Used Boats For Sale near Philadelphia, PA 

Tips For 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 are unable to afford the exorbitant costs associated with a new boat. Thanks to depreciation, use boats can be obtained for a mere fraction of the cost. If you shop strategically, you can land yourself a well-maintained boat that’s practically 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, give us a call or stop by New Jersey Outboards today. We proudly serve Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut.

Establish a Budget

First and foremost, you’ll want to establish a firm budget before you start shopping around for a used boat. This will help you eliminate options that are out of your price range right off the bat. Make sure you’re searching for boats within your budget and you’ll be off to a great start. 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 it is you want. It can be just as difficult to score a quality used boat if you don’t know what it is you’re looking for. Start by determining what type of boat it is you want. If you plan on doing a specific type of fishing, you might want to invest in a specialized boat. If you plan to spend hours on the water enjoying your boat with family and friends, you might want a more versatile vessel.

As you browse the options, remember to think about how many passengers you anticipate having aboard. You need to make sure that 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, you need to make sure you choose a used boat that has that potential. Also, make sure that you don’t choose a model that’s ever been recalled.

Inspection & Test Drive

Last but not least, you need to perform a thorough inspection of the used boat. Examine both the exterior and interior of the boat. Check for any cracks longer than two inches, which could lead to problems. Make sure there are no signs of corrosion. Some exterior flaws are only cosmetic but sometimes it could mean more problems are lurking below the surface. Check all electronics to confirm they’re working properly. Keep in mind that mechanical issues on boats are far more expensive than cars. You always need to take a used boat for a test drive. Pay attention to how it runs and look for anything out of the ordinary such as 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 Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut to check out our selection of used boats!