Buying a Used Boat

Shopping for a  is a great way to make owning a boat more affordable. You use depreciation in your favor, which can help you get a higher quality model than you normally can afford. But you need to put in the legwork to avoid buying a lemon. We created the following guide to buying a used boat below. When you are ready to find your next dream boat, visit Family Powersports San Angelo. We proudly serve those in Midland and Odessa, Texas.

Build a Budget

Before you even begin looking at options, you’ll want to set a budget. It’s all too easy to fall in love with a model or get sweet-talked by a salesperson…and end up buying something that’s beyond your means. It’s a much better strategy to set a firm number ahead of time. That way, you only consider options you can comfortably afford.

When you make your budget, you need to include more than the initial cost of the used boat. Consider any necessary gear for using your boat, such as life jackets or a first aid kit. You’ll also need to pay the fees required to use the boat such as boat slip rental, fuel, and insurance. It’s strategic to also set aside part of your budget for any repairs since a used boat will likely be out of the warranty.

Research

There are way too many used boat options to consider right off the bat – you’ll need to narrow down your search. One great approach is to think about how you hope to use your boat. Are you looking to spend your weekends fishing? Or is the boat for towing your kids around on the inner tube? When you pinpoint how you’ll use your boat, you’ll know what features you’ll need to prioritize.

Another aspect to consider is the number of passengers. Different boats offer different maximums for weight and number of occupants. Are you looking for solo excursions and can stick to a smaller (and cheaper) boat? Or are you hoping to take the whole family and their friends along and need a larger (more expensive) boat? Figure out what you need from your boat and limit your search accordingly.

Inspect the Used Boat

After you nail down what type of used boat you want, you’ll start finding some potential options. You’ll need to conduct a thorough inspection of any used boat you consider. After all, anyone can make a boat look great – that doesn’t mean it runs great. Make sure you are getting a well-running used boat and not a lemon.

It starts with a visual inspection. Any cracks in the gelboat greater than two inches are a red flag. Look for corrosion in any metal or wood surfaces. Exterior issues are more than aesthetic issues, they suggest an issue with maintenance and issues between the surface.

Next, you’ll move onto an interior inspection. Do all the electronics run smoothly? Are there discoloration or moss underneath the flooring (which suggests a lack of maintenance)? Look for any issues that’ll cost you in repair bills down the road.

It also helps to hire a surveyor. They can use their professional insight to catch issues you’ll likely miss. It’s an upfront cost, but it can save you hundreds (or even thousands) in hidden repairs down the road.

Ready to look at used boat options? Visit Family Powersports San Angelo. We offer a range of makes and models for sale. It’s easy to find the perfect model for your given budget and lifestyle We proudly serve those in Midland, Odessa, Big Springs, and Abilene, Texas.