If you’re in the market for a new fishing boat, then you know that there is a lot that can go into finding the perfect boat for you. Buying a used boat for sale is one of the best ways to save a couple of bucks; however, you should still be wary to ensure you’re actually getting what you pay for. To help save you some future headaches, here are some things you should keep in mind when looking at boats for sale.
Tips For Finding The Best Fishing Boats
- What Kind Of Fishing Boat? There are a lot of fishing boats on the market, and not all of them will be what you need. Do some research or speak with a boat dealer to determine what would be right for your type of fishing. If you’re a one man operation, a smaller boat will work just fine; however, if you plan on bringing your friends, take that into consideration as well.
- The Seller. If you know someone who sells fishing boats, you’re golden; however, most of us don’t so a bit of research is needed here as well. Check out some local boat dealers and read up on their reviews. It should only take a couple of minutes of reading to determine if the seller is on the up and up. If you’re purchasing from a local personal add, the investigation should be more thorough.
- Check Out The Boat. Before putting down any money, always check out the boat. Look over the exterior hull, and see if you can notice any dents, defects, or signs of patchwork repair. If it appears to have been kept up and cleaned regularly you should be in the clear; however, if it looks grimey or covered in debris it could spell trouble. Despite being used, fishing boats shouldn’t be left to the elements or appear to be worn down.
- Inspection. If you feel secure enough in what you’ve seen thus far, consider going in for a thorough inspection. Check out the storage areas of the boat to see if they’re clean or full of dirt and junk. If they are, it could mean that the previous owner didn’t place much emphasis on cleanliness or upkeep. You should also check out the propeller for signs of cracking or damage, along with the engine for grease buildup and grime. While propellers aren’t terrible to replace down the road, a new engine is something you don’t want to have to replace anytime soon.
- Interview. If you’re buying directly from the owner, speak with them about the history of the vessel and any damage that it might have had. You can also ask about how often they used it, and how much wear and tear its been exposed to. If the boat has been sitting unused for a while that could also be a bad sign, as it could spell trouble in the engine. Additionally, you should request to know what maintenance has been done on the boat, along with any major repairs the seller has undergone. If you’re buying from a dealer, you should be able to get similar answers.
If you are in the market for fishing boats, know what you’re getting before putting money down. Just like how you wouldn’t buy a car without all the information, don’t skip out on the important bits when it comes to buying a boat. Make sure to check the boat thoroughly for any questionable signs, and ask for all pertinent information regarding the vessel. Once you’ve signed off on everything the only thing left to do is take that baby out to catch a few fish.
