Buying Second Hand

Buying Used Boats

When getting your boat, you can decide to go for a newly produced one or second hand. Whichever you go for will depend on a variety of factors, one of which is your finances. Then, your tastes might also influence your choices. Finally, you might want to avoid the issues that sometimes come with new boats.

We have to note that the assertion that new boats are perfect and trouble-free is not always true. Many times they may pose much more trouble than the used one. In this case, a used boat may be advisable.

Benefits vs Downsides of Purchasing Used Boats

There are both benefits and downsides to purchasing used boats.

Benefits

The good sides of going for a used vs a new boat include:

1) Saves Costs

One benefit that you get from a used boat is that you avoid committing so much of your finances to a boat purchase. For as low as a fifth of the price of a new one, you can get a decent boat that will serve all your needs.

Then, other additional costs, like insurance fees, will most likely be cheaper.

2) High Chances of Getting Quality

It has been noted by many boat users, especially in recent years, that newer boats decline faster. However, that cannot be said of many used boats.

Most used boats have been put to good use over time and thus time-tested.

The reason for this is because most of the technical issues with the boat might have already surfaced and would have been dealt with.

Downsides of Buying a Used Boat

On the other hand, there are some downsides and disadvantages of purchasing a used boat.

1) Maintenance and the Costs

Usually, because of the use, they have been put to over the years, used boats have to undergo maintenance regularly. These regular maintenance tasks will require you spending some substantial amount of money over time, that may amount to the cost of a new one.

2) Limited Time Use

When you purchase a new boat, you most likely have a lot of time to use it. This is because it may last several years or decades, but this is not the case with most used boats. By the time you are acquiring it, most of the useful life might have already been spent.

Buying a Used Boat: What to do

Whether new or used, buying a boat requires significant financial investment. Thus, you must make proper checks before you select a boat to purchase. In the case of the used boat, this step becomes more important so that you don’t end up getting a bad deal.

These tips may help:

1.Make Thorough Checks

Before committing to the purchase, ensure you thoroughly check the boat and not rely on the appearance or simply what the seller says. This process of checking might require you requesting a ride in the boat, just to test.

Furthermore, ask the right questions. How many miles has the boat covered? How much servicing has it undergone? 

2.Get a Professional to Assist

No matter how experienced you are with boats, it is advised that you get professionals to take a look at it before making your purchase.