THINKING ABOUT A BOAT PURCHASE?

Whether you have a year-end bonus burning a hole in your pocket or are anticipating a tax refund, you might be in the market for a new boat. While new boats are great if you can afford them, used boats are often the better option. However, used boats carry the risk of prior damage being undisclosed by the owner. Here are a few ways to minimize that risk if you’re considering going with a used boat.

There are many reasons someone might put a used boat up for sale. The trick is evaluating whether or not there’s anything underlying that would make it a bad deal. Obviously, the safest way to do this is to hire a marine surveyor. The surveyor will evaluate the boat with a well-trained eye and catch things even the most experienced boat-purchaser wouldn’t notice. Of course, this comes at a cost. However, if you’re looking at a large investment, it’s worth the fee to know you’re getting a good deal.

If the boat you’re considering isn’t very expensive, hiring a surveyor might not make sense based on the cost. In that case, you can self-evaluate the boat by turning a critical eye to its details. Dishonest sellers can cover up damage that you won’t notice unless you look carefully. Watch for variations in color or texture. It’s difficult to match the original materials when performing repairs. Make sure to look carefully at interior hardware and wiring for signs of corrosion. These are often the only indications of prior water damage once cosmetic work has been performed.

Whether you’re fishing this weekend or enjoying other activities, let Boat Stop Storage keep your boat safe and protected. For more information or to reserve your spot, check out our website here or call us at (361) 937- 2423.