Tips For Buying A Used Boat
A lot of people want to own a boat without having to shell out for the high price of a new craft. Luckily for them, the used boat market is huge and filled with all types and sizes of vessels! Just shop strategically and you can easily get a lightly-used and well-maintained boat that handles as good as new.
As your local used boat dealer in Frazer, PA, we at Clews & Strawbridge have compiled some information to help you through the buying process. When you’re ready to check out used boats for sale in Philadelphia or West Chester, get in touch with us and one of our helpful staff will gladly assist you!
Create a Budget
When budgeting for a boat, make sure you take into account other expenses apart from the price tag. Think about other costs that are part of owning a boat, such as boat slip rentals, insurance and so on. If you’re just starting out then you’re going to need to add quite a few items to the budget so be sure to do the math before you begin shopping.
Get Historical Information
When talking to the salesperson, try and get all the relevant information about the boat. Have some questions prepared about the boat’s age and maintenance history. You also want to know how many previous owners used the vessel. This information will show you how well the boat was maintained and whether there are any problematic areas that need constant repairs. You can also use this information to figure out if the boat is being sold at a fair price for its age.
Inspect the Exterior
Once you’ve selected the used boat model, you have to perform a careful inspection. The boat can be given a new coat of paint but that doesn’t mean it’s going to perform well on the water. Begin by examining the exterior of the craft. Any cracks more than two inches long can become a problem. Make sure the wood and metal surfaces of the used boat are free of corrosion. There are times when exterior flaws can be simply cosmetic, but they can also suggest a lack of maintenance and further problems lurking beneath the surface.
Inspect the Interior
Move on to inspecting the interior. Make sure you look underneath the flooring materials for any moss or discoloration as they are signs of neglect. All the electronic equipment should be checked to ensure its working as it should. Remember that electrical repairs for boats are more expensive than those for cars. If you don’t know much about the topic, consider hiring a professional to do the inspection for you. They’ll be able to spot issues you won’t even know to look for and can save you from investing in a lemon!
Look for Signs of Damage
If a boat isn’t properly maintained, it will most likely have mildew, rot and rust in its parts. This means the previous owners ignored the upkeep of their boat. If there’s extensive rust, corrosion or rot in any part, it could indicate that the boat took in water at some point. Check all the seat cushions and canvas coverings for any sign of mildew. If there’s mold underneath the seats, then that could mean more mold has spread within the boat. Be wary of boat seats that look too clean as sometimes careless boat owners use cleaners that are too harsh and damage the vinyl coverings.
Test the Oil & Fuel
Check the condition of the fuel and feel it between your fingers. If the oil seems milky, it means that water has gotten into the engine. When you touch it, if you feel grittiness in your fingers, it means that metal shavings from the engine have made their way into it. This means the engine has to be repaired. Smell the fuel and stay away if it smells rotten or off.
Take a Test Drive
Before you purchase the used boat, you have to take it out for a ride. You want to see how it performs in the water, and you also want to check if the steering wheel and handling of the craft are something you’re comfortable with. Run a few tests when you’re on the boat. Try handling it at a few different speeds to see how it performs. Test the brakes. Look for anything out of the ordinary with how the boat runs such as delays, odd vibrations, or odd sounds. If the boat runs well and is within your budget, you found a winner!
We hope this information helps you during the selection process! If you want to learn more or are ready to check out used boats for sale in Frazer, PA, contact Clews & Strawbridge and have a chat with one of our helpful staff members. We’re proud to be the leading used boat dealer for Philadelphia and West Chester!