Used Boat Buying Guide
If you’re interested in purchasing a boat but you haven’t taken the leap due to the high cost, you may want to consider buying used. It’s a great way to get a quality boat for much less. There are plenty of well-maintained used boats that are almost like new, but it takes research and a keen eye to get a good deal. That’s why we’ve created this short guide to make everything easier for you. When you’re ready to start shopping around, visit Anderson Boat in Burnt Hills, New York, to take a tour of our pre-owned inventory for sale.
Decide on a Budget
One easy way to narrow your used boat search is by establishing your budget. That way, you'll only be considering boats you can afford and ignore models that are beyond your price range. This will help you to remain practical throughout the buying process.
Your budget should allow for more than the sticker price since you’ll need to factor in the cost of any gear you’ll need (like life jackets) as well as boat slip rental, fuel, and insurance. If you already own a boat, look into trade-in options to bring down the cost. Remember that most used boats will likely be out of warranty, which means that any repairs you need will be an out-of-pocket expense.
Do Your Research
As you start searching for used boats, you’ll find that there are plenty of options. It can be helpful to start by narrowing down your choices by style. Decide which type of boat you want, whether it’s a small fishing boat or a spacious pontoon. Think about how many people you anticipate taking with you. This will need to be within the boat’s maximum carrying capacity. Make sure to also check that none of the models you are considering were ever recalled.
Inspect the Boat
Another important step you’ll want to take when shopping for a used boat is the inspection. Check both the exterior and interior of the boat. Look for any cracks longer than two inches, which could lead to problems. Make sure there are no signs of corrosion. Some exterior flaws are only cosmetic but sometimes it could mean more problems. Check all electronics to confirm they’re working properly. You can even ask a professional technician to perform their own inspection to try and spot something you may have missed.
Test the Fuel and Engine Oil
If the engine oil looks milky, then this means that water has gotten into the engine, which makes it a risky buy. If the oil has shavings in it, there could be a possibility that engine components are grinding against each other, which sets you up for expensive repairs. You’ll be glad you took the time to thoroughly inspect a used boat as this can save you from making a costly mistake.
Take a Test Drive
If everything looks fine on your visual inspection, the next step is to take the boat out for a spin on the water so you can get a feel for how it moves and see if it’s the right one for you. Make sure that the engine doesn’t sputter and look for anything out of the ordinary, such as odd sounds or vibrations that could indicate major issues. You may have found your perfect fit if it functions properly and is within your budget.
Ready to find your dream used boat? Visit Anderson Boat in Burnt Hills, New York to explore our wide selection of models. Our knowledgeable staff can answer questions and provide advice on the ideal boat for your needs. We proudly serve those in Saratoga Springs and Schenectady, New York.