All served me well as

long as proper maintenance is performed.  Older Mariner motors, were pretty much Mercury's dressed in

grey.   A friend of mine bought a 1984 Ranger, with a 115 Mariner outboard.  The boat and motor has served

him well now for 30 years.  Still uses it.

[Skeeter Driver]

Concur with all the posts here. Safety first, then the hull integrity followed immediately by the condition of the motor.

My dad taught me a long time ago to trust your gut ONLY after you check the things that technology can help with. ... Case in point, engine may look great, but its the compression check that carries the day. Also ... Organize the test yourself. Trust everyone, but verify everything.

Good Luck.

[mtaag3]

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