Fall can be one of the best times to buy a used boat. Many people are willing to sell their boats for less money in the fall because they would rather sell than pay for winter storage. Over the years we have seen large discounts in the early fall.
Purchasing a used boat in the fall has a few unique challenges. Due to a lack of maintenance, salt air, salt water and fresh water exposure, corrosion and hull structural issues need to be carefully viewed and inspected.
Before you purchase any used boat it is highly recommended that you find the common issues with that make, model and year, and have a knowledgeable marine surveyor and repair professional check over the boat. People who repair boats every day are the best people to spot hidden or storm damage that someone else may miss. Galvanic corrosion, gelcoat blisters, structural cracks and water intrusion are becoming more common and more difficult to spot.
Types of Professional Boat Inspections
- Eyes-On Survey Inspection — less expensive than a full pre-purchase survey. Performed by a marine surveyor/repair professional, it provides an overall review of the vessel to see if it is worth moving forward.
- Full Pre-Purchase Survey — a comprehensive review of the vessel, systems, electrical, electronics and mechanical, with a detailed report of condition and value plus recommendations for repair or replacement.
- Insurance Survey — less cost than a full pre-purchase inspection. It does not go through every system in detail but establishes overall condition and value.
Hull
- Impact damage and previous repairs
- Excessive corrosion
- Stress cracks by cleats, in the transom or platform corners
- Stress cracks on stringers and frames
- Frame separation from the hull side or hull bottom
- Delamination of stringers or frames
- Waves down the hull sides
Paint and Finish
- Blisters
- Paint or gelcoat chips
- Dull spots in the finish
- Worn paint or gelcoat by cleats
- Stress cracks in the finish
- Touch-ups or repairs in the finish
Engine
- Worn belts and belt dust around the engine
- Smoke at start up
- Lower-end or top-end rattle or knock in the RPM range
- Rust by exhaust manifold and riser attachment points
- Rust stains under the motor in the bilge
- Condition of fasteners, oil pan and pan hardware
- Engine alignment and condition of motor mounts and rubber
Electrical
- Dirty or discolored wires
- Loose wires and connections
- Sloppy wire grouping
- Chafing where wires pass through bulkheads, frames and panels
- Non-working lights and switches — why? Short circuit?
- Wire discoloration by connections
- Load not consistent when tested
Basic Walk-Around Checklist
- Walk the floor and bounce on it — spongy or soft spots are not good.
- Check hatches, doors and vents for water stains and drips.
- Check the transom for cracks and look for movement.
- Look in the bilge for cracks in stringers and frames throughout the boat.
- Check around and under the fuel tank for movement, staining and leaks.
- Check the condition of the fuel tank top, sides, bottom, ends and connections.
- Check hull-to-deck joints for gaps and damage.
- Check around the rub rail for loose screws.
- Review service records for engine, generator, A/C, heat and water systems.
- Check the lower unit of the drive or transmission for water or metal.
- Pull engine and generator dipsticks and check for water or metal.
- Check steering for full rotation, leaks and general condition.
- Check shift and throttles for full movement.
- Check all wiring, switches and fixtures for damage, stains and function.
- Ask the owner for the previous survey.
- Verify all paperwork — title, registration, liens, lien releases and the HIN.
- Go for a sea trial and perform load tests.
How to Choose a Marine Surveyor
Once you have found the boat, done your own inspection and negotiated a fair price, have the boat inspected by an expert. A certified marine surveyor who is also a repair professional is your best bet — they work on boats every day and are up to date on the changes manufacturers continually make.
Be careful with marina or broker provided surveyors. There is usually a reason a specific list is handed to you, and it is a conflict of interest — they want to sell the boat. Do your own search for marine surveyors who work on boats every day, repair full boats and systems, and are also marine surveyors. It is time well spent.