| More than 60 percent of first-time boat buyers | | | | appearance of the boat. If the boat looks shabby, |
| purchase used boats rather than new ones off of | | | | chances are that the owner did not take much |
| the show room floor. For many, this is a practical | | | | time or effort to maintain the mechanical aspects |
| solution to save money, especially when you're | | | | of the boat as well. Lift up any objects on the |
| not sure how well you are going to take to | | | | boat to check for discoloration or moss. |
| boating or how often you will feel like devoting | | | | Also look at the metal and wooden surfaces to |
| time to your new leisure pursuit. | | | | see if they show any signs of corrosion or |
| While buying a used boat has many advantages, it | | | | improper maintenance. Check the riggings to see |
| is also important to make sure that you are | | | | if they appear strong and in good condition. And |
| getting a good buy for your money and not | | | | look to see if the bulk heads are secured with a |
| unloading a faulty vehicle off of someone else's | | | | laminate. If the bulk heads are loose, do not |
| hands. For first-time buyers this is often the most | | | | purchase the boat. |
| difficult task because they lack the knowledge | | | | Once you inspect the initial appearance of the |
| that only years of boating experience can bring. | | | | boat, it is time to get into the engine |
| One of the most important things to consider | | | | compartment. Check to make sure the engine is |
| when buying a boat for the first time is exactly | | | | clean and rust free. Check the oil, the batteries |
| how you are going to use the boat and how | | | | and make sure the bilge pump is in working order. |
| many people you will be transporting on it. | | | | After you have looked the used boat over |
| Different boats have different uses and different | | | | thoroughly, have the owner take you out on the |
| weight specifications, be sure that the boat you | | | | water for a test spin. Do not worry about |
| purchase is compatible with your needs. | | | | inconveniencing the owner. If they truly want to |
| Once you find a boat that meets your particular | | | | sell the boat, they will not mind to take a little |
| needs, you need to inspect the mechanics of it to | | | | time to show off its performance. After all, they |
| make sure that it is operational and in good | | | | would likely not buy a used boat without seeing it |
| condition. It is better to take someone with you | | | | in action either. |
| who has knowledge of boats, but if no one is | | | | Buying a used boat can be a great experience if |
| available, you should be able to do a fairly decent | | | | you take the time to select the boat that is |
| job of sizing the boat up on your own if you | | | | perfect for you. Be sure to take that time and to |
| follow a few pointers. | | | | consider all of your prospects. After all, buying a |
| You can easily tell if a boat has been properly | | | | boat is not something that you do everyday so |
| maintained by taking a quick look at the | | | | invest wisely. |