Need to know about buying used boat?

I just moved into a lakeside house that has a dock and I want to buy a motorboat. I've never owned a boat and really don't know anything about owning one. I've been looking at boats on Craigslist, because those are the only ones that seem to be in my price range (~$3000). What should I know about buying a used boat? What sorts of mistakes do first time owners/buyers make that I can avoid?Need to know about buying used boat?
People new to boating such as you should not divulge into looking on Craigslist for used boats.



You need to start at marinas and boat dealerships looking at used boats. Yes, some of them might be of poor service, rude, or not helpful, but they give good starting points.



The reason why is boat purchasing is NOT even close like buying an automobile. You can easily find issues wrong on an automobile with a mechanic inspection and inspecting it closely yourself.



Whereas a boat has so many countless locations where it can hide mechanical and structure issues. Structural fiberglass issues generally start at $1,000 and the sky is the limit depending on the left of rot/damage.



Not to mention there are a bunch of deceiving people who list I/O boats on Craigslist with mechanical issues with the engine block who know about it and not mention it. Engine block cracks from freezing damage is the #1 of them all (improper winterization or not at all).





You need to do some extensive research on the following:



What can I really afford??? You don't buy the boat alone. Boat price, regular maintenance, taxes, registration, gas, and major repairs all factor in.



What kind of boat do I really need??? Don't go buying a pontoon boat or fishing only boat with small engine if you intend on pulling any towables other than a tube regularly.



What kind of propulsion system do I want??? Outboard or inboard/outboard. Both have their strengths and drawbacks.



What is the regular maintenance needed on the particular type of boat and drive system I need?



What are the legal requirements for operating a vessel in the waters where you live??? If you live in the US, most states for most individuals born after 1985 require you must pass a boater education course and carry the ID with you at all times on the boat.



Do you know the boating laws and regulations fully for the area you intend on operating the vessel in?



Are you willing to fully commit to owning a boat by investing the time and effort to keep the boat and trailer in good running condition? If you answer no or hesitate on this question, you probably should not think about any boat purchase at this time until you can with certain honesty answer yes.



Link to an answer I gave on this subject quite a while ago:



http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;鈥?/a>
First of all, stay away from Craigslist, there are more crooks there than in prisons.

Go to a local marina, and ask the sales people questions. Of course they are going to try to sell you a boat, but they will also offer you good advice coming from years of experience. They may even have something to offer you in your price range. Contact your local Power Squadron, they offer courses in boating safety and navigation, and are experienced boaters who can also offer you advice concerning purchasing and maintaining your boat. You can also google local boating clubs, and forums for new boat owners. Take your time, and use your head to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Good luck, and happy floating.Need to know about buying used boat?
Like the answer above make sure you know it runs for sure before buying it. Check that there's no cracks anywhere and make sure all the controls on the boat work. And when looking on craigslist, look for a boat that has a pretty new engine or with low hours. You'll be paying a lot more to fix it then its actually worth if you get a crappy motor.
If you have never owned a boat and or in general know almost nothing about boats what you need to know is don't buy one. But if you dead set on buying one buy it like you would buy a car and have it inspected at a boat shop. A key phrase to ask when calling someone is "hows the transom"Need to know about buying used boat?
demand to see it run in the water to make sure it does run correctly. check for soft spots in floor. check the back by motor to be sure there are no cracks (transom)