In general:
Due to all sorts of weather conditions (some locations worse than others), stresses and other deteriorating factors while sitting at dock or cruising in water (fresh or salt), and basic neglect if resting on the hard for too long (like years on end)... in the boating world (pleasure or commercial) the term "Bullet Proof" is similar to the term "Forever Lasting"; just not available.
When purchasing a used boat I take the following into account (I don’t buy new – immediate depreciation is way too steep):
1. Asking price – Too high... I say good bye!
2. Make of boat – There are good builders and there are OK builders, bad builders, and terrible builders – too big a “brand-name” topic to get into here!
3. Overall condition of boat at first blush... if there are important items that look or are bad then depending on asking price I may turn and walk away
4. Number of hours on boat’s specific type of engines, drive line, and genset – too high... good bye!
5. Condition of electrical portions throughout boat – big factor for either a walk away of severe price reduction bargaining
6. PO’s care and record keeping on items accomplished for years past and importantly within the last two to four years
7. If I get that far and still interested – I perform personal survey with moisture meter, galvanization meter, probing tools etc. Takes 4 to 8 hours
8. If I get that far and still interested – I have qualified marine surveyor to perform at least a preliminary, and maybe a full survey – costly but well worth a qualified 2nd opinion
9. If I get that far and still interested – I take the boat on sea trial with qualified marine mechanic aboard checking every mechanical portion
10. If I get that far and still interested – I have her hauled (unless of course she was on the hard from beginning) and do complete survey of her bottom and U/W drive components
11. If I get that far and decide I want the boat – I do my best to cut a good deal on price of boat with owner or broker. If my already silently decided price cannot be met then I wait till boat has not sold for a while and may reoffer my purchase price, or I simply walk away. Patience and directness of decision is required in purchasing a boat.
Important – Do Not fall in love with a boat before purchase... that can cloud your judgment on any or all portions of the deal. You’ve plenty of time to play kisses and hugs to your “new” family member after you’ve made the best possible review of boat and accomplished the price deal you wanted. Also, be sure you have defined the type of boat and layout before even beginning your search for the “right one”
I recommend cash payment – usually enables the buyer to get a better price deal.
Due to all sorts of weather conditions (some locations worse than others), stresses and other deteriorating factors while sitting at dock or cruising in water (fresh or salt), and basic neglect if resting on the hard for too long (like years on end)... in the boating world (pleasure or commercial) the term "Bullet Proof" is similar to the term "Forever Lasting"; just not available.
When purchasing a used boat I take the following into account (I don’t buy new – immediate depreciation is way too steep):
1. Asking price – Too high... I say good bye!
2. Make of boat – There are good builders and there are OK builders, bad builders, and terrible builders – too big a “brand-name” topic to get into here!
3. Overall condition of boat at first blush... if there are important items that look or are bad then depending on asking price I may turn and walk away
4. Number of hours on boat’s specific type of engines, drive line, and genset – too high... good bye!
5. Condition of electrical portions throughout boat – big factor for either a walk away of severe price reduction bargaining
6. PO’s care and record keeping on items accomplished for years past and importantly within the last two to four years
7. If I get that far and still interested – I perform personal survey with moisture meter, galvanization meter, probing tools etc. Takes 4 to 8 hours
8. If I get that far and still interested – I have qualified marine surveyor to perform at least a preliminary, and maybe a full survey – costly but well worth a qualified 2nd opinion
9. If I get that far and still interested – I take the boat on sea trial with qualified marine mechanic aboard checking every mechanical portion
10. If I get that far and still interested – I have her hauled (unless of course she was on the hard from beginning) and do complete survey of her bottom and U/W drive components
11. If I get that far and decide I want the boat – I do my best to cut a good deal on price of boat with owner or broker. If my already silently decided price cannot be met then I wait till boat has not sold for a while and may reoffer my purchase price, or I simply walk away. Patience and directness of decision is required in purchasing a boat.
Important – Do Not fall in love with a boat before purchase... that can cloud your judgment on any or all portions of the deal. You’ve plenty of time to play kisses and hugs to your “new” family member after you’ve made the best possible review of boat and accomplished the price deal you wanted. Also, be sure you have defined the type of boat and layout before even beginning your search for the “right one”
I recommend cash payment – usually enables the buyer to get a better price deal.