What are some basic things to look at when buying a boat?

[ngt]

Going out to check out a 14 foot aluminum boat (first boat) an was wondering what I should look for to make sure I am not getting a lemon??

Do I look at the welds or rivets? what to look for?

How do I go about inspecting the boat?

Do you ask them to test run the motor?

Are there any big WARNING signs that should get me to run from a boat?

Anything I could look for that would tell me it's a good boat?

thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What are some basic things to look at when buying a boat?

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What are some basic things to look at when buying a boat?

You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive and unless the water is frozen in your area, you should not buy a boat without a test drive either. Even running the engine on muffs or in a barrel is better than buying it without knowing it runs. A 14 foot aluminum boat is certainly not exotic so most critical items are in plain view. Check the bottom for dents and make sure the keel is straight and undamaged (not bent). If the transom has wood in it, use a small screwdriver to poke at it. If it's rotten the screwdriver will easily be pushed into the wood. Check for missing or obviously damaged areas. Your eyes are the diagnostic tools here. Examine the boat from top to bottom and bow to stern. Damage should be obvious. If there are any gauges make sure they work. If it is a console steered boat make sure the steering is not frozen. If electric start, make sure the battery is able to spin the engine over. If there are bow and stern lights, make sure they work. If you haven't gottn the message by now, I suggest you get someone who knows boats well go with you. Lastly -- anytime a seller tells you "all it needs is a tune up" you can rest assured it runs like crap and it probably needs very much more than a tune up and the price better reflect that. If the owner refuses to run the engine or provide a test ride, that should be a clue something is dreadfully wrong and at that point you have two options. 1) Walk away or 2) Offer him a "junk" price as that's probably what the boat is worth and requires expensive repairs which are probably engine related.

 

[ngt]

Re: What are some basic things to look at when buying a boat?

Thanks guys. I'm just going to print this out and take it with me

Here's the boat:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/boa/1069339681.html

what do you think? It's an H-42L and would meet everything I need for the weight and capacity stuff.

Do you think the price is ok?

I have looked at a couple of thinner boats, but this one is 65 inches wide and holds 895 pounds. Those are the two main things I needed.

It doesn't really have any of the other things, but IMO, it starts me out with what I really need. The fish finder and trolling motor and stuff could come later.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What are some basic things to look at when buying a boat?

This looks like a very uncomfortable boat with the seats sitting nearly on the floor (unless I'm missing something).