Used Sweetwater Pontoon Boats in Bayville, NJ near Philadelphia, PA & NY

Your Guide to Buying a Used Boat

If you’ve been dreaming of becoming a boat owner but the expensive price tag has been standing in your way, you may want to consider buying used. Many people can’t afford the exorbitant costs associated with a new boat. Thanks to depreciation, used boats can be obtained for a mere fraction of the cost. If you shop strategically, you can land yourself a well-maintained vessel that looks and performs like new! 

If you’d like to learn more about buying a used boat, keep reading the tips we’ve gathered below. For more information or to check our selection of used boats for sale in NJ, call us today or stop by New Jersey Outboard. We are in Bayville, NJ, and proudly serve Philadelphia, PA, New York, and Connecticut.

Establish a Budget

First and foremost, you’ll want to establish a firm budget before you start shopping around for the best offers on used boat sales. This will help you quickly eliminate options out of your price range. You’ll want to search for boats within your budget or ask our friendly team members to recommend brands and models that align with your budget and current financial condition. 

Another thing to note is that your budget should allow for more than the sticker price. You’ll need to factor in costs for gear, boat slip rental, insurance, fuel, and so on. 

Do Your Research

It can be tough to find what you’re looking for if you haven’t determined exactly what you want. 

Start by determining what type of boat you want. If you plan on doing a specific type of fishing, you might invest in a specialized boat. If you plan to spend hours on the water enjoying your boat with family and friends, a more versatile vessel will be the better alternative. 

As you browse the options, consider how many passengers you anticipate having aboard. You need to ensure this number doesn’t exceed the boat’s maximum weight capacity and the number of occupants. For example, if you plan to take eight passengers on the water, get a pre-owned vessel with sufficient space for your crew. Also, you don’t want to choose a model that’s ever been recalled.

Inspection and Test Drive

Last but not least, you need to perform a thorough inspection of the used boat. Examine both the exterior and interior, and then make your final decision. Check for cracks longer than two inches, which can lead to problems, and ensure no signs of corrosion. Some exterior flaws are only cosmetic, but sometimes they can mean more problems are lurking below the surface. Check all electronics to confirm they’re working properly. 

Finally, you’ll want to take a used boat for a test drive to see how it runs and focus on delays and odd sounds or vibrations. You may have found a winner if it’s within your budget and performs well!

Visit us at New Jersey Outboards near Philadelphia, PA, New York, and Connecticut to check out our pre-owned boat sales collection. We are your local used boat dealer in Bayville, NJ, so reach out today!