Buying a Used Boat

So you finally decided to take the plunge and buy a boat but you are on a tight budget. Its okay, you can buy a used boat. It’s a sensible alternative for those people who want to own a boat but don’t want to break the bank.

The good thing about purchasing a used boat is that it is cheaper compared to a new one. Another advantage is that a used boat has been tried and tested; it already has a proven track record. On the downside, a used boat already has scratches, the normal wear and tear and other flaws.

A used boat usually comes with the necessary dock lines, spare props, radio, life jackets and safety equipment so you can save a few dollars because you don’t have to buy these things anymore.

There are a lot of things to consider in buying a used boat. You should check on the source of the boat or the parties involved. Buying a boat from a private party doesn’t come with any sort of guarantee or warranty. The most advisable thing to do is to buy from a reputable boat dealer so you can get a warranty or even a free service for a period of time. And if you are buying online, one of the things you would want to check first is the feedback on the seller. The seller should have an excellent rating.

The next thing that you need to do is give time to do an ocular inspection. Inspect the boat carefully. Start looking at the Hull. Look at the color of the paint. Look for traces of previous accidents.

The most important thing to do is to test the motor of the boat. Engine should be in good condition. You also need to check on the propeller and the other parts such as the gaskets, hoses and belts. Better yet, bring along a mechanic with you so he can give you an over all assessment of the boat.

So don’t rush, take your time. Think about all the things you have to consider before you buy. After all, a boat will still be one of the most luxurious purchases you’ll ever make even if it is used.

Boat Propeller

A propeller is a rotating multi-blade device pushing against the water in order to drive a boat forward. Boat propellers come in a bewildering array of sizes, shapes and configurations.

Usually, a propeller is made for a specific brand of boat. Different brands may have the same sizes but the designs are definitely unique from each other.

The size of the propeller should match the power of the engine to make sure the boat runs at the correct balanced speed.

According to the experts, the best material a propeller should be made of is a composite metal. Studies show that this kind of material surpasses the durability and performance of both stainless steel and aluminum models.

With the latest technology, propellers now come with replaceable blades. Even people with little experience can now change the blades unlike before, they had to be sent back to the shop and only experienced mechanics can fix them. In this way, you can limit the need for repair work that can damage the equipment in the long run such as welding, heating, beating and bending.

Boat Dealers

If you are planning to buy a boat, you don’t just shop for a boat, you also shop for a dealer. Take note of the impressions of the boat dealers as you look around for boats. When you purchase a boat from a dealer, it could be a long and rewarding relationship or a disastrous one. Boat shows are a good time to make contacts and determine the best dealers to work with in the long haul.

If you are looking for the best deal, you can visit the boat dealers at their dealership. It is because these dealers pay tens of thousands of dollars just for the space to showcase their boats. This doesn’t include the cost of transportation and the hassle of hauling boats back and forth. The boat dealers have to earn back these costs so it gets passed on to boat show consumers.

The bottom line is, boat dealers are very knowledgeable about the boats they are selling. So don’t be afraid or shy to discuss with them what you need and the budget that you would like them to work on. Build a good relationship with your boat dealer. The key to getting a good deal, is getting a good boat dealer.