Important Boat Inspections When Buying A Used Vessel

Many boat enthusiasts prefer to purchase used vessels over brand new ones for a number of reasons; perhaps they cannot afford the kind of boat that they would like brand new, or perhaps they just want to try it out before making any sort of large investment. To ensure that you are purchasing good quality, there are a number of boat inspections that should be completed.


Appearance and Cleanliness
Keep in mind that boats will be subjected to a number of substances that could ultimately attack its surfaces (most notably salt). If the previous owner did not regularly clean their vessel, it may have sustained some severe damage. Check a number of objects, such as ropes and flooring, for signs of discolouration, mildew and moss. You should also check all metal components for signs of corrosion.

Maintenance
Ask the previous owner if you can take the vessel for a test drive as a part of the boat inspection. During the test drive, take a look at the engine; if it’s dirty or has developed rust, it’s safe to say that it hasn’t been well looked after. You should also take a look at the oil; in a diesel engine, the oil should be black and smooth (with no foam or froth). Make sure that you ask the previous owner for all service history and documentation.

Whilst a boat inspection may be a little draining, especially if you spend weekend after weekend trekking out to the coast to view potential boats, it is of the utmost importance if you want to ensure that you aren’t flushing your hard earned money down the drain. To ensure that your inspection is thorough, it is always best to take a professional along with you.