Buying a Used Boat? Caveat Emptor

The Romans knew, even if there weren’t motorboats back in Caesar’s day. The old Latin proverb comes from cavere (to beware) and emptor (the buyer) and means: let the buyer beware. That holds true for almost any transaction, but especially so if you are buying a used boat from someone.

Buying a Used Boat

Used boats can come with many problems, so buyers must be extra careful, even if the seller is Uncle Fred. Because you want to avoid problems and ensure the boat is safe to operate, it’s always a good idea to have a professional evaluation done before you sign a contract or hand over money to the seller. We recommend bringing the boat into our service department (or another certified service department) for a thorough used boat evaluation. Our trained technicians have the tools and experience to identify potential issues with the structure and systems aboard, giving you peace of mind before you buy.

As with buying a new boat, the first step in buying a used boat is to carefully define what you need and want in a boat: that will help guide your choice of boat type and size. Then, once you’ve identified the kind of boat you want and found a suitable candidate, you need to verify the boat’s title and registration and get a signed bill of sale from the owner, which provides clear title, a registration card, and matching hull identification numbers. 

Once the paperwork is completed to your satisfaction, here are areas of the boat you should be sure to look at.

Scan the hull.

This is easier to do if the boat is on a lift or a sling, rather than on a trailer. Look for any signs of repaired damage.: an uneven surface or a wavy shape to the hull or bottom, or a spot where the paint or finish appears slightly mis-matched. If you see something, try to look at the spot from inside the hull to see evidence of a repair.

Push on the transom.

Water infiltration in the transom is a common issue with fiberglass boats. Most transoms have a core of wood between the layers of fiberglass and any place a hole is drilled: for mounting bolts, the sterndrive, a boarding ladder or U-bolts, there is potential for water to seep inside and cause rotting. Using a plastic screwdriver handle, tap lightly all over the transom and listen for a solid ringing tone. If you get a dull thud, there could be water damage in the core, especially if its near or below the waterline. Soggy transoms can be replaced, but its expensive and not taking action could result in the outboards break right off.

Check the Through-Hull Fittings.

Insurance companies tell us that many boats sink at the dock and the culprit is often a failed through-hull fitting near the waterline. Plastic fittings can degrade over time and become brittle from UV exposure. It’s easy to inspect the fittings from the outside and check for wear and tear.

Watch for mildew. 

If there is a gap between the hull-to-deck joint, water can get in and cause mildew and rotting. If you smell a musty odor down below, you should check the hull-to-deck joint. Look for a recent application of sealant and check the topside fittings as well.

Electrical issues.

The battery should be secured in a covered box and firmly secured. Check the wiring: an organized, secured wiring system is a sign of good ownership. A bird’s nest of wild and disorganized wiring may be signs of amateur owners. Beware!

Engine basics. 

You are within your rights to ask for receipts or paperwork showing regular maintenance and winterization for the boat you want to buy. Check the dipstick in a four-stroke outboard: a milky appearance may indicate water in the oil. Check the oil filter and ask if it has been changed regularly. Check the fuel lines for leaks (you should not smell gasoline in the bilge). Check the props to damage as well as the skeg in front: if it is dinged, the previous owner may not have been a careful operator.

We know that buying a used boat can feel overwhelming. At Colorado Boat Center, we sell both new and used boats: we’ve been Colorado’s leading, award-winning dealership since 1990. We carefully inspect all our used inventory and stand behind every sale. 

If you’re thinking about buying a used boat, stop by today and let us help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget. You can buy with confidence at CBC as our thousands of satisfied customers will attest.