How many hours is low for a used boat?

I want to buy a used boat and am wondering about the hours. What is high and what is low

? Thanks.How many hours is low for a used boat?
how it was maintained is more important in the long run.



i've seen boats with over 1,000 hours stil in good shape. and i've seen boats with less then 100 hours that were junk.



and then age is a consideration.

most boats are wood and fiberglass construction. no matter how well cared for, moisture works its way into the wood. and weakens it.

i've seen great looking older boats with the rear end rotted away. motor ends up ripping free, with some of the boat still attached to it.





a full day on the water for many boaters is only 4 or 5 operational hours. if you only go 6 times a week, thats 30 hours a year tops.





the only way to buy a QUALITY used boat is too:

1. water test it.

you dont buy a used car without taking it for a spin around the block. you shouldnt buy a boat that way. just because it starts up easily and ildes nicely on land, shifts into gears and everything doesnt mean it will work in the water.

and it doesnt mean it wont sink either.



2. mechanical inspection.

take it to a marine service center and have one performed. it will cost about $50-100. they will give the boat a full once over and test everything, including a compression test which will tell basic motor condition.





if you do both of those, and it passes on both, you will be buying a boat capable of providing many years of enjoyment.

IF properly maintained from that point on.



one more key thing to remember, when was its last service?

and how many hours/years has the impeller been in it?

impellers are the heart of the marine engine cooling system. if it fails, its very easy to blow the motor.

3 years or 100 hours. when in doubt of last replacement, change it.

before it fails and leaves you stranded on the water. possibly after overheating your motor to the point of failure.How many hours is low for a used boat?
recreational boat, not in commercial service...

50 hours per year is pretty low.

400 hours per year is pretty high.How many hours is low for a used boat?
It's how the boat shows boats that are abused with low hours are worth less than high hours with good maintenance.