BUYING A USED BOAT

Thanks in large part to the pandemic, people are buying boats—new and used—like they’re going out of style. Used boats, engines and trailers are being snapped up by those eager to escape to the water. Buying used presents its own challenges. What are some things you might keep in mind?

—John Tiger

1. Your neighbor down the street has a 1990s 17-foot center-console with a two-stroke outboard. It’s been sitting in his garage since 2012. He’s willing to unload it for $5,000. Before shaking his hand, what might you look at?

A. Bring it outside to see if the gelcoat

still shines in the sun.

B. Check the outboard for compression

and spark.

C. Take fuel samples and check for

water, stale fuel and debris.

D. Check to see if it’s still covered by

insurance.

E. B and C

F. All of the above

2. You’re at the local dealer checking out a used 29-foot twin-sterndrive cruiser. What are some reasonable requests before signing on the bottom line?

A. A complete survey by a registered marine surveyor, with positive result. B. A wash and wax detail job. C. A complete sea trial.

D. A 20 percent discount off the asking price.

E. All of the above

3. What might be missing from the list in No. 2 above?

A. A decent used-boat warranty, such as 30 days, or perhaps even six months. B. A visit to the service department to familiarize yourself with the boat and check out the operation.

C. A file of service records for the boat and engines.

D. All of the above

4. When checking out a used rig, it won’t run right during your sea trial. It’s hard to start and doesn’t idle well. The owner says he’s not sure what’s going on—it always runs well. You really like the boat. What might you do next?

A. Suggest the boat be checked out by a qualified marine tech.

B. Walk away and find a boat that runs properly.

C. Spray some Sea Foam into the engine and see if it clears up.

D. A or B

E. All of the above

5. You’re following up on an ad for a used 21-foot walkaround with a 200 hp outboard. The owner returns your call, and you set up a time to visit and check the boat. What might be some signs to cause uneasiness about your potential purchase?

A. The owner is hard to reach.

B. He says he doesn’t have time to take it to the water; you can just run it on the hose in his driveway.

C. He says he can’t find the title to the trailer.

D. All of the above

E. None of the above. This is typical when buying a used boat.

6. You’re starting the search for a new boat. What’s the best place to look? A. Your local boat dealers

B. Craigslist

C. Facebook Marketplace

D. Local newspaper

E. All of the above

1. E. B and C are highly advised.

2. E. All are reasonable requests. Some states require dealers to offer a used-boat warranty. Check with your state. 3. D.

4. D. A good tech might be able to solve the problem, and then you’re back in business. Or walk away and start your search again.

5. D. Run—don’t walk— away from this one.

6. E. All of these sources might yield good rigs to check out. Be especially careful; while you’ll likely pay more at a dealership, at least you’ll get a boat the dealer will have to stand behind, even if only for a short time. Buying from private sellers means “caveat emptor.”

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