Picture this: A bright, sunny Saturday morning, and a couple is prepping their pontoon for a day on the water. The soft waves and cool breeze make the perfect mood. Boating isn’t just a hobby — it’s a growing lifestyle that people of all ages enjoy. It’s about creating the best moments and freedom that make every adventure a getaway from monotonous life.
Want to get into boating without breaking the bank? Buy a boat. The next question is: should you own a new boat or a pre-owned one? Well, if you’re on a budget and don’t want to spend too much on repairs or maintenance right away, a used boat can be the smarter choice.
Now that you’ve decided to go with the used boat option, trading your hard-earned money for someone else’s problems is the last thing you want. In this comprehensive deep dive, get set to embark on a journey where you’ll explore all the things you need to know before buying a used boat. Think of this as your guide to help you make the right choice. Before you look for your dream boat, there are a few basic things you should know for a safe and worry-free boating experience.
Three-Part Checklist – Master It by Heart
Before sea trials and surveys, let’s begin with the prep work that’s often overlooked – research. This three-part checklist helps you navigate the initial stages of buying a used boat so you can enjoy boating without surprises.
Do Your Research
Once you’ve made up your mind to buy a pre-owned boat, you are set to embark on a journey that is exciting as well as overwhelming. Take your time and consider what truly matches your lifestyle, the type of boat that perfectly matches your day out plans, your budget, and the places where you are most likely to find your dream boat.
Know Your Needs
Let’s work towards making your mind clearer and more confident. Ask yourself – Why do you need the boat? Where do you imagine using it? This self-introspection will help shape the type of boat you will fall in love with eventually. Whether you are going to use the boat across the calm waters, open oceans, or tropical waters, it influences the kind of boat that fits your adventure plans the best.
Budget Realistically
Purchasing a pre-owned boat is a big decision that can go beyond the initial cost. Before moving further, it’s important to determine what initial and annual costs are involved –
Initial Costs
Want to know the purchase price of your boat? It depends on the size, age, style, and condition of your boat.
- Search on the boat-selling websites to explore the boats available in your area.
- Get to know what fits your budget and lifestyle from the comfort of your couch.
If you are unable to pay the full amount upfront, you can avail of either marine loans or financing options to make things convenient. You can pay the initial amount over months or even years.
Sea Trials and Marine Surveys
Of course, you won’t buy a boat without a test run. This is where sea trials and marine surveys come into play. Though these are covered by the buyers, they are totally worth it. After all, these are necessary to ensure that you are investing in an adventure that is hassle-free and smooth.
Trailers
You want to explore every other lake, river, or coastal area with your boat. But how is it possible to tow your boat? This is where a trailer is required. With the help of a trailer, you can tow your boat to wherever nature calls. The good news is that some boats come with a trailer. Negotiate it into your initial price and make your boating lifestyle as flexible as possible.
Boat Equipment
Ensure that the boat you are planning to buy has all the necessary safety equipment on board. These include life jackets, marine radios, fire extinguishers, signal flares, paddles, and horns. You can buy other accessories such as fish gear and watersports equipment.
Licenses
To make your every adventure a breeze, you just can’t neglect the most important part of your fun prep – A boating license. Imagine a perfect weekend getaway, sun shining, and open water is calling. Having a license in hand ensures everyone enjoys the water safely. According to the US Coast Guard, you need to complete a boater safety course and get a boating license to run your boat. After all, safety always comes first.
Registration
Every state has its own requirements when it comes to boat registration fees. It’s a small step that takes you closer to the calm waters with fishing gear in your hand and your loved ones by your side.
Annual Costs
Marina Fees
Can’t tow your boat? Get ready to pay for the dock. Marina fee depends upon your boat size, amenities, and location. It’s worth paying for your home on the water.
Insurance
Pay the insurance fee and get the peace of mind knowing that you are covered. The insurance coverage depends on the boat and how frequently you use your boat.
Fuel Costs
Fuel costs depend on how big the engine of your boat is. Knowing it up front can help you have fun without any surprises.
Upkeep and Repairs
To ensure that your fun lasts forever, a little upkeep and maintenance go a long way. Keep your boat in top condition and save yourself from sudden financial shocks.
Consider these costs before purchasing to ensure smooth sailing. Now that you have done all the research and considered how much you have to pay for the boat of your choice, let’s cover where to find the perfect one.
Your Perfect Pre-Owned Boat – Where to Look for It?
Scrolling through the classified ads to search for the boat of your choice? Upgrade to the best search tools, because choosing the right boat is more than just a purchase; it’s the beginning of memorable adventures on the water.
Websites
Browse through a boat sales website, simply enter the type and style of boat you want. Narrow your search by make and model, length, location, and price level. Check the detailed photographs and videos, check full specifications, and reach out to the dealer or broker, all from the comfort of your couch. Just sit back, relax, and take the first step towards a great adventure on the open water.
Brokers and Dealers
How about reaching out to the experts who know their boats inside out? Working with the brokers and dealers gives you that peace of mind. They will help you make an informed decision for your next trip.
Boat Shows
Still can’t make up your mind on the perfect boat? Visit a boat show. Closely check the latest models of the boat, compare, and go for a sea trial. Who knows, you might walk away with the best choice.
Overall, before you embark on a boating voyage, make sure that you’ve got all the perquisites you need. This three-part checklist is your go-to guide for a more confident and worry-free boating. Learn it by heart and make every outing full of fun.
Now that you have the list of used boats that tick all the boxes, it’s the right time for trials and surveys. Let’s get started.
Trial And Survey Phase – The Last Step Before It’s Yours!
Buying a boat is just like buying a car – You won’t invest without a test drive. The same goes for boats. After all, it’s your hard-earned money! Let’s explore how to make sure that the boat you want is perfect for you.
Inspect Carefully
Before you decide, an initial viewing is the best way to know the condition and sustainability of the boat.
- Check for the layout, cabin configuration, and deck space.
- Look for any signs of blisters, cracks, or repairs on the hull and deck
- Carefully check for any corrosion and leaks.
- Ensure that all the electrical systems are in good condition.
- Check for the fixtures, flooring, and upholstery.
Marine Surveys
If you are new to boating and not familiar with the boating accessories and equipment,
- it’s best to conduct a marine survey at an average cost of between $20-$25 per foot of the boat’s length.
- Some lenders and insurance companies ask you to get a survey documenting the details of the boat before giving you a loan or insurance coverage.
Don’t let the last-minute repairs ruin your perfect day! Get a more detailed and factual report from which you can decide on how to proceed with the sale.
Sea Trial
Found your perfect boat? Don’t jump in to make it your own. Go for a sea trial to get a feel for it.
- Carefully check the noise levels and acceleration.
- Test the throttle, steering, and navigation levels before deciding.
- Check the ride and fall in love with your choice again.
In other words, owning a used boat is your ticket to endless water skiing, fishing, and leisurely sailing on calm waters. Making the right decision is what makes the difference between regret and smooth sailing. This is where an expert boat dealership comes in – Slip Stream. The team will help you make the right choice that perfectly suits your lifestyle and adventure goals. Go through a wide range of used boats, find the right one, and sail worry-free. Endless adventure awaits!
Conclusion
Buying a used boat is a cost-effective way to get into boating. Take your time, research, and let the sea trials help you decide! Do everything it needs to get it right. Gentle waves, a beautiful sky, and a mesmerizing sunset – Life doesn’t get better than this!
