Buying a used boat is a great way to get a good deal. However, it’s important to note that buying used boats also comes with its own drawbacks. Now, when you peruse fishing boats for sale from boat dealerships, you rarely have to worry about the shape that the boats are in. But this is not the case when buying used fishing boats. Sometimes the fishing boats that are being sold aren’t in the best condition, and this is just the trade-off that you’ll have to live with.
Now, there are ways that you can reduce the risk of buying a boat that’s in poor condition. All you have to do is to properly inspect it. But what issues should you be looking for when you’re buying a used fishing boat?
To help you out, we’ve prepared a list of four common complications that you’ll want to check for when purchasing a used boat!
Engine Issues
The last thing you want is to purchase a fishing boat with motor issues. This is why you’ll want to be thorough when checking the engine for issues. There are a couple of things that you’ll want to do to make sure the engine has no serious problems.
First, check the dip-stick to see if the oil is in good condition. If the oil seems a little cloudy, then there may be water in the oil. Next, you’ll want to listen if the engine sounds smooth when running. If the engine sounds like it’s sputtering, this could indicate an issue with the spark plugs or the engine filter. Lastly, you’ll want to show up early for the sea test so that you can witness how the engine starts up. If you find any of these issues when inspecting, it might be wise to put off your purchase until they are addressed or move on to another option.
Wood Rot
Wood rot is another factor that you’ll want to look out for when buying a used boat. This really shouldn’t be an issue anymore as most boat manufacturers use treated wood in their boats. However, there are still cases of wood rot in fishing boats. Luckily, this issue is rather easy to spot if you know what to look for. A spongy or springy underfoot is a good way to determine wood rot. This is something you should be able to notice right away, especially if the condition has progressed. You’ll also want to search the transom for any large cracks at the edges!
Faulty Electrical Systems
Electronics are one of the most difficult parts to replace on a boat. This is why you must make sure that the boat you’re purchasing has a reliable electrical system. You can do this by going through all the electrical items on the boat and turning them on one at a time, and then all at once. If everything goes on without a hitch, it’s safe to assume that the system is in decent shape!
Failing Pumps
Lastly, the bilge pump is one of the most important parts of a boat. It’s the part that’s responsible for removing the accumulating water in your bilge well. Now, there’s only one way to check this as using the switch isn’t really reliable. To make sure that the bilge pump works, we highly recommend triggering it manually and observing if any issues come up.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article proves to be helpful to you when it comes to purchasing a used fishing boat. The key here is to be thorough with your assessment of a boat to avoid any problems down the line. By considering the factors we’ve shared above, you can rest assured that you’ll find a boat that will serve you well for many years!
If you’re looking to buy a high-quality fishing boat in Miami, Florida, we here at Panga Sports have a great selection of panga boats for sale. Skip the hassle of a used boat, but get the same savings. When you buy from us you’re getting your boat directly from the builder, this enables us to pass the savings on to you. If you want to know more about our boats, check them out on our website today!