Boat buying questions, what are yours?

[coombia21]

Here is a list of questions I have written up. I am sure I am missing a whole bunch. What do you guys ask the seller before buying your boats?

What is the condition of the carpet on boat and trailer stains, burns discoloration?

Any stress cracks?

Motor hours?

Scratches or gouges in the fiberglass?

Rust or damage on the trailer?

Is there any sun rot or cracking on the tires?

Is the winch in proper condition?

When were the bearings last packed?

What electronics are on the boat?

Was the boat professionally rigged?

Was the boat tournament fished?

Was the boat stored inside or outside?

What is the reason for selling?

[FM_Mike]

When can I take a look at it. And if I like the way it looks, do you mind if my mechanic checks it out.

Pretty much covers my questions.

Mike

[Kyhl]

Dings in the lower unit?

Lower unit repairs?

Marks on the hull?

[fetch]

id look at his other items he owns... how his truck or house appears on your visit to look at the boat. if a truck or home appears to not be taken care of why would his boat be any different...

[coombia21]

I looked at a boat tonight that the guy said it was in good condition. There was 11 burn holes in the carpet, the carpet was coming off the trailer bunks and sides, there was stress cracks, the gel coat needed a good waxing, and the tires were rotted. I was not happy when I got there and saw this after driving 30 miles.

[BoxMN]

When was the last time the impeller was changed? How often do you change it?

How old is the battery?

When did they last put on new tires on trailer?

Because if they don't know the answer to those, they don't do regular maintenance and that means they don't take care of their stuff, IMHO.

[MuskieJunkie]

I looked at a boat tonight that the guy said it was in good condition. There was 11 burn holes in the carpet, the carpet was coming off the trailer bunks and sides, there was stress cracks, the gel coat needed a good waxing, and the tires were rotted. I was not happy when I got there and saw this after driving 30 miles.

That happened to me once on a truck, I drove a long way and then it didn't look quiet right so I asked if it had been in an accident. "yeah it was actually the title is stamped salvage".

I just turned and walked away, thanks bone head.

[Down Deep]

Can I see the title and your drivers license?

Do you have time to go with me to the county title office to change the title?

If a lien is listed can we go to your bank an have it cleared?

Can we go for a test ride?

Title issues can get very sticky and be a royal pain in the a$$ to get straighten out. Beware some liens may not be listed on the title and only the county title office can give you this information. Never take a used boat unless you have a changed title free of liens in your hand.

[BoxMN]

Can I see the title and your drivers license?

Do you have time to go with me to the county title office to change the title?

If a lien is listed can we go to your bank an have it cleared?

Can we go for a test ride?

Title issues can get very sticky and be a royal pain in the a$$ to get straighten out. Beware some liens may not be listed on the title and only the county title office can give you this information. Never take a used boat unless you have a changed title free of liens in your hand.

Boats don't have titles though, right? Just registration. Trailers have titles (go figure...).

[Kyhl]

Boats have titles if there is a lien (loan) against the boat.

Also boats from other states can be titled. Example, WI titles many fishing boats. I think WI's title rule is based on the length of the boat.

[Down Deep]

Boats don't have titles though, right? Just registration. Trailers have titles (go figure...).

Your right about the boat registration. This is what the MN DNR site had on boat registrations and titles.

Watercraft licenses - registration procedures & fees

Registration procedures

Register your new watercraft:

In person at any deputy registrar of motor vehicles (where you license your car) or at the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN.

If your new boat (except kayaks or canoes) is longer than 16', your dealer will apply for title and registration (license) on your behalf, and is responsible for providing you with license materials.

When you register your boat for the first time, know its length, manufacturer, type of hull material (wood, metal, or plastic), type of propulsion, model, year, serial or hull identification number (HIN) and have a sales receipt that shows you have paid the sales tax.

Length is the straight-line distance from the foremost part of the boat (bow) to the rearmost part of the boat (stern). Bowsprits, outboard motor brackets, rudders and other attachments are not included in the measurement.

Boat registrations are good for 3 calendar years (for example 1/1/2003 through 12/31/2005).

[bASS_BLASTER]

I try to keep it simple.

For new boat:

1. Can I afford it?

2. Is it fast enough?

3. Will it fit all my rod, tackle and gears?

4. Is this the right boat for the type of fishing I do?

Used boat:

1. Does it have enough room for all my rods and tackle?

2. Is the motor in good working order?

3. Is the lower unit in good working order?

4. Is the hull in good shape, no cracks to the hull or transom?