Summer is upon us and that means that one of the best seasons is just around the corner: boating season! Whether you’re fishing or wakeboarding, boats are awesome because they help you create memories with your friends and family that will last a lifetime. But with the rising prices of practically everything around us, buying a brand-new boat might not be the best decision at the moment.
That’s ok though because the next best thing to a new boat is a pre-owned boat! Pre-owned boats describe a pretty large swath of boats on the market. Their conditions vary from boat to boat, so buying a pre-owned boat means that you need to do a bit more research than on a new boat to ensure that you’re getting a good deal. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the key things you need to look out for when buying a pre-owned boat this year.
- Boat Age
- One of the first things that you need to do when shopping for a pre-owned boat is filter out anything that is older than 20 years. As mentioned earlier in the introduction, pre-owned basically describes any boat that has been used by a previous owner. Boats older than 20 years are going to have a lot more wear and tear on them than earlier model boats, which ultimately will result in you spending more money to overhaul it than the boat itself.
- How Many Hours are on the Engine?
- The heart of the boat is the engine. It gets you to where you want to go. When it works, it’s the last thing you think about. When it’s on the fritz, it’s the only thing you can think about. Checking to see how many hours will show you how much the boat has been used. Higher hours may indicate that the boat’s engine may be pretty worn out. Be double sure about the hours by having a mechanic take a look at the engine before making your final purchase.
- Is There Anything that Doesn’t Work on the Boat?
- Be sure to turn everything on and that everything works as it’s supposed to. Bilge pumps, engines, etc. are just a few of the areas you want to make sure are in good working order. Be sure to check out the paint on the exterior of the boat as that will be a telltale sign of how worn out the boat may be. The upholstery is also another point to ensure is in good working order, as trying to reupholster a boat can be extremely expensive.
Final Thoughts
Alrighty! We’ve gone over the key things to look out for when purchasing a pre-owned boat. Be sure to evaluate each boat you’re interested in thoroughly to ensure that you know exactly what you’re getting.Â
As the authority in East Texas boat deals, we can get you on the perfect boat for you and your family. Check out our available boats online here. Contact us today and let us help get you on the water this summer!
