Deciding on the Kind of Boat
Who will use the boat? Just family or will you invite friends?
How will you use the boat? Will you be fishing or water skiing? Taking day trips, weekend trips or week long excursions?
When, and how often, will the boat be used?
Where will you operate the boat? In lakes, rivers or on the ocean?
How much can you afford to spend? Remember about maintenance costs, insurance, registration fees, and instruction and safety course fees.
What type of boat suits your personality and temperament?
Inspecting the Boat
Test drive the boat.
Take along several people on the test drive.
Check vibration - a vibrating boat makes a noisy boat.
When looking at an inboard/outboard boat check to make sure the trim works.
Test the steering from one direction to another.
Check to see how long it takes the boat to plane after take off.
Check if the boat slip smoothly into gear.
Make sure the boat works in reverse.
Check to see how many hours are on a boat.
Inspect the floor for soft spots, which indicate rot.
Ask for a maintenance history on the boat.
Inspect the hull and make sure it is in good condition.
Have a qualified marine mechanic thoroughly inspect the boat.
Check the temperature, RPM, and speedometer for proper function.
If a trailer comes with the boat you want to buy check the trailer thoroughly.

Boat Buying Checklist

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