Tips To Buy A Used Boat

Purchasing any kind of used vehicle is a daunting task, even if it is a boat. Most people are not very familiar with marine vessels and as such, don’t have much idea about how to differentiate a bad deal from a good one. If you are making plans to get yourself a used boat, here are the things that you will need to give thorough consideration:

Purpose : 

First, determine exactly why you need to have a boat. The power and size of crafts can vary depending on what they are used for, such as day trips, local cruising, fishing in rivers, extensive travelling, water skiing, yacht racing and so on. Therefore, it is very important to determine the purpose for which a vessel is required.

Power Requirement :

If you are looking for a secondhand boat with plenty of power, get ready to spend quite a fortune. On the other hand, less power means restriction to certain activities such as towing or carrying bulky loads, even if the vessel comes off cheap. Moreover, before you decide to buy a powerful boat, make sure you have got the skill to operate it.

Assistance of Broker : 

In case you want a tinnie, buying a secondhand one would not be too much work. However, you may require the help of a reputable broker if your objective is to purchase something upmarket. When hiring a broker, be comprehensively articulate about your requirements - type, condition and price.

Details : 

Buying a secondhand boat is undoubtedly a risky affair. If you are not careful enough, you can end up with a faulty purchase. Therefore, it is imperative that you get down to the details. Request for the maintenance records of the vessel. Check everything from top to bottom - engine, wiring, rigging, on-board gear, etc. Look for quick-fixed spots and extensive wear & tear. Besides that, also inspect the seating and upholstery carefully. If there is any issue, you can pay a discounted price and then have the seatings repaired by specialists of marine upholstery in Northern Beaches.

Paperwork : 

Before finalising the deal, make sure the owner produces written paperwork for the transaction. This would include a signed agreement, Hull Identification Number (HIN) or boat code, manufacturer’s plate and signed receipts.

Once you have bought the secondhand boat from its user, do not forget to get it registered with the Department of Transport (DT) in New South Wales. Also, make sure that you use proper methods to care for your boat. Thorough maintenance every once in a while might be enough.