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.

Download or Print this Boat Buying Checklist

Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.

Who it's for

This Boat Buying Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.

Avoid forgetting - keep all your Boat Buying essentials in one place (external memory)
Save time - start from a proven Boat Buying structure instead of a blank page
Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time

How to use this Boat Buying Checklist

Save Boat Buying Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Boat Buying (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.

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