What to Know Before Buying a Used Boat

You have decided that you want to go boating;surveyor to you. Also, brokers have lists of
possibly sailing on the ocean, fishing your favoritemarine surveyors approved by lenders and
lake or a retirement vessel. You have a choice tomarine insurance companies.
make, pay full price or buy a used boat. The truth5. Get an independent survey of the boat, be
is that you stand to save a lot of money buyingthere during the survey and ask questions of the
even a slightly used boat over a new one. Theresurveyor.
are many places online that list boats for sale; youDetermine your insurance needs and cost. This
should check them out to see what basic pricescan vary based upon the following factors:a. What
are out there for the model and brand you arethe boats value isb. Demographyc. What
looking for. This way you can make an informedequipment the boat has on itd. Your previous
decision.insurance claimse. How much experience with
1. New or used boatboating you already have.
2. Price you can affordWhen it comes to sales agreements and
3. Model that you likecontracts, the cardinal rule is to get it in writing.
You find a seller and vessel that you would like toThe broker will outline the terms of the sale in
buy; you need to set up a meeting to discusswriting to protect your interests. This includes
price and have them take you out in the boat.spelling out obligations between you and the seller,
4. Find a seller that you feel comfortable with andand when they will be fulfilled. It's a legally binding
a boat that you are interested in.contract of everyone's intentions.
Personally, I would not use a surveyor that the6. Get everything in writing. Remember it's legally
seller has recommended. Also, don't rely on abinding.
survey report from the seller. The report may7. Make sure that the title is clear and is properly
have been written before some problems turnedtransferred
up in the boat.Finish the deal by paying for the boat. If you are
Use an independent surveyor and in every casenew to boating, a boating safety or certification
survey the boat in and out of the water. Marineclass may be in order, and find a dock or marina
surveyors inspect the boat in your interest andto place your boat.
the interests of your lender and insuranceLastly, take your boat out and have some fun.
company. Sometimes your bank will designate a