What do I look for when considering buying a used boat

[LJA]

I am going to go and check out a 2005 Bayliner 192CU to and may be purchase it. I am not to sure what I should be looking for when it comes to a used boat. I have talked with the owner a told him I would like to go out on the water before I make any decision. I was also wondering where do I go to find out the blue book on used boats? Thanks LJ.

 

[NYBo]

Re: What do I look for when considering buying a used boat

If you have to ask, I would strongly urge you to get a marine survey done, or at the very least, bring along someone knowledgeable when you check out the boat. You need to look for signs of damage and neglect, and the engine and outdrive need to be properly inspected.

For VERY rough estimate of the value of the boat, look here.

 

[jonesg]

Re: What do I look for when considering buying a used boat

When you look at a boat , almost everything visible is cosmetic, all the structural stuff, the important things, are not visible.

Walk around the deck and look for soft spots, especially around seat bases.
Soft areas indicate stringer damage, fixing a soft area by patching the deck is a fools errand. If you see any patches you can be almost certain the stringers are shot and just as likely the transom is rotting.

So yeh, get hold of an experienced boater who has done some work on boats, they can spot damage in under 2 minutes.
Don't get hooked on this boat, its a buyers mkt out there.

 

[LJA]

Re: What do I look for when considering buying a used boat

Thank you I had pretty much an idea of what I should look for but was not to sure of what to expect. The boat is a 2005 Bayliner and the owner say there are some scratches in the gel coat and minor wear and tear in the interior. I was not to sure if I should get it surveyed because I read hear unless you are really serious about a future purchase avoid a survey because they are expensive. I was considering asking the last mechanic who worked on my bayliner and pointed out my dry rot how much he would charge to check out this boat if we are really considering buying. I want to thank NYBo for the link to NADA guides because I can see the guy selling the boat is asking in the ball park of what NADA consider what it is worth. Thanks LJ.

 

[Lou C]

Re: What do I look for when considering buying a used boat

Even though that's a fairly new boat by our standards (lots have boats on here that are 15-25 years old) there is still a lot that can be wrong. Improper or shoddy construction methods, improper or non-existent maintenance, etc can all cost you big time. You need someone who can check the fiberglass and reinforcing structure for de-lamination, cracks, rot etc. And then you need to have the engine/drive checked out for proper operation, performance, compression, shifting of the outdrive, etc. It's a lot to consider so if you are not familiar with boats and boat construction/mechanicals, get someone who is....