Top tips for buying a used boat

It may have been a dream unfulfilled, or they may need the cash for other purposes. Sometimes they may be unloading a hidden problem.

Quite often people don’t even know that there are problems with the boat they are presenting for sale.

I have seen engines with scored cylinders and cylinder compression up to 40psi under the recommended number. Some are about to seize with owners totally unaware they have a problem; some are even still heading out fishing with them.

Meanwhile, floors and transoms may look good from the outside, but the timber structure beneath can be totally rotten.

Trailers may appear sound on the outside, but can rust from the inside out to the point of collapse.

Even the experts can get caught out. I personally had a frightening experience when asked to sell a boat for an ailing acquaintance.

I had known the history of the boat package, a Haines Hunter V17L, a well-built boat with a strong reputation, not to mention a personal favourite.

The package was serviced each year and had very limited use. The original alloy fuel tank was professionally replaced some six years earlier, extending the boat’s life span by about 20 years.

However, corrosion often rears its ugly head where not expected.

I inspected the package personally and all seemed well – in fact, the boat lived in my driveway for some months before it was sold with nothing outwardly untoward.

I had my experienced offsider pre-deliver the boat and the prospective new owner had an independent mechanic inspect the overall package, returning zero concerns.

The sale was dependent on a final test run. I’d topped up the fuel tank before launching the boat. Walking back after parking the vehicle and trailer, I noticed a suspicious fluid floating in the bilge – petrol.

Thankfully I’d noticed the problem before starting the engine, avoiding a major disaster. We aborted the boat test to further investigate the problem back in the workshop where we lifted the floor to expose the tank.

It turns out a mounting bracket had rubbed on the back of the tank, which along with corrosion, wore a hole in it. Launching the boat had tilted the topped-up tank towards the end with the hole in it.

A normal inspection would never have uncovered this problem.

It was also very lucky that the design of the boat let me see into the bilge, not to mention making the smell of fuel more obvious.

In the end we replaced the fuel tank with proper mounts, and the patient and understanding new owner has since enjoyed many years of pleasurable service with a great boat. It could have been a far different story.

The point is that even with the best care, professionalism and intentions, there can still be hidden faults.

It’s not restricted to second-hand packages, either. Only a few months ago I was about to cross the tricky bar at South West Rocks on the NSW north coast when the engine on a new boat stopped for no apparent reason.

It turns out the underfloor fuel lines were installed with enough twist in them that it filled the fuel bowl for pre-delivery, but then kinked completely in transit. Human error.

Thankfully the engine starved of fuel just before we hit the hazardous zone, and we eventually made it safely back to the ramp.

Unlike on the road, at sea you simply can’t pull over to the side of the road and call the car club to look after you. Breakdowns always seem to happen at the worst possible time.

Boating can also take you to lonely backwaters far from mobile services, so help isn’t always at hand.

Buying a boat, whether new or preloved, is about knowing what you are after, but then understanding what you are looking at.

If there’s a comparable boat for sale to the one you’re are interested in, and it’s considerably cheaper, then maybe one of the boats needs a price realisation, or there’s more than meets the eye.

Second-hand boats are generally quite individual, with many variable components.

Engines, trailers, electronics, accessories, canopies, year, condition, hours and even branding can make the world of difference. In fact, price should be the final consideration and often you need to pay the right price rather than being head up on trying to banter.

Many buyers are so intent on busting price that they don’t see the potential ramifications of an ill-informed purchase.

Sure, buying from a dealer may sometimes seem a bit more expensive, however as an ex-dealer all too often I used to wonder about the exorbitant price some paid for private sales only to find problems with the boat, and no backup or warranty.

Dealers generally know what they are looking at and consider the overall package when establishing a price. Those factors include general overheads, advertising, staff and all the factors that make a boat seaworthy and presentable at a reasonable price.

Then there’s guarantee of ownership and warranty considerations, plus a wide choice of varying makes, models, power and other package price considerations that may well see you buying something more suited to your needs.

A good dealer will establish your needs quickly and advise you accordingly after considering all the of factors.

When I was a dealer, after a few questions I felt I genuinely knew what style of boat suited a buyer’s lifestyle better than they did.

We grew to hate the buyer’s mate from up the road that reckoned his boat was the best, and that everyone needed the same. He was generally brand-biased and the first to say “tell him he’s dreaming” at every possible opportunity.

Independent assessors can help qualify a suitable buy. A good independent should not only know boats, but also the common faults, and have a comprehensive checklist that could save you thousands of dollars.

Perhaps more importantly, it may avoid putting yourself, mates and loved ones at serious risk.

A professional, independent assessor will not only check and advise on all components, but they can also estimate ongoing service and maintenance costs, registration, insurance and running costs.

It’s not really an independent assessor’s job to advise on price, more so it’s some peace of mind that you aren’t throwing hard-earned dollars at someone else’s lemon.

Sometimes that lemon may not even be theirs to sell, with the lack of an ownership check leaving the unprepared buyer empty-handed.