What To Look for When Buying a Used Boat | The Family Handyman
A used boat can save you thousands, compared to the toll of a new gunkhole. But, equally with a used motorcar, you are never completely sure what yous're getting.
Now that y'all've chosen the kind of boat you desire, nosotros bet you can't await to experience water spraying in your face and wind rushing through your pilus. Ah! The joys of boating! Boating offers freedom, exploration and hazard — things we all missed during the pandemic.
With new boat sales at an all-time high, inventories are scarce. Used boats are a nifty choice. Just earlier yous buy one, here's what yous need to know.
Title and Registration
Marinas are legitimate businesses and volition carry the registration and title for whatsoever used boat they're selling. However, if you're buying from a private party, insist that the seller shows you lot a registration card and title with their proper noun and address. The same goes for a gunkhole trailer.
Brand sure the registration numbers match the make, model and hull identification number (HIN). You will also need these if you plan to finance the buy. Likewise, request and go along a beak of sale signed by the possessor selling the boat. Ensure it clearly describes any warranty coverage, if offered.
Hull
The hull is the main part of a boat — cheque information technology advisedly. Inspect information technology for whatsoever defects, dents, gouges, holes (repaired or otherwise) and other irregularities, such as visible fiberglass repairs. Especially check below the water line, which can be damaged from banging into rocks, debris or other boats.
Older boats have wood transoms (the vertical section at the rear of the boat) that can rot internally. Excessive movement when lifting the motor upwards and down or forward and rear generally means a weak or broken transom. Whatsoever scissure or repair longer than two inches could signal the boat was in a collision. Your life depends on a structurally sound hull.
Deck
Practice a thorough inspection of the deck. Take your time. Inspect for rot, cracks, dents, holes or soft spots. The deck should not feel mushy when you push down on information technology with your hands.
Signs of decay or plywood delamination may bespeak hidden damage. Check the seats for excessive wear, mold and mildew. If the hull and deck are in skilful shape, advisedly inspect the rest of the gunkhole.
Trailer
Many states require gunkhole trailers undergo an almanac safety inspection. Make sure the inspection sticker or placard is upwards to appointment. Inspect the frame for rot, damage, twisting or severe rust on the interruption and brake systems. Check the tires for dry rot, bubbling and gouges.
If possible, remove the wheel bearing grease caps. Silver bearing grease indicates wheel bearing damage, while a milky color means water intrusion into the begetting hubs.
Engine
The engine is easily the most expensive part of the boat so audit this advisedly also. Start, look for corrosion under engine cover. Start the engine to requite it a test run. Ask the owner to run it at full throttle for at least x seconds. There's a problem if the engine is loose, smoking, running rough or noisy.
Check the belts and hoses for deterioration, fraying or cracks. Rub a niggling engine oil betwixt your fingers to check for grit, wet or metal dust. If you're thinking virtually buying a larger gunkhole, consider hiring a boat engine mechanic to examine the engine(s) or conduct a fluid analysis test. A fluid assay could relieve you from future problems that tin can exist catchy to identify during a physical inspection.
Battery
Batteries have about a five-year life span. Audit the battery(s) terminals for corrosion and look for a cracked or leaking case. And exist sure the battery(s) is securely anchored in the battery tray. A loose battery can short circuit, causing a fire or explosion.
Starter Motor
A defective starter motor won't spin the engine. Listen for clanging, grinding or a loud spinning/whizzing noise when starting the engine. Internal components corrode and neglect due to h2o that enters the starter and cannot bleed out.
Electronics
It's not unusual for a boat to encounter electrical problems. Most are easily fixed. However, issues with electronic components — radios, GPS, radar, flickering lights, electronic shifter/throttle — all propose a problem with the wiring or electrical arrangement.
Check wires for melted or damaged insulation, corroded wiring connections or excessive splices where wires have been repaired. These can be warning signs of bigger issues.
Bellows
Made from rubber and resembling the pleats on an accordion, bellows protect control cables, mechanical systems and other boat parts from clay, debris and water intrusion while allowing them to movement freely. Like an automotive constant velocity (CV) joint boot, once damaged, expensive parts volition quickly fail or allow water into the boat. Inspect the bellows for cracks, splits, loose clamps or rust near its end.
Cables and Hardware
Cables may operate many systems on a gunkhole. Check that all shifting, steering and throttle system cables and controllers move smoothly and are free from rust and fraying.
Deck hardware can be expensive to repair or replace. Shake the seats, pull on hinges, rigging and cleats to ensure they are securely held in place. Wobbly parts can exist caused by loose or stripped screws, which are hands fixed. However, corrosion or loose hardware could indicate hidden rot or other impairment.
The last word: Inquire to see the boat'due south maintenance and storage records. This ensures you are aware of the boat's budget and if the boat has been stored outside yr round.
Buying a used boat can save you lot a lot of money and bring you lot years of fun and enjoyment on the water. If you don't trust yourself to evaluate the condition of a used gunkhole, consider hiring an accredited marine surveyor. Similar to a business firm inspector, a marine surveyor will perform a comprehensive structural integrity and systems inspection.
Source: https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/buying-used-boat-what-to-look-for/
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