Several Common Issues With Used Boats

Used boats can be an excellent investment when you find the perfect model. If you cannot afford to purchase a new boat, it may be a great way to get into boating. However, there are many risks associated with buying used boats. To save yourself from making a bad investment, check out the guide below. The staff at Boat Country, located in Everett, Washington, can offer more advice about issues we often see with used boats. We welcome customers from Snohomish and Marysville, Washington.  

Engine

The last thing you need to worry about after buying a boat is engine trouble. Look in-depth at the engine for known problems. The oil should not look milky. The plugs should not be crusted in carbon. Make sure that you are present when the engine starts and listen to it run. You can learn a lot about it from how smoothly it runs.

Electrical Systems

Check to make sure that every light turns on, plus any other electrical element. Looking at the fuse box, you can often tell if fuses have been replaced often by the number of brands you see. The wiring should also be tidy and untangled. It is easier to repair and service boats with organized and logical electrical wiring. 

Pumps

Any pumps on the boat in question should be in good working order. Check that the bilge, wash downs, heads, and fish box pump-outs all run smoothly.

Foam and Wood

Foam repair for boats is an expensive project. To avoid this issue on used boats, ask the owner to remove all gear. You can tell many problems with foam by the way the boat sits in the water. Be cautious of boats that do not sit evenly, have scuppers that sink below the waterline, or a bow that dips down. 

Rotten wood may only be an issue if you are dealing with a very old used boat. Many boats built today no longer use untreated wood. Just in case, you can tell rotten wood in boats from the large cracks at the edges of the transom or a spongy feeling when walking on the deck. 

Stringers

Do what it takes to look closely at the stringers because they make up the very structure of the boat. Visible damage can be a sign of future structural problems. 

Be aware of the risks associated with buying a used boat before you check out any listing. You can avoid many headaches when purchasing a used boat if you ask your friends at Boat Country for advice. Our dealership, located in Everett, Washington, has a team ready to assist you with making the right choice. We serve customers from Snohomish and Marysville, Washington.