Buying a used boat is an excellent way to enjoy all the perks of owning a vessel, but at a much lower price tag. However, when you start looking around, you’ll find that not all crafts on the market are a good deal. Some have issues that can cost you expensive repairs.
We've created the following buyer's guide to help you find a well-maintained used boat at an affordable price. If you want to check out some quality models for sale, get in touch with us at Big Wave Boats in Fort Smith, AR.
Why Buy Used?
One of the biggest perks of buying a used boat is the lower price tag. As soon as a vessel leaves the dealership, it begins to lose value, with the largest decline occurring in the first year of ownership. When you purchase a pre-owned model, you get to take advantage of this depreciation to lower the sticker price.
Buying used is also a useful strategy for those who are new to the mariner lifestyle because, during the learning phase, you might make some mistakes that can damage your craft. It's much less painful for these things to happen on a used model.
Make a Budget
When you shop for used boats, start with establishing your budget. There's no point in looking at vessels you can't afford. Remember that your budget should include the cost of any upgrades you’ll need and any repairs since used models are no longer under warranty.
Do Your Research
Remember to carefully inspect each model you’re considering. Look for cracks at joints, fittings, and screws. Any cracks longer than two inches could indicate an impact or crash that has structurally damaged the boat. If pieces of the gel coat are missing from the hull or if there are large repairs, this can also be a cause for concern. Check the oil to see if it’s milky, which might indicate that the boat took on water at some point. If you feel any metal shavings in the oil, this could mean components are grinding against each other. By performing these inspections, you could ultimately save yourself a lot of money in repairs.
Take a Test Ride
A used boat can look amazing when it’s docked, but you never know how it performs, so you’ll want to take it out for a test ride. You need to get a feel for how the boat runs and handles different conditions. Check to see how it functions at different speeds and when it’s idling. Watch out for any unusual delays, odd sounds, or abnormal vibrations.
When you’re ready to check out some quality used boats for sale, visit Big Wave Boats in Fort Smith, AR. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you find the perfect boat for your needs.