Inspecting a Used Boat

Buying a used boat can save you a bundle of money while ensuring that you still get the boat you want. But you have to ensure that you’re buying a used boat that has been taken care of by its previous owners. That’s where a thorough inspection comes into play. Follow these steps to inspect any used boat that interests you.

Look Over the Exterior

Walk around the outside of the boat and examine it carefully for signs of rust, corrosion, water damage, or impacts. Big cracks in the gel coat on the hull of a boat can be a sign of a major accident, which could have caused significant internal damage to the boat.

Check the Inside

The helm and deck of the boat that you want should be in good working order and free of major damage outside of minor cosmetic flaws. A few scuffs on the vinyl shouldn’t be an issue, but you don’t want to see mildew or mold damage. The floors shouldn’t be swollen or significantly stained due to water damage. All the controls need to work and the console should be wiped clean.

Gather Maintenance Records

Any reputable seller should be happy to furnish you with the maintenance records for the used boat you’re interested in buying. Looking through these records will give you a better idea of how well the boat was cared for and how often it was taken in for service. 

Looking for used boats in New York? Come see us at our Canandaigua location today to peruse our current stock of used boats for sale. German Brothers Marina serves our New York customers in the cities of Rochester and Syracuse.