Are you in the market to buy a used boat? If so, you aren’t alone! The demand for new and used boats has surged during the global pandemic. In May 2020, demand for boats increased 75 percent compared to one year before!

Buying a used boat can be an exciting experience but also an uncertain one as you make your purchasing decision. Read on to learn the six questions to ask when buying a used boat!

1. Are you the original owner?

It’s important to find out if the person you are buying the boat from is the original owner. If you purchase from the first owner, you can have a better idea of how the boat was maintained and how it was used.

If the seller isn’t the original owner, how long have they had it and how many owners have there been? Learning the answers to these questions will give you a much clearer picture of the path your boat has taken leading up to now.

2. How Many Hours are on the Engine?

Arguably the most crucial thing to learn before buying a used boat is how many hours are on the engine. You should think of nautical hours as you would the mileage on a vehicle’s motor.

When you are discussing the boat’s engine, ask the seller about any issues they’ve had with the engine and if the current engine is the original. Once you learn about the engine, you can spend some time doing some research on internet sites like boatersoutlet.com to learn about pricing it.

3. Do You Have the Maintenance Records?

One of the best tips for buying a used boat is to pay close attention to maintenance records on the vessel. A good rule of thumb is to avoid buying a used boat from someone that doesn’t have maintenance paperwork.

The maintenance records are like a boat’s resume for how it has performed and been maintained in the past. If the seller has owned the boat for a couple of years and doesn’t have maintenance records, consider looking elsewhere.

4. Is There any Warranty Remaining?

Even when you are buying a used boat there’s a chance that there’s still a warranty on it! The important things for you to learn are if there is a warranty left on the boat and if it is transferable.

If there’s a warranty remaining, how much time is left on it? More importantly, does the warranty allow for it to be transferred to another buyer (you) after purchase? If a warranty isn’t transferable to you, it’s like you’ve got no warranty at all!

5. What Does the Warranty Cover?

After you’ve learned that there is a transferrable warranty on the boat, you need to find out what it covers. Simply put, not all boat warranties are created equal. Some will cover minor cosmetic repairs while others will cover the replacement of the engine and other parts.

Be sure that you have a good look at the warranty and understand what it covers and doesn’t. Everything that’s out of warranty will be an extra cost of ownership for you.

6. Why Are You Selling the Boat?

It may seem unusual at first, but asking the seller why they are getting rid of their boat can give you a good insight into what it’s like to own it. As the seller answers your question, pay attention to the way they speak about it.

Do the seller’s tone and response seem genuine or do you think they are trying to entice you to buy it? Sometimes an owner wants to upgrade or downgrade based on their needs. Other times, a seller may look to move a boat because it’s too expensive!

The Best Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Boat

The best questions to ask when buying a used boat are the ones whose answers mean the most to you! By learning as much as possible about a boat before you buy it, you increase the chances that you will be happy with your choice later.

Are you looking for new ways to have a fun adventure outdoors? Check out our blog section to learn how to make your next backyard summer party a hit!