How to Buy and Inspect a Pre-owned Cabin Cruiser

Know what to look for before purchasing a pre-owned boat.

Whenever you buy something that someone else has owned, it's important to inspect it thoroughly. When that purchase is as big as a cabin cruiser, you want to be sure to do your due diligence before making an offer to buy the boat. Before you go to inspect the boat, be sure to do some research on the type of boat. Know what the boat should be worth and what type of damage to look for.

Instructions

1. Determine your budget. Figure in the cost of not just the boat but of the trailer. Ask if the purchase price of the boat includes the trailer. Keep in mind most cabin cruisers are usually docked for the season, not taken in and out of the water, so figure docking fees into your budget. Don't forget to include the cost of insurance, as well.

2. Check to make sure the title is clear. You can have a title company run a search on the title to determine if there are any liens against it.

3. Inspect the hull and flooring for any weakness. If the deck seems soft or mushy when you step on part of it,that could be a sign of some dry rot.

4. Check the engine for leaks in the lower unit and ask to see a maintenance schedule. Take a look at the propeller and check for dings. This could be a sign the boat has hit something like a shoal.

5. inspect the electronics and make sure they work . Make sure the batteries will hold a charge. Ask if the boat comes with a shore power cable as they can cost hundreds of dollars.

6. Check the canvas for wear and tear.

7. Check to see if the bedding and furniture look worn or have rips and tears.

8. Inspect the bathroom. Check for cleanliness as well as leaks. Most boats over 26 feet have full pump-out bath rooms. Check all the water lines from the water storage tank to make sure they do not leak.

9. If the cruiser has a fly bridge, check the cables that run to the main bridge for breaks or wear.

10. Ask the seller to take the boat out on a sea trial. Don't buy a boat that you have never seen on the water.

11. Hire an expert to inspect the engine. Unless you are very familiar with boat engines, hiring a boat mechanic to give the boat a once over will save you time and trouble later.

Tips & Warnings

• Get as much information on the provenance -- the prior owners -- of the boat as possible. This keeps you from buying a stolen boat.

References

• BoatTEST: Buying a Used Boat