Age of boat

Hi all,

I am totally new to boats and boating. Looking at purchasing a bow rider or deck boat. Wondering if there is a certain age you wouldn’t even consider? Do you sort of steer clear of boats older than 10-15 years? I am not looking for a project boat.

I should add that I live near the coast and will be using it primarily in salt water.

Thanks,

Melissa

1 year to 50 years is of no issue, but you do need to be able to know what your looking at. Sounds like you don't know so you need to find someone you can trust to look a boat over. Boats are just like cars but with many problems which can show up later if you don't know how to look

Certain 50 year old boats in good condition than many newer boats that have been beaten to death before they're sold off. Condition is key, AD is pointing you in the right direction - What do you want to do? What kind of water will you be on? How many people will be on board? etc. - Those will help you find what you're looking for.

:welcome:

The budget that you have to buy a boat is a major factor in determining the age of a boat that you will be able to consider.

Less $$$$$ = More age

Once you get past 20 years, many boats are nearing the end of their designed 'life' and may need significant work to put 'new life' back into it.

The key thing to look out for with older boats is structural rot. The 'skeleton' of many boats is made of wood with fiberglass coating the wood. Lesser quality boats tend to have less protection of the wood and therefore it gains moisture and rots out more quickly.

Let us know what budget you are considering and intended uses and people count and that would help on the advice.

If you are doing salt water (which I do) I would recommend buying a boat from a fresh water area and then prepping it for salt water use. Alternatively, if you are looking at an outboard motor ( and boat ) that has been used in salt water and well maintained, then that could be a viable option.

It's tough to go by year. A 5 year old boat that sits year round in its slip getting full of rain water and sun beated at the dock versus a 10 or 15 year old one that gets used a few times a summer and stored inside the owner's garage. Which one do you think would be in better shape?