What do I need to know and do when buying a used boat in California?

My family is looking into buying a ski/wakeboard boat, somewhere in the 21+'' range, probably around 5 years old. My family and I are brand new to this, which is why we are getting used.

What do I need to check for in terms of the condition of the boat before buying?

Permits, licenses?



Anything specific to new boat buyers will be helpful.What do I need to know and do when buying a used boat in California?
When you find the boat that may be right for the family, arrange for the owner to take the boat to the Marine Boat Center of your selection for an inspection on the engine, drive system, hull and electricals. If the boat passes that hurdle, then it's onto the on the water drive test for at least 30 minutes. You drive the boat like you normally would. Test out every switch, button, plug, etc to make sure everything works and functions as it should. If something doesn't work, have them fix it. YOU want this boat to operate flawlessly when you take possession. If anything isn't working, don't let them tell you they'll take a little something off the price for you to get it fixed. NO. It's fixed before you accept the boat. Once the money gets into their hands and the paperwork is signed, the boat %26amp; trailer and ANY hidden problem becomes yours, and yours alone.



As a former Boating Safety Instructor, I always advised my students to purchase a NEW boat as their first boat, never a used one. You don't know enough to make a good decision about a good boat verses a bad boat. At least with a new boat any problems get handled by the dealer for the first year, unless you were at fault for doing something wrong.



I've have more than my share of people come back and contact me about their new used boat, and what to do now with a problem. It's rare to have a good outcome once the boat is paid for and signed off on. Also, us experienced boaters here see the newbies do the same thing day in, and day out and ask for help here. Being brand new to something should mean you'll take the best possible route for success, rather than the cheapest route to failure.



When I sell my used boats, I personally make sure everything operates perfectly, otherwise I won't sell it. I just sold two of my used boats in the last month, and have sold another five over the decades. I'm replacing with brand new models of the same. I take my safety seriously on the water. You don't get a second chance out there. Since you're new to boating, I advise you to get into a Boater Safety Class to start. Then followup with at least a Seamanship Class. All classes are very low cost, but the knowledge you'll take away will last a life time and is PRICELESS.What do I need to know and do when buying a used boat in California?
Either buy from a marina with good BBB ratings and reviews or buy used from an owner but always take it to the marina or mechanic with good credentials and have it checked out. It is not cheap but on a boat well worth the money to get it inspected thoroughly. Inspections run around $250 Up. Buying from a marina usely gives you a warranty of some kind. Since your new, do not do it alone. Get professional advice as stated above. Always winterize or before storage on the boat. best of luck.What do I need to know and do when buying a used boat in California?
don't buy a used boat, without taking it to a mechanic there is no way to know the existent of salt water corrosion that is inside the engine, when i buy used i drive very very far inland where the boat or jet ski was only used in fresh water