Used Boat Inspection Guide

Before you buy a used boat, it is wise to give it a thorough inspection. That way, you can make sure the price matches its current state and you won't be facing unexpected major repairs down the road.

Use the below tips to conduct a used boat inspection yourself - or visit Boat Country to explore professional inspected used boats for sale. Our dealership is based in Everett, Washington.

The Exterior

Look over the used boat's exterior. It should be free of any corrosion on wood and metal surfaces. Some small cracks can be expected, but be wary of any cracks that are bigger than two inches long.

The Oil

See how the oil looks. If it's milky, it could indicate water got into the engine and caused damage. 

You'll also want to check the feel of the oil. If it seems gritty, it could be metal shavings from the engine.

The Fuel

As for the fuel, it’s important that the smell is not “off”. If the used boat’s fuel smells rotten or outside-of-the-norm, there could be issues.

The Electronics

It may seem tedious, but you will want to go through the used boat and test the different electronic systems and items. Keep in mind that it can be quite costly to repair electronics. 

If something doesn’t work, be sure to get a rough estimate on how much it may cost to fix it. Be sure to include that repair cost into your overall budget and make sure the used boat still fits within your finances.

The Flooring

Walk around the used boat and see how the flooring looks. For materials that can be lifted, go ahead and look underneath them. The underside should be free of moss or discoloration.

The Seats

Here, you are looking for two things. First, make sure the used boat seats are free from obvious damage.

Second, make sure the seats are not too clean. This can indicate the previous owner relied on harsh chemicals to make worn seats look like-new, which can cause significant damage to the vinyl coverings.

Ready to check out used boats for sale? Check out the selection at Boat Country. Our dealership is located in Everett, Washington, and we also serve those in Snohomish and Marysville.