The idea of buying a boat can be an exciting one. You dream of all the great trips and memories you will be making on it. If you plan to buy a new boat, you won’t have to spend as much time during the search process because most new boats come with warranties. If you are planning to buy a used boat and want to make a good purchase, more time and effort will be needed to find a quality, used boat that you can enjoy. When checking out used boats you are interested in purchasing, it is necessary to check for signs of past, overall maintenance.
Check For Damage Below
Always check for cracks and damage to a used boat, even below the waterline. While many small cracks can be simply cosmetic damage, any crack that is greater than a couple inches could suggest big problems. In that case, you should check with the owner to see if there were any repairs done previously or any collisions that may have occurred.
Check For Mildew
While mold is oftentimes just unsightly and can be cleaned up, it is best to check for mold and mildew problems that may be hidden. Extensive mold inside of the seats or upholstery is not a good sign. If it is just on the outside, it can easily be cleaned or replaced. Mold spores can spread quickly and easily. Check to see if there is mold on the wooden parts of the boat or inside on the carpet or ski locker. This could very well indicate there is a mold problem underneath the boat.
Test Engine And Electronics
When testing the engine, pay close attention to excessive noises or vibrations. Old gas and too much oil is easily fixed through a first tune-up. However, symptoms such as smoke can indicate bigger problems that may cost more money than the used boat is worth to fix. The electronics should not be overlooked when checking out a used boat for purchase. Things like burned-out bulbs and broken bilge pumps are easy and cheap to fix. Check the engine electronics for faulty wires or melting because these could be signs of bigger problems.
When you are looking at used boats to buy, they might not always be in the best shape. It is best to keep in mind that certain things are easier to fix than others and knowing the difference can help save you money in the long run. If you do purchase a used boat that needs some fixing up, there are many places to buy attwood boat accessories online. Companies such as www.mmimarine.com has just about any part you need for your boat and at affordable prices. When all else fails, it is always best to have a professional check out a used boat that you are interested in purchasing.