future boat owner.......................

[crankbait2009]

hey all

i have a few questions about buying used bass boats or even boats in general for that matter.

i am in hopes of buying a little bass boat sometime this year. doesnt have to be all decked out with bells and whistles but rather just an aluminum boat with an outboard motor on it.

now, there have been numerous of times that i have been fishing at a boat dock and no matter how old/new a boat looks the owner is always fising it to get it running. this worries me a little.

1. is it wise to buy a used boat? i have heard other people say that its called "used" for a reason. dont take on someone elses headache. are boat motors that high maintenance that you constantly have to be fixing them every time you wanna go out?

2. off topic boat question, is it mandatory to have boat insurance like you do on your vehicle? other than registering it, do you have to do anything else?

[Grey Wolf]

At the very least  , liability to cover your own butt.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

hey all

i have a few questions about buying used bass boats or even boats in general for that matter.

i am in hopes of buying a little bass boat sometime this year. doesnt have to be all decked out with bells and whistles but rather just an aluminum boat with an outboard motor on it.

now, there have been numerous of times that i have been fishing at a boat dock and no matter how old/new a boat looks the owner is always fising it to get it running. this worries me a little.

1. is it wise to buy a used boat? i have heard other people say that its called "used" for a reason. dont take on someone elses headache. are boat motors that high maintenance that you constantly have to be fixing them every time you wanna go out?

2. off topic boat question, is it mandatory to have boat insurance like you do on your vehicle? other than registering it, do you have to do anything else?

You shouldn't have any problems buying used if you're smart about it.  Get it thoroughly check out by a marine mechanic, etc etc.  People buy used cars all the time, some have good luck, some have bad luck, some say screw the luck and do the legwork to make sure they don't buy a lemon.

Down here insurance is not required I don't believe.  You'd be smart to have insurance just in case.  And if it's not required, it d**n well should be.  Hell, I'd love to see the state implement required marine drivers licenses.

[Brian B]

I bought a used boat two years ago.  I had never owned a boat before.  I recommend having the owner of the boat or someone from the marina (I had the salesman take me) take you out on the water and show you how to run everything.  And I mean everything.  You can see if there are any issues with livewells, bilge pumps, TM, and other stuff you wouldn't really think of on dry land.  It also gives you a chance to see how it handles and if it rides nice.  Again, something you can't tell from just seein it on dry land.  I had a friend buy a boat off of ebay and never actually test drove the boat.  Needless to say he is less than thrilled.

[Bass_Fanatic]

I recommend to take it out to the lake and drive it, and DEFINATELY get the motor checked by a mechanic.  Make everything is firing right.  This could end up saving you ALOT of money later on.

[done]

hey all

i have a few questions about buying used bass boats or even boats in general for that matter.

i am in hopes of buying a little bass boat sometime this year. doesnt have to be all decked out with bells and whistles but rather just an aluminum boat with an outboard motor on it.

now, there have been numerous of times that i have been fishing at a boat dock and no matter how old/new a boat looks the owner is always fising it to get it running. this worries me a little.

1. is it wise to buy a used boat? i have heard other people say that its called "used" for a reason. dont take on someone elses headache. are boat motors that high maintenance that you constantly have to be fixing them every time you wanna go out?

2. off topic boat question, is it mandatory to have boat insurance like you do on your vehicle? other than registering it, do you have to do anything else?

You shouldn't have any problems buying used if you're smart about it. Get it thoroughly check out by a marine mechanic, etc etc. People buy used cars all the time, some have good luck, some have bad luck, some say screw the luck and do the legwork to make sure they don't buy a lemon.

Down here insurance is not required I don't believe. You'd be smart to have insurance just in case. And if it's not required, it d**n well should be. Hell, I'd love to see the state implement required marine drivers licenses.

ditto..plus get the owner to take you out in it for an extended time. Check how it runs, how it planes, check the bilge for leaks, have him run all the equipment. Know what you are getting.

I sold a very nice moded Jon to get my Tracker PT 175...was in great shape, and all decked out. I say that to point out, folks to sell good boats for good reason.

Good luck.

[Ellesar]

A lot of tournament and clubs will require that you atleast have liability on your boat. But honestly if you can't afford the insurance, you can't afford the boat. It's no different than a car in that respect, IMO.

You should be able to get the service history fro. A mechanic and see what warranty work was done and the like. Definately want a leak down test at a

min.