How to Buy a Better Used Boat

There’s a reason why used boat sales outpace new purchases 10:1 – they represent a heck of a good value, particularly when factoring in perks like depreciation and owner outfitting. The trick is finding the most boat for the money with the least amount of previous owner headaches. Here’s a look at three issues that can turn that potential dream boat into the proverbial hole in the water.

Issue 1: Engine Problems

Engines are typically the most expensive piece of gear onboard, a hard lesson to learn after purchasing that deal of a lifetime only to find out a rebuild or replacement is required.

Warning Signs

Start by looking for obvious problems such as leaks, excessive rust, broken components, etc. Next, check coolant level and properties (for closed systems). Lack of antifreeze should be a concern (a possible indication of leaks) as would coolant with a rusty color or an unusual amount of solids.

Pull the dipstick and check the oil. A slightly low level might be okay, but higher than normal levels could be a sign of trouble; especially if the oil is milky or frothy (an indication water, antifreeze or transmission fluid is present). The cause of this could mean anything from a blown gasket to a cracked block.

Is the engine difficult to start? Depending on the engine (gas or diesel) hard starting could be caused by anything from weak batteries to faulty plugs, fuel pump issues or bad fuel.

How does the engine sound? Does it run smoothly at idle and under load or does it idle unevenly and stall out when placed in gear? Rough running can be caused by anything from clogged fuel filters to compression problems, while engines idling at more than 800 rpm may have been set high to mask idling problems.

Verify proper oil pressure and operating temperature. Low oil pressure could be due to anything from faulty oil pumps to cam bearing failure. High water temperatures may be something as simple as a failed impeller, but could also be caused by corroded manifolds or exhaust risers.

Read the smoke signals — a well-maintained engine may smoke when initially cranked or while idling, but not when warmed up or under load. Smoke color can also provide an indication of problems (blue for burning oil, black for incomplete combustion, etc).

Red Flags?

Have the engine surveyed by a marine mechanic, then discuss repair options and cost.  Engines are a big-ticket item, so always weigh the cost of repair or replacement versus walking away.

Issue 2 – Wet/Delaminated Decks

Water intrusion into cored decking likely causes more boat damage every year than sinkings, groundings, and fires combined. Cored construction simply means there is an inner and outer skin of fiberglass sandwiching some other material between them (balsa, plywood, foam, etc). The prime directive with cored construction is to keep water out, particularly with balsa or plywood. Wet wood coring can rot, allowing the cored deck to separate, drastically reducing structural integrity. Long-term water exposure causes problems with foam-cored decks as well – core separation, freeze damage, and even disintegration in some cases.

Warning Signs

The first step (literally) in finding deck problems can be as simple as walking on them.  Soft spots, oil-canning (flexing) or even water squishing from deck fittings are all indicators of a potentially expensive repair. Drips and brownish stains below decks are also common signs of water-soaked decks and rotting core. Sound out the decks by tapping them with a small, plastic-headed hammer or the end of a screwdriver handle. Sharp, crisp sounds while tapping are good, while dull thuds can be an indication of delamination. Moisture meters are also an excellent tool for sniffing out soggy decks.

Red Flags?

While repair costs will be directly related to the size of the delaminated area, cutting open a deck for core replacement is rarely a cheap proposition. If a deck flexes like that moonwalk rented for junior’s birthday, run or get ready to lay out some serious cash.

Issue 3 – Manufacturer’s Defects

It’s a sad fact that some problems encountered are fresh from the builder or caused by improper aftermarket installations by the dealer.

Warning Signs

The sky’s the limit with the range and type of problems that can be encountered.  Common issues include holes drilled or cut into cored decks that aren’t properly sealed afterward against moisture entry (windlass hawse holes are notorious for this), inadequate backing plates for railings and cleats, unsupported wire runs, inaccessible fuel tanks, lack of seacocks on below the waterline thru-hull fittings – the list seems endless.

Red Flags?

Here’s where a good marine surveyor is worth his/her weight in gold.  It’s the surveyor who, like crotchety old Aunt Emma did on that first real date way back when, picks and gnaws at a new boat love, ferreting out all those faults a buyer’s moon-struck eyes have failed to see.  With a survey report in hand, the buyer can then work with the seller to correct these issues outright, negotiate a reduced price, or determine if it’s better to find a boat with fewer issues.

By Capt. Frank Lanier

Captain Frank Lanier is a SAMS® Accredited Marine Surveyor with over 40 years of experience in the marine and diving industry. He’s also an author, public speaker, and multiple award-winning journalist with articles on seamanship, marine electronics, vessel maintenance and consumer reports. He can be reached via his website at www.captfklanier.com