Resources - Boat Buying Tips
When preparing to purchase a boat, review the following points to best assess
the type, size and style boat that's best for you:
- Who will use the boat? Will it be just family or will you invite guests? This factor may help you determine the size craft you'll need.
- How will you use the boat? Will you be fishing, water skiing, cruising, taking day trips, weekend trips or week long excursions?
- When, and how often, will the boat be used? Do you boat year-round or only seasonally?
- Where will you operate the boat? In lakes, rivers or on the ocean?
- How much can you afford to spend? Don't forget the initial cost of purchase is just the beginning. There will be maintenance, insurance, registration fees, perhaps even instruction and safety course fees.
- What type of boat suits your personality and temperament? Do you imagine getting from place to place quickly, or are you more apt to enjoy a leisurely pace before arriving at your destination?
- Safety
- Physical Condition
- Options and accessories
- Looks
- Performance
- Cost
New vs. Pre-Owned
Buying either a new or pre-owned boat can provide a safe, fun experience. You may want to consider your requirements (both functional and budgetary), as well as the available inventory of crafts within a given region. It's also most important that you purchase your boat from a reputable, experienced retailer who offers support beyond the sale. That's key for something as paramount as service issues, or as simple as providing an understanding of boating basics.
If you decide to purchase a used boat, please read our suggestions for becoming a “boat detective”.
Become A Boat Detective
Whether you employ a surveyor or not, you should know some of the things to look for if you have decided to buy a pre-owned boat. A keen eye, a good ear and a checklist will lead you to potential problems. Some of the things to look for are:
- Mismatched paint. This could indicate that the boat has been in an accident and had repairs made. Although this in and of itself may not disqualify the boat, if you were not told of the repairs what else might you not have been told about?
- Does the keel run true in a straight line fore and aft? Is it straight horizontally?
- Do you see any apparent water lines inside the boat or on the engine? Look for a line that separates a rust free area on the engine and a lower area with a lot of rust. This could indicate that the boat took on water.
- On an inboard, does the shaft turn true or does it wobble? What about the prop - any nicks or cracks?
- Take hold of the prop and try to move it up and down and sideways. You should not be able to move it much. If you can, you have a worn cutlass bearing.
- Take a small rubber or phenol hammer and lightly tap the hull moving around the boat. If you hear voids in the fiberglass, that could be a problem of repairs, blisters, or delamination.
- Walk around the decks, the floors inside and on the bow. If there are soft spots, it's probably best to disqualify this craft.
- Is the steering free and easy to move?
- Is the upholstery in good shape?
- Check around hatches and windows - do you see water stains inside? If so, these will have to be rebedded to keep the rain and spray out.
- Is there any musty/moldy smell inside? This could indicate leakage, prior water damage or simply neglect.
- Make sure it is legal, with all required equipment.
- Are the handrails bolted through and not just screwed to the surface? Are they secure?
- Look at the transom and check the hull identification number. Does it look like it has been modified? Does it match the number on the registration and or title.
- When you start the engine do you have good water flow?
- Check belts and hoses for cracks or wear. Even with low hours on an engine(s), rubber deteriorates just sitting.
- Check the oil and instead of wiping the stick with a cloth use your fingers, do you feel any grit? What is the color? How does it smell? Does it smell burned. You might want to send a sample of it and the transmission fluid to a lab for testing.
- Check the transmission fluid with the same process as the oil.
- Check the strainer(s) for debris and clean if necessary.
- Test the seacocks to make sure they open and close.
- Does the transmission shift easily or does it "clunk?"
- See if you can get the maintenance records and review how the boat has been maintained in the past. Also look for reccurring problems.
- See if you can find the previous owner(s) and ask about the boat.
- Check both the BUC and NADA books to determine value range for this model and year. You can get these books at any boat dealer or a bank that offers boat loans.
- If you are looking at an inboard/outboard make sure the tilt motor works properly.
Buyers who fail to inspect boats in the manner may end up with a lemon. Even competent checks, however, can miss details, so it's a good idea to ask a marine surveyor for his professional opinion.
No matter what, skippers are responsible for having the required safety equipment determined by the class of a boat. It's poor planning to assume that pre-owned crafts automatically have the proper navigation lights, horn, flotation devices, or other safety items.
Boating Budgets
The purchase of a boat involves much more than a simple down payment and a monthly installation. Use this worksheet to help you determine what costs will be involved when you purchase your dream boat.
Don't Forget The Most Important Part!
The previous information outlines crucial tips about boat purchase and ownership. But as boat owners ourselves, the staff at Surfside 3 wants to offer the most critical piece of advice yet: boat ownership is fun!
Owning a boat opens new worlds and invites fresh experiences. There are hundreds of Surfside 3 boat owners who enjoy a boating lifestyle on Long Island's east end, and each season we host several events to help boaters get together and enjoy activities on the water.
If you prefer a quiet sail of solitude, that's great too. We encourage boaters to enjoy the waters in whatever way suits their lifestyle.
Whatever you do, just remember: It's Better On The Water!