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Tips for Inspecting a Used Boat

Apr. 28 2022 Buying Guide By Blue Water Boats

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Not all used boats will be a wise investment. Models can be full of issues, which can lead to expensive repairs or parts replacements. Avoid these unexpected costs by conducting a thorough inspection of the used boat.

Here at Blue Water Boats, we strive to make your life easier. We created the following guide that covers key steps of a used boat inspection process. If you want more information or want to shop for used boats, visit our dealership. You'll find us in Cape May Court House, New Jersey. We are also proud to serve those in Atlantic City, New Jersey, as well as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Look Over the Used Boat's Exterior

Start your inspection by examining the outside of the boat.

Be on the lookout for:

  • Cracks that are over two inches long.
  • Corrosion on any wood or metal surfaces.
  • Flaws that indicate that the past owner did not keep up with maintenance, which can mean other issues are likely to be present.

Look Over the Oil and the Fuel

There are two key oil characteristics to consider:

  • The look: Milky oil suggests that water could have gotten into the engine and caused problems.
  • The feel. Oil that feels gritty may contain metal shavings from the engine, which indicates that the engine is in poor condition.

As for the fuel, the smell is key. Be concerned about fuel that smells rotten or otherwise off.

Test the Electronics

Walk throughout the used boat and test the various electronic systems. Electronic issues are usually quite expensive to fix, so be sure to factor those repairs into your budget as needed.

Check the Flooring

Look underneath the flooring materials. Make sure there is no discoloration or moss present, which are signs of poor past maintenance.

Inspect the Boat Seats

It's important that the boat seats are not too clean. Some boat owners will use overly-harsh cleaners. These deliver a good clean, but also damage the vinyl coverings. Make sure the boat seats are in good condition and not damaged from harsh products.

Scan for Mildew, Rot, and Rust

Mildew, rot, and rust on a used boat are bad signs since they are expensive to fix. They also suggest poor past maintenance from the previous owners. Look over the used boat for any signs of these issues. Remember to look in all the different nooks and crannies, including underneath the seats and on any canvas coverings.

Ready to explore used boats for sale? Check out the selection at Blue Water Boats. See the models online or at our dealership in Cape May Court House, New Jersey. We also proudly serve those in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.