Inspecting a Used Boat Before You Buy It

When you want a great boat at a price you’ll love, you should consider buying a used boat. However, because used boats can vary widely in terms of quality, you’ll want to inspect it first. Here are the steps we recommend you take when looking over a used boat that interests you.

Examine the Exterior

Walk around the outside of the boat and look carefully for cracks in the gel coat, dents in the hull, and signs of rust or corrosion. While some of these issues might simply be cosmetic flaws, they can also indicate serious damage to the interior of the boat. The hull should also be clean and polished and free of debris.

Check Fluids

The fluids in a boat’s engine can be a good indicator of how well the boat was taken care of by its previous owner. Make sure the gasoline is clean and fresh and that the oil is not sludgy or opaque. The oil also shouldn’t have metal shavings in it. Ensure that the radiator has plenty of coolant, too.

Get the Records

Finally, any reputable seller or dealer should be happy to furnish you with the maintenance records for the used boat in question. Look over these records carefully to see how well the boat was taken care of over time. You should see regular oil changes, cleanings, and professional inspections.

When you’re ready to buy a used boat, visit one of our multiple locations in Wisconsin and Illinois to view our full inventory of pre-owned boats for sale. Gordy's Marine is proud to serve the cities of Fontana, WI, and Waukegan, IL.