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
Thursday, January 12, 2012
What is the process needed to register an used boat?
Hello,
I recently bought an used boat, however I realized that the tag on the boat which list the details of how many passengers it can carry, or the right motor required depending on the size of the boat has faded.
Without this "tag" what is the process I need to take to register my boat?What is the process needed to register an used boat?
To register a used boat you need the title and the sales slip.
To get it inspected by the Power Squadron or Coast Guard auxiliary, you need the proper safety equipment which on a small boat does require the tag for number of passengers.
You may be able to get it from a boat dealer or get the info online for that boat and paint it in. Check with the maker of the boat.What is the process needed to register an used boat?
you don't need that tag to register a boat...you need the title to the boat....
I recently bought an used boat, however I realized that the tag on the boat which list the details of how many passengers it can carry, or the right motor required depending on the size of the boat has faded.
Without this "tag" what is the process I need to take to register my boat?What is the process needed to register an used boat?
To register a used boat you need the title and the sales slip.
To get it inspected by the Power Squadron or Coast Guard auxiliary, you need the proper safety equipment which on a small boat does require the tag for number of passengers.
You may be able to get it from a boat dealer or get the info online for that boat and paint it in. Check with the maker of the boat.What is the process needed to register an used boat?
you don't need that tag to register a boat...you need the title to the boat....
How do I go about getting a boat survey done for a used boat?
I am going to buy a Boston Whaler 305 Conquest and I need to know how I could get a survey because the boat is used. Where would I go to get this done or would I have to do it myself?How do I go about getting a boat survey done for a used boat?
You can pay for a survey. They will pull the boat and inspect it for you. In our expierence use your own suveyor! This will help you in the negotion process and possibly drive the price down. We paid $1,100 for a 55' boat. You can find a surveyor at any Ship yard or a marina that pulls boats. If you use a broker they will all so can help you. Good Luck!How do I go about getting a boat survey done for a used boat?
You will have to hire a marine surveyor. It's best if you can do an out of water survey. You can find marine surveyors listed in www.boattrader.com and click on "surveyors".How do I go about getting a boat survey done for a used boat?
Depending on your location, the surveyor will charge anywhere from $350 and up. You can make arraingements with a local shipyard to haul it out for the inspection, and possibly save a few dollars, but you'll pay either way. Just look in the phone book under Marine Surveyors. Call 4 or 5 and get an idea of the prices and what their inspection covers.
You can pay for a survey. They will pull the boat and inspect it for you. In our expierence use your own suveyor! This will help you in the negotion process and possibly drive the price down. We paid $1,100 for a 55' boat. You can find a surveyor at any Ship yard or a marina that pulls boats. If you use a broker they will all so can help you. Good Luck!How do I go about getting a boat survey done for a used boat?
You will have to hire a marine surveyor. It's best if you can do an out of water survey. You can find marine surveyors listed in www.boattrader.com and click on "surveyors".How do I go about getting a boat survey done for a used boat?
Depending on your location, the surveyor will charge anywhere from $350 and up. You can make arraingements with a local shipyard to haul it out for the inspection, and possibly save a few dollars, but you'll pay either way. Just look in the phone book under Marine Surveyors. Call 4 or 5 and get an idea of the prices and what their inspection covers.
Where is the best source for used boats.?
Not interested in Ebay. A list of Iowa marinas would be great!!Where is the best source for used boats.?
Marinas, classified ads from local paper, check with bait shop owners they always know of some deals, craigslist is a good site and boat trader. O I almost forgot sometimes, not always, you can find a deal on a used boat at a new boat dealership, think trade-ins. Good Luck and check out any used boat you buy very carefully.
JKust google "Boats for sale Cape Coral - Gfits for soldiers"Where is the best source for used boats.?
www.boattrader.com
in your local newspaper in the classified section is a very good source. I bought a 14ft jon boat with a trailer for $200. the owner was asking $300. for it but I talked him down.Where is the best source for used boats.?
I would go with local boat dealers, local classified ads, boat trader. Whatever method you use, make sure to be able to see the boat in person and get a sea trial before buying. Or make sure the boat has been surveyed by a reputable surveyor.
http://www.boattraderonline.com/ski doo
Marinas, classified ads from local paper, check with bait shop owners they always know of some deals, craigslist is a good site and boat trader. O I almost forgot sometimes, not always, you can find a deal on a used boat at a new boat dealership, think trade-ins. Good Luck and check out any used boat you buy very carefully.
JKust google "Boats for sale Cape Coral - Gfits for soldiers"Where is the best source for used boats.?
www.boattrader.com
in your local newspaper in the classified section is a very good source. I bought a 14ft jon boat with a trailer for $200. the owner was asking $300. for it but I talked him down.Where is the best source for used boats.?
I would go with local boat dealers, local classified ads, boat trader. Whatever method you use, make sure to be able to see the boat in person and get a sea trial before buying. Or make sure the boat has been surveyed by a reputable surveyor.
http://www.boattraderonline.com/
Where to get wire as used on Cabo boats with numbers instead of just colors?
Cabo probably numbers their own wires. However, why don't you contact Cabo and ask them? I bet they will help out.Where to get wire as used on Cabo boats with numbers instead of just colors?
There is an accepted wire color code. Numbers are used to id what that leg is. Stick with the color code and label the wiring if you wish. Should you stray and not use the proper color code, for example many boaters by one color and use it everywhere regardless, you will make it difficult to id wiring in the boat and this will result in problems when troubleshooting electrical problems which means money out of your pocket.
There is an accepted wire color code. Numbers are used to id what that leg is. Stick with the color code and label the wiring if you wish. Should you stray and not use the proper color code, for example many boaters by one color and use it everywhere regardless, you will make it difficult to id wiring in the boat and this will result in problems when troubleshooting electrical problems which means money out of your pocket.
When buying a used boat from a dealer is it necessary to hire a Marine Surveyor and Mechanic?
We'll be purchasing a used boat and need to know if a Marine survey and mechanic should be hired to look at the boat, or is that considered an insult to the dealer? Thanks! Also is a sea trial necessary when purchasing from a dealer? Obviously purchasing from a private seller is different, however we just don't want to insult the dealer if it's not common to ask for sea trials, mechanic reviews and marine surveys. Thanks!When buying a used boat from a dealer is it necessary to hire a Marine Surveyor and Mechanic?
If you honestly think you are the very first "smart, educated, and intelligent person" to ever buy a boat from that dealer... You better RUN (not walk) away from that deal and the dealer.
I don't care if the Dealer is your brother, or your mother... being smart is always intelligent... being dumb is always stupid.
Is it "necessary"? Yes! Is it law? No! but it should be.
Is is "smart"... Absolutely! And depending on the price, size, and intended use of the boat - It could be the very smartest (or dumbest) financial decision you ever made. The bigger the financial sacrifice on your part, the bigger the loan... the smarter and more important it.
Just what are you going to do, if you take that boat out after you buy it, and discover - you need more money to fix it then you paid to buy it? Do you think for one minute, your loan payments will stop?
There are two "absolute musts" to buying a used boat of either substanial size or substantial cost to you...
One is the sea trial - the other is the Marine Survey and the absolute best of both worlds is to schedule your survey and the sea trial together... This way, the surveyor can ride along with you.
DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THE DEALER!
A sea trial (and survey in my opinion) is probably more important and necessary when buying from a dealer, then from buying from an owner direct. I can almost guarantee you - that if you buy the boat without a sea trial - the Dealer's owner, salesman, manager, finance officer, and mechanics - will gather around when you leave - and talk about what an idiot you were for not demanding one.
How do I know this? Like Garth Brooks - I have friends in low places. Some, (although I forgive them) are boat brokers and salesmen. For sure, I guarantee you that they would never ever buy a boat and not demand a sea trial (and depending on the size and cost - a survey.)
Now... let me close with this true story. I once recommended a friend on mine buy a particular boat. The boat was an absolutely beautiful 50 foot steel hull Chris Craft Roamer. The vessel was also in the slip next to mine... and had been for ten years. Every day... almost without fail... rain or shine - the retired Navy Admiral that owned that vessel - would be on it - and always working on it with meticulous tender loving care. Though the hull was steel - from the deck up - it was beautiful teak and mahogany, and the Admiral kept ever inch of that vessel in absolute perfect (looked brand new off the showroom floor) condition.
Finally, the Admiral realized he was just too old to take care of her, and put the vessel up for sale. My friend put down a deposit contingent on "his" satisfaction with the results of a Certified Marine Survey. (And at 50' the cost was no small potatoes, and one he had to bare).
To every ones absolute shock, (and I do mean every ones - from the Marina, the mechanics, the Admiral, me, and everyone else familiar with the Admiral and his boat - the survey revealed a soft spot in the starboard bow (steel had rusted)... How bad was it" my friend ask the Surveyor... "Well, " he said, "It's about the size of a basket ball, and bad enough I think I can put my fist through it."
So with a dozen or more of us that just couldn't believe it... the surveryor went out and - starting with the pressure of his bare thumb, pushed out a whole that was indeed just a bit larger then a basket ball.
Now... it didn't stop the deal. My friend and the Admiral came to terms and my friend bought the boat. Course, the first thing he did was have the hull repaired...
The point here is this... Everyone involved were honest men of integrity - and very experienced boaters.
No way would the Admiral have been using his boat, if under that beautiful paint, he had any idea his hull was dissolving away.
In either case, the Admiral or my friend, one good hard turn to port in rough seas - would have quickly flooded and sank the boat. In this case, I am convinced that - that survey saved at least one life - either my friends, or the Admirals.
Capt. John
Yes it is necessary to hire a Marine Surveyor before purchasing a ship that agency can tell which ships is good for future purpose there are all lot's of necessary things which we have to check that is ship is insuared You can find more about this please login to http://marinesurveyorgroup.com
A survey, simply, is an inspection and valuation of your boat.If the boat is more than 3-5 years old, you will probably have to have it surveyed for insurance purposes, however most dealers will provide a pre-sale report, and some insurers will accept this. As most surveyors are familiar with the mechanical aspects of boats, it is not necessary to have a separate inspection done by a tech, unless there is a mechanical problem suspected by the surveyor.
Sea trials, nautical for test drive, is a must. Not only can you judge the condition and performance of the vessel, but it's a good time for the seller to give you some basic info on the operation of that particular vessel. All boats are not created equal! This is a great time to ask questions, and there are no stupid ones.
Costs will vary considerably depending on your area, type and size of the vessel, and the type of report you require. See if your state has a surveyors association, most do, to find accredited surveyors in your area.
By all means hire a respected Surveyor! You would be foolish not to. I assume you are going to be paying your hard earned money for the boat, are you not? You want to make sure you are getting your monies worth. Additionally, a good Surveyor (one who is not working with the dealer) knows what boats are listed for and more importantly what they are actually selling for. A good Surveyor is going to find flaws in the boat (doesn't mean the boat is bad), you can use those findings to negotiate the price lower. Remember, right now there are a lot of boats for sale; more boats than there are buyers. This means you should be able to get a great boat at a great price. Use a professional to help you accomplish that. Don't be in a hurry either. If you miss one there will be a dozen more to look at.When buying a used boat from a dealer is it necessary to hire a Marine Surveyor and Mechanic?
It's always a good idea. I would certainly ask for a sea trial/test drive. A surveyor would cost you around $250 to $350 dollars and would probably be overkill if it's a small boat. If it's a larger cruising-type boat then definitely get a surveyor. Getting an independent mechanic to check out the motor shouldn't concern the dealer. If it does it would seem he was trying to hide something. Check the deck for soft spots, check the steering to see that it steers freely, check to see that the gauges and accessories work, look for signs that the hull has been patched or repaired, check the transom to see that it isn't rotten or cracked...those are some of the things to look for. A good marine mechanic should go over it for free or very cheap...maybe $30-$40. They will check the compression in the engine and could give you a general idea of how reliable it will be. Check online to see what the boat is worth. Prices are very subjective on boats. Try to find one that is in similar condition. An identical boat in two different areas could be worth very different amounts so try to get an average.
Hope this helps!
The answer here is obvious... Of course, by all means, utilize the services of a licensed marine surveyor.
I would.
If you honestly think you are the very first "smart, educated, and intelligent person" to ever buy a boat from that dealer... You better RUN (not walk) away from that deal and the dealer.
I don't care if the Dealer is your brother, or your mother... being smart is always intelligent... being dumb is always stupid.
Is it "necessary"? Yes! Is it law? No! but it should be.
Is is "smart"... Absolutely! And depending on the price, size, and intended use of the boat - It could be the very smartest (or dumbest) financial decision you ever made. The bigger the financial sacrifice on your part, the bigger the loan... the smarter and more important it.
Just what are you going to do, if you take that boat out after you buy it, and discover - you need more money to fix it then you paid to buy it? Do you think for one minute, your loan payments will stop?
There are two "absolute musts" to buying a used boat of either substanial size or substantial cost to you...
One is the sea trial - the other is the Marine Survey and the absolute best of both worlds is to schedule your survey and the sea trial together... This way, the surveyor can ride along with you.
DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THE DEALER!
A sea trial (and survey in my opinion) is probably more important and necessary when buying from a dealer, then from buying from an owner direct. I can almost guarantee you - that if you buy the boat without a sea trial - the Dealer's owner, salesman, manager, finance officer, and mechanics - will gather around when you leave - and talk about what an idiot you were for not demanding one.
How do I know this? Like Garth Brooks - I have friends in low places. Some, (although I forgive them) are boat brokers and salesmen. For sure, I guarantee you that they would never ever buy a boat and not demand a sea trial (and depending on the size and cost - a survey.)
Now... let me close with this true story. I once recommended a friend on mine buy a particular boat. The boat was an absolutely beautiful 50 foot steel hull Chris Craft Roamer. The vessel was also in the slip next to mine... and had been for ten years. Every day... almost without fail... rain or shine - the retired Navy Admiral that owned that vessel - would be on it - and always working on it with meticulous tender loving care. Though the hull was steel - from the deck up - it was beautiful teak and mahogany, and the Admiral kept ever inch of that vessel in absolute perfect (looked brand new off the showroom floor) condition.
Finally, the Admiral realized he was just too old to take care of her, and put the vessel up for sale. My friend put down a deposit contingent on "his" satisfaction with the results of a Certified Marine Survey. (And at 50' the cost was no small potatoes, and one he had to bare).
To every ones absolute shock, (and I do mean every ones - from the Marina, the mechanics, the Admiral, me, and everyone else familiar with the Admiral and his boat - the survey revealed a soft spot in the starboard bow (steel had rusted)... How bad was it" my friend ask the Surveyor... "Well, " he said, "It's about the size of a basket ball, and bad enough I think I can put my fist through it."
So with a dozen or more of us that just couldn't believe it... the surveryor went out and - starting with the pressure of his bare thumb, pushed out a whole that was indeed just a bit larger then a basket ball.
Now... it didn't stop the deal. My friend and the Admiral came to terms and my friend bought the boat. Course, the first thing he did was have the hull repaired...
The point here is this... Everyone involved were honest men of integrity - and very experienced boaters.
No way would the Admiral have been using his boat, if under that beautiful paint, he had any idea his hull was dissolving away.
In either case, the Admiral or my friend, one good hard turn to port in rough seas - would have quickly flooded and sank the boat. In this case, I am convinced that - that survey saved at least one life - either my friends, or the Admirals.
Capt. John
Yes it is necessary to hire a Marine Surveyor before purchasing a ship that agency can tell which ships is good for future purpose there are all lot's of necessary things which we have to check that is ship is insuared You can find more about this please login to http://marinesurveyorgroup.com
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When buying a used boat from a dealer is it necessary to hire a Marine Surveyor and Mechanic?A survey, simply, is an inspection and valuation of your boat.If the boat is more than 3-5 years old, you will probably have to have it surveyed for insurance purposes, however most dealers will provide a pre-sale report, and some insurers will accept this. As most surveyors are familiar with the mechanical aspects of boats, it is not necessary to have a separate inspection done by a tech, unless there is a mechanical problem suspected by the surveyor.
Sea trials, nautical for test drive, is a must. Not only can you judge the condition and performance of the vessel, but it's a good time for the seller to give you some basic info on the operation of that particular vessel. All boats are not created equal! This is a great time to ask questions, and there are no stupid ones.
Costs will vary considerably depending on your area, type and size of the vessel, and the type of report you require. See if your state has a surveyors association, most do, to find accredited surveyors in your area.
By all means hire a respected Surveyor! You would be foolish not to. I assume you are going to be paying your hard earned money for the boat, are you not? You want to make sure you are getting your monies worth. Additionally, a good Surveyor (one who is not working with the dealer) knows what boats are listed for and more importantly what they are actually selling for. A good Surveyor is going to find flaws in the boat (doesn't mean the boat is bad), you can use those findings to negotiate the price lower. Remember, right now there are a lot of boats for sale; more boats than there are buyers. This means you should be able to get a great boat at a great price. Use a professional to help you accomplish that. Don't be in a hurry either. If you miss one there will be a dozen more to look at.When buying a used boat from a dealer is it necessary to hire a Marine Surveyor and Mechanic?
It's always a good idea. I would certainly ask for a sea trial/test drive. A surveyor would cost you around $250 to $350 dollars and would probably be overkill if it's a small boat. If it's a larger cruising-type boat then definitely get a surveyor. Getting an independent mechanic to check out the motor shouldn't concern the dealer. If it does it would seem he was trying to hide something. Check the deck for soft spots, check the steering to see that it steers freely, check to see that the gauges and accessories work, look for signs that the hull has been patched or repaired, check the transom to see that it isn't rotten or cracked...those are some of the things to look for. A good marine mechanic should go over it for free or very cheap...maybe $30-$40. They will check the compression in the engine and could give you a general idea of how reliable it will be. Check online to see what the boat is worth. Prices are very subjective on boats. Try to find one that is in similar condition. An identical boat in two different areas could be worth very different amounts so try to get an average.
Hope this helps!
The answer here is obvious... Of course, by all means, utilize the services of a licensed marine surveyor.
I would.
What is the more correct name of the boats used by the natives of panama?
I've usually heard them called "piraguas"
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