Whats the 1st thing you would buy for a used boat?

[BugsBunnyBoater]

If you buy a used boat from a private seller whats the 1st thing you would do or buy for it before you put it on the water?

There seem to be lots of used boats on the market these days craigs list ect. I really wonder what thing most people would get for their boat?
In my case I had my outboard checked out and tested before I got the boat. And I got new drain plugs.

 

[Arabian180]

Re: Whats the 1st thing you would buy for a used boat?

The first thing I always buy is a Registration

Then usually.

Fire Extinguisher, Battery, Oil, Gas, spare key, for some reason they always come with just one.
And an Oar in the event you have to row row row your boat.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Whats the 1st thing you would buy for a used boat?

my boat came with most the essentials. The first bigger purchase was a bimini top, as it did not come with one. best purchase to this day that i made for it.

 

[wicked]

Re: Whats the 1st thing you would buy for a used boat?

If you buy a used boat from a private seller whats the 1st thing you would do or buy for it before you put it on the water?

There seem to be lots of used boats on the market these days craigs list ect. I really wonder what thing most people would get for their boat?
In my case I had my outboard checked out and tested before I got the boat. And I got new drain plugs.

buy a manual for the engine

 

[Duckseason]

Re: Whats the 1st thing you would buy for a used boat?

i would get a tune up on the motor make sure it is all good ... before i sail ...

 

[AZSenza]

Re: Whats the 1st thing you would buy for a used boat?

Mine was operationally complete, but I changed all the fluids, did a tune up and bought an engine manual. Both recent purchase boats even came will complete sets of vests, biminis, covers, ores, extinquishers etc etc. I guess I've been lucky. Might want to look at the anchor though...my last boats wasn't up to my specs...I guess that might be a good first purchase item.

 

[doug glass]

Re: Whats the 1st thing you would buy for a used boat?

first i checked and changed lower unit oil--did tuneup-- it came with all safety essentials and then bought bimini --next is smart tabs

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Whats the 1st thing you would buy for a used boat?

Insurance!

 

[MikDee]

Re: Whats the 1st thing you would buy for a used boat?

Life Jackets!

 

[ziggy]

Re: Whats the 1st thing you would buy for a used boat?

looks like folks got ya heading in the right direction to me. i'll concur with silvertip. the very first thing i got was insurance., then a service manual. then, on my perticular used rig, a manifold and riser were next. then after that. a whole bunch of stuff. after at about 2 years of owning it. i had no further ideas for any future items or upgrades to my boat.. just regular maint....

 

[jennis9]

Re: Whats the 1st thing you would buy for a used boat?

I would get my boaters safety card... take the safety classes they are well worth it for $15.

 

[David Greer]

Re: Whats the 1st thing you would buy for a used boat?

Even if they are not required, a safety course can reduce your insurance premium.
If it's an outboard, replace the water pump, esp. if it's used in salt water. I don't know about I/O's in this regard. Then get new fuel, and filters (so much of this is driven by how complete and reliable the previous owner's information is, even as to things he did wrong.)
As said before your safety equipment is top of the list and that whole list is one thing; don't get one item instead of another. But be sure the correct anchor rig is on it; in many circumstances it can be more important than PFD's.

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Whats the 1st thing you would buy for a used boat?

Gas!!!! :d

 

[IVAZ]

Re: Whats the 1st thing you would buy for a used boat?

Before you put it in the water:
- Insurance
- Registration
- Tune up (this way you will know when it was last serviced)
- Gear fluid and oil change (to me this is part of a tune up)
- Impeller (unless seller can provide proof its under a year old)
- Safety gear
No particular order but make sure you have the basics covered.

 

[Chiliando]

Re: Whats the 1st thing you would buy for a used boat?

For me used boat = Sea Tow or Boat US.

I agree with the safety class and all the safety gear.

Have fun but be safe!

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Whats the 1st thing you would buy for a used boat?

Impeller

 

[dingbat]

Re: Whats the 1st thing you would buy for a used boat?

Liabilty and towing Insurance