Interactive Boat Buyers Guide.
Hover over the images below for quick descriptions, and key inspection points.
Bow Eye
On rare occasions, due to improper trailer or winch techniques, excess stress on the front bow eyelet can cause damage. Most commonly fine cracks in the gel coat, but sometimes serious structural damage to the actual fiberglass. Click to learn more.
Navigational Lights
These are the lights used to allow other boats to determine your position and travel direction at night. If they are non-functioning it can be as simple as a bulb, or a more serious wiring issue. To learn more about navigational lights, and diagnosing issues click here
Latches & Hasps
Latches can be all over: On anchor storage, floor compartments, bathroom doors, etc. If latches are broken they tend to be an indicator of either regular use in harsh conditions, poor owner care, or simply design quality. If broken latches are found, There are other things to pay attention to, click to learn more.
Cleats
Cleats are located all around your boat, and provide you with solid points to tie your boat safely to a dock or other attachment points. Fine gel coat cracks can occur from excess stress from storms, improper mooring, and tying off to other boats. To learn more about do's and don'ts or the insight this can provide to overall boat owner care click to read more.
Steering System
Steering systems are vital for safety and comfort. They are tricky to test on dry land, but there are tips and tricks to help you avoid purchasing a boat with a significant issue. If you want to learn some easy tests, in and out of water, click here
Upholstery
Upholstery is probably the most common wear item on a boat. Mold, weather-checking, and loose seams, each have their own challenges. Each provides insight on storage habits and overall care. To see the impact on value, repair costs, and likely cause click here to find out more.
Gel Coat (Hulll)
Battling hard water spots and sun fading is a tough part of boat ownership. Gel Coat is extremely tough to "re-new". But, does some minor fading affect value? what are acceptable conditions? how does it reflect ownership care? click to learn more.
Gel Coat ( Gunwale )
The upper half of a boat is called the Gunwale: pronounced "Gunnel". If this is faded or sun damaged, it can be alerting to potentially brittle upholstery, and lack of regular covering, click to find out more.
Damage & Chips
Always inspect boats thoroughly top to bottom. Chips in gel coats, or extensive wear from repetitive "beaching" can be present. simple dock rash or chips can be repaired easily. Gouging and cracks are more extensive. to see repair costs and impacts on value click to learn more.
Electronics
Stereo systems, gauges, navigation, bilges, & more. If you'd like to know potential issues, fixes, costs, and overall general knowledge click to learn more
Observable Condition
This is the first step of the boat buying process. More often then not buyers are excited about the fantasy of owning a new boat. An exciting description paired with attractive pictures can make you feel like you've got a pretty good picture of the boat your inspecting. Private party sellers typically fail to advertise anything negative, they also may not be aware of certain issues. Its extremely important to view a boat as an investment. You are ultimately trading money for an experience, and you want that experience to be smooth. Start from bottom to top, be aware of common issues, and go slow. You'll own it for years, so there is no point in rushing an inspection. Curb your excitement at this time and look at the boat with a clear view. One trick is to observe a boat as if your buying for a friend who can't be there, putting his money on the line. You'd want to be sure he is aware of any present issue before completing a sale!
Mechanical: Engine & Outdrive
Oil Check
Always Check the oil. If the oil looks milky and or over a full reading, that indicates significant engine damage. Low oil, or extremely dark colored oil indicate less extreme issues. Click to learn more about color, level, what they indicate, and potential repair costs.
Belts & Hoses
Inspect Belts and hoses for damage and weakness. even with no mechanical knowledge there are a few simple tricks to determine if you're good to go, or likely to be stranded on the lake. Wear can be natural or due to neglect. Click to learn tricks, repair costs, and what worn components can signal.
Power Steering Fluid
A simple power steering fluid check can save you from extensive repairs. Click for help identifying and locating the reservoir, and how to check fluid levels.
Gimbal Bearings
These can be inspected to a point, but not visually. Gimbal Bearings are a common wear component, and a rather costly part of maintenance, which often leads owners to neglect replacing them. Wear is preventable with proper boating techniques. Click to learn how to check, and prevent wear on Gimbal bearings.
Skeg
The Skeg or "Skag" is an important part of your boats steering & handling. These often become chipped/broken due to boating mishaps. Click to learn what this impacts, how to repair, and what it indicates of previous owners.
Prop
The Prop contributes to overall speed & how your boat gets on "plane". there are different materials & pitches. Prop damage is rather common and can lead to vibration & internal damage. Click Here for replacement costs, inspection tips, and more.
Outdrive
The Outdrive contains gears, shafts, seals, and more. It is filled with oil. But, it is not common practice to check oil during inspection. These are rather complex units. But, there are some things you can do to get a better idea of overall health and care. Click to see tips on inspection and more.
Bellows
Bellows are actually extremely important to inspect visually. They are a very common wear item, that if left unattended can sink your boat. Bellows are rubber accordion style sheaths that allow cables to run from inside the boat to the Outdrive, for shifting purposes and other functions. They prevent water from entering the hull. Click to learn how to inspect and repair costs.
You don't have to be a mechanic.
Without any mechanical knowledge, we can provide you with loads of confidence, and knowledge, ahead of your next boat purchase. If you've checked the quick guide above you certainly have the basic of tools already at your disposal! If you want to dive deeper check out our fully detailed used boat inspection guide. Nothing is full-proof, not even professional inspections, but you can increase the likelihood of a smooth-sailing summer when equipping yourself with knowledge. If your still hesitant reach out to us and ask about our remote Marine inspections. We can accompany you and provide insight about mechanicals, fair value, and more.