Tips for Inspecting a Used Boat

A used boat may appear to be in great condition...but have hidden issues that end up costing a fortune in repairs. It's important to thoroughly inspect a used boat to get a realistic sense of its condition. Use the following tips to help you find a steal of a deal, rather than a fixer upper.

For more information or to shop for used boats for sale, visit American Marine & Motorsports. Our dealership is based in Shawano, Wisconsin, and we also serve those in Green Bay and Appleton.

Examine the Used Boat's Exterior

First, see if you can spot any cracks. Any that are over two inches are a cause of concern.

Next, look over the wood and metal surfaces. Make sure there are no signs of corrosion.

In some cases, an exterior flaw can be small and a simple matter of a cosmetic issue. But they can also suggest an overall lack of proper maintenance from the previous owner, which can suggest that there may be other issues underneath the surface.

Check the Oil and Fuel

Look at the engine oil. Does it appear to be milky? This is a sign that water may have gotten into the engine.

Next, feel the oil between your fingers. A grittiness can suggest metal shavings from the engine got into it, which indicates a boat engine that is in bad shape.

Then, smell the fuel. If it smells rotten or otherwise off, this is a huge red flag.

Look for Mildew, Rot, and Rust

These issues can be a pain to remedy. They also indicate that the past owner did not properly take care of the boat...which means there could be other (more expensive) issues present too.

Carefully inspect the used boat for any signs of mildew, rot, and rust. Look in the various nooks and crannies, such as the canvas coverings and underneath the seats.

Check the Boat Seats

The used boat's seats should be clean. But if they appear to be too clean, this can be a red flag. It's possible that a careless owner used cleaners that were too harsh and damaged the vinyl coverings.

Look Under the Flooring

Make sure there is no discoloration or moss hiding underneath the flooring materials. These issues suggest poor past maintenance.

Test the Electronic Equipment

Go over all of the electronic equipment and ensure that everything is in good working order. Remember that electronic issues can be expensive to fix.

Ready to shop for used boats for sale? Check out the selection at American Marine & Motorsports. See the models online or at our dealership in Shawano, Wisconsin. We also proudly serve those in Green Bay and Appleton, Wisconsin.