Boat Buying Guide: 5 Things to Check Before Buying a Used Boat
Summer is here and it’s not too late to take advantage of a summer on the lake. But first, you’ve got to get a boat! If you’re new to boating, buying a used boat may be a great way to dip your toes into the waters of boat ownership. But not so fast! Before buying a used boat, be sure to check these 5 things:
- Trailer
Yes, the trailer is as much a part of the boat as the boat itself. If you’re hauling this boat to the lake every weekend, you want to know your trailer is in tip top condition. Inspect the wheels for signs of bearing grease or brake fluid leaks. Check the bunk for wear and tear. Don’t worry if you see a little rust; that’s completely normal.
- Cold Start
A cold start is simply cranking the engine for the first time in 24 hours. Be sure your boat dealer gives you the opportunity to run the boat with a cold start before purchase so that you can listen for any clanking, clicking, or humming noises that might occur upon cranking the engine. If you do hear noises, this is a sign of the oil pressure bleeding off in the engine or other engine issues.
- Engine Oil
Check the engine oil before buying a used boat by lifting the dipstick. The oil shouldn’t have any water separation (an indicator of head gasket problems), should be free of a strong gas smell, and should not be globby or gritty.
- Engine Hours
We all know the lower the engine miles, the better the boat. However, don't take the screen's reading at face value. Be sure to check the hours before test-driving the boat and then after driving the boat to make sure the odometer is in good working condition and accurately portraying the hours.
- Electronics
Don’t assume because some electronics work, that all the electronics will work. Check all buttons and switches before buying a used boat. If some work and some don’t, you might be looking at faulty electrical wiring. For years, used boat buyers have trusted Buxton Marine in Lewisville, Texas when buying a used boat. Each of our boats has undergone a lengthy vetting process so there are no surprises. Come see us today and let us find the perfect used boat in Lewisville for your needs.