Whether buying or selling, you can manage to negotiate good deals with used boats. By arming yourself with the right tools and information, you can buy a well-working boat at a steal price or sell your own with reasonable gain.
According to the 2004 annual boating report of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, previously owned boats appear to be a gateway in the boating market. The report noted more than one million pre-owned powerboats were sold in 2004 with total sales reaching $7.9 million.
The Internet will help you get started in buying or selling used boats. Aside from the various sites of boat dealers and brokers that sell used boats of different types, models, and brands, you will also find lots of valuable information on the Internet about buying and/or selling used boats.
For starters, the Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS) has a comprehensive guide to buying and selling a boat. The guide seeks to help new boaters as well as seasoned boat owners on various aspects of trading, selling, and buying boats. Other helpful tips are not hard to find in sites of boat dealers, boat manufacturers, and general boating and sailing sites.
Buying used boats
Once you have decided that buying a used boat is the best option for you given your financial considerations and personal preferences, you can start hunting for your boat.
Walk through the following checklist when evaluating used boats:
· Test drive the boat and take note of abnormal vibrations, how the trims are working, boat's response speed when steering, that the gauges and instruments are working properly, among other important functions of the boat. You may also want to bring other people with you when you test drive to see how the boat holds up to additional weight.
· Check the hours on a boat as you measure a car's use by its miles. Try to get a boat that has only 500 hours or less so you are less likely to spend for upgrades and maintenance too soon.
· Inspect the boat's flooring for rots.
· Check the boat's maintenance history, taking special note of major repairs done to the boat. Lots of repairs most probably mean that the boat has lots of problems. Check for warranties as well.
· Get a professional marine surveyor to thoroughly inspect the boat before purchasing it.
· Inspect the boat's hull, propeller and other boat parts. It is also good to find out how the boat was stored when not in use.
· Find out the price value range for the model and year of the boat with the NADA boat appraisal guide or similar value guides.
Selling Used Boats
Proper pricing, good prepping, and efficient paperwork are the key factors to making a good deal on used boats. Boat owners planning to sell their used boats should thoroughly evaluate the value of their boats before giving it a price tag. Aside from checking value guides and comparing its present market value with similar models, owners should also consider enhancements done on the boat.
Used boats that are sparking clean and shiny are sure to get better chances of attracting serious buyers so make sure your boat is presentable before you even advertise that you are selling it. Finally, take diligent care to accomplish the paperwork required to complete the purchase of your used boat.
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Used Boats 