LOOK FAR AND WIDE

Don’t be afraid to venture outside your geographic comfort zone if you’re serious about buying a used boat from a private party. Expanding your search radius can increase the chances of finding a good previously owned boat. Slocum often finds used boats in states far removed from his home in northern Indiana. He has hunted as far as Alabama and New York.

Most of his searches begin with the internet. “There are so many online sources, it’s mind-boggling,” he says. He and his wife like to peruse sites such as Boat Trader and Craigslist, but explore others, such as boat-owner forums and

Facebook groups dedicated to particular boat brands.

“I typically look for boats located within 500 miles of us,” Slocum says. “But I will look farther out if I don’t find anything that close.” Once he completes a deal, Slocum has a triple-axle trailer and diesel truck to transport the boat if necessary.