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is it safe to buy a used boat?

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Im very interested in buying a boat. I have never bought one before but I live in florida on the water so im very farmiliar with boats. i know that they break alot.. or so ive heard.. and ive heard they are like money pitts sometimes. i am a college student with not alot of money to blow if a boat i buy breaks. i have about $5,000 cash to spend to buy a boat.. I have found many nice used little ski boats for this price and waverunners and stuff, but im worried that since theyre used something might go wrong.. i always buy used cars without hesitation.. but do used boats break more often? is it much safer to buy a new boat than a used boat or is it about the same risk as a car? i am trying to figure out wether to just spend a little money on a used boat, or wait a while and just buy a new boat when i have the money. any advice would be helpful, thanks alot

Follow Ups:

Re: is it safe to buy a used boat? - akendall 13:04:39 07/08/02 (0)
A few suggestions (from my own experiences):
For the motor:
1. Take it to a certified marine mechanic that doesn't know the current owner of the boat.
2. Make sure that you are with the mechanic when it is tested in the water, have it pressure tested at the head and lower unit - especially if the prop is damaged.
3. Open the engine cover and check to see whether or not there is paint missing off any major screw assemblies (of so ask the current owner what work was done to the engine in the past)
For the boat:
1. Check the transom and under hull for cracks/damage, and/or loose rivets (for aluminum)
2. Check steering assembly and throttle - two places where damages can be costly
3. Make sure the boat and motor have clear serial numbers and that it isn't stolen! (check through local ministry of transport)
4. If the boat comes with a trailer, make sure the trailer is road worthy (tires, licenced, electrical, etc...)
Re: is it safe to buy a used boat? - Coastman 08:39:47 06/17/02 (0)
The previous poster gave sound advice. Additionally, I would add that the simpler, the better. I would avoid complex electronics, etc. We purchased a used jon boat, 14', w/ a 25 hp Johnson engine that we use for fishing the flats. Rarely do we have trouble, and it is usually fixed very easily.
Change the plugs yearly, always use fresh gas, use Sta-Bil in the fuel, and always disconnect the fuel line and run the engine dry if you are going to put it away for more than a few days.
Re: is it safe to buy a used boat? - Lundman 09:53:09 06/11/02 (0)
Just like any used item - sometimes you need to spend a little to save a lot. Find a boat that you are considering to buy and spend $75 or so and take it to a certified mechanic and have him give it the once over. Just like a home inspection, the mechanic can alert you to any maintenance items, safety concerns, and potential $$$.

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