Susmita Asad Bay boats are more popular for inshore fishing and shallow waters. As a first time buyer, you may have a tight budget and specific requirements to get started. So investing on a used bay boat is a good idea.
But if this is your first boat purchase, you may still be confused if investment on a used bay boat a good or bad idea. This feature will guide you through the benefits of buying a used boat and the steps of used boat purchase.
What is a Bay Boat?
A bay boat is popular for inshore fishing and shallow waters as they have a flat wide bottom and shallow drafts. These boats have efficient internal storage due to their streamlined design and can easily hold fishing equipment and fresh catch.
As bay boats have lengths between 20-26 feet they are suited for shallow waters as well as slightly deeper waters. But we won’t suggest riding off bay boats into the deep sea.
Should you Buy a Used Boat?
Now let’s return to the initial question: is investment on a used bay boat a good or bad idea? The answer is a simple yes! It’s better to buy a used boat if you’re a new boat owner or on a tight budget.
Why should you buy a used bay boat? The previous boat owners can provide any needed information on the boat. It is also cheaper to buy a used boat than a new one.
Buying New Boat vs Used Boats
A common dilemma when buying a boat is whether to buy a new or used boat. Before we discuss whether investing in a used bay boat is a good idea, let’s look at the benefits of purchasing a new boat vs. a used boat.
Benefits of buying a new boat
- The machinery, equipment and interior of the boat will remain untouched after purchase.
- You can buy the exact model with all desired specifications and not be limited by market availability.
- The new purchase comes with intact warranty and repair facilities.
- You can adjust the gears, speed, equipment angle and motor speeds however you want.
- You can decorate the boat from scratch without having to undo changes by the previous owners.
Benefits of buying a used boat
- The previous owner can brief you on the specialities and limitations of the boat.
- The boat may come with pre-installed upgrades and repairs.
- A used boat costs less than a new one, so you can practice before buying a new one.
- You can buy a used boat from a reseller, broker or dealer according to budget and benefits.
From the above comparisons, it’s clear that a used bay boat is easier to purchase and maintain. However, if your boat has too many repair issues, you may want to buy a new one.
How to Buy a Used Boat
If you want to start a fishing business or a boat riding business, it’s best to purchase a used boat. But there are some things to keep in mind when buying a used boat from a dealer or owner.
Here are the simple steps to buying a used boat:
1. Find a used boat for sale
Use online adverts, selling websites and social media pages to find boats on sale and compare the best prices.
2. Check the boat properly
Inspect if all the parts are intact and functioning properly. Make sure to check the boat motors and fuel tank and investigate for any leaks or signs of damage.
3. Ride the boat in shallow waters
Run trials to check if the boat can withstand shallow waters and slightly deeper waters. Take note of the stability, speed, durability and any noises while running.
4. Specify the measurements
Measure the length of the boat’s body, hull, bottom and interior to make sure it meets your demands. A bay boat over 22 feet in height is ideal for fishing and hauling equipment. You can also take leisure rides on such boats.
5. Make sure all equipment is intact
The boat should come with included motors and equipment necessary for the boat to run. Settle with the dealer if there are missing parts.
6. Agree on the purchase price
If the boat is up to your standards then discuss the preferred price with the dealer. It’s better to have more options on hand to make sure you get the best deal from the purchase. Finding a budget that suits you is the main goal of buying a used boat.
7. Draft a bill of sale
Work on a purchase agreement after settling on the price to officiate your purchase. The purchase should be in alignment with the laws of your state and will hold you and the seller accountable for sale-related inquiries.
What to know when buying a used boat
Keep these rules in mind when buying a used boat:
- It’s best to buy used boats directly from a professional boat dealer or manufacturer.
- Check the history of repairs to make sure the boat wasn’t damaged too much or isn’t too fragile.
- Investigate the types of trips supported on the boat and the maximum weight it can handle.
- If you are a new owner, it’s better to have a professional check the boat before confirming the purchase.
7 Questions to ask when buying a used boat
Make these inquiries before you purchase a used boat:
1. What kind of motor does the boat have?
Bay boats usually have a gas-powered or diesel motor. New diesel motors may last for 6,000 to 8,000 hours or more, after which they need to be rebuilt or replaced. A gas-powered motor may run for 1500 to 2000 hours.
You need to be aware of the motor lifespan to understand the maintenance schedule. If the motor is new and has a longer lifespan, there’s no need to rebuild the motor.
2. Was the boat stored in an indoor or outdoor facility?
Boats stored outside or parked inside a water body are more likely to be damaged by contact with water. Other environmental factors, such as harsh winds, UV rays, direct sunlight and harsh rains, can also ruin the paint and body of the boat.
Boats stored in indoor facilities will be in better condition. The original paint, surface, metal and equipment will stay in top condition. Boats parked in water bodies are more likely to decay due to water abrasion.
3. How long has the boat been used?
If the previous owners used the boat for over five years, it’s likely undergone many repairs and fine-tuning. You should also check that the previous owners haven’t left any dents or unfixable stains on the boat’s body. The parts and motor should all be intact and in usable condition.
Sometimes, even old boats are kept in top condition. However, these boats may have old motors or bodies. It’s better to purchase a boat with a newer, intact body.
4. What is the repair history of the boat?
Ask the dealer to present records of previous repairs. You should keep track of which parts of the boat were repaired and how many times. If a single part of the boat was repaired multiple times, this could mean the boat has faulty or incompatible parts.
Before confirming your purchase, check the compatibility of all moving parts. The repair history also gives you an estimate of the cost to repair and maintain the boat.
5. Is the boat warranty transferable?
If the boat was purchased only a year or two ago, the original warranty might still be valid. Ask the dealer to inquire if the warranty is still valid and if it can be transferred to you.
Having an old boat with a warranty means you can get most repairs done for lower costs or even for free. This is especially useful when checking the boat’s current condition before buying it. However, the chance of the original warranty remaining could be higher in second-hand purchases.
6. Why is the boat being sold?
It’s important to understand why the previous owner or the dealer is prepared to let the boat go. If it’s only being sold if the owner doesn’t like the model or it’s too hard to maintain, it will be hard for you to manage as well. So inquire about why the boat was sold at first. If the owner sold it because it couldn’t be managed or the owner got a new boat, it’s safe for you to purchase.
But if the cause for selling is that the boat has too many defects, you’ll end up spending more in repair than you’ll save in buying a used boat. After all, you don’t want to end up with another man’s rejection, right?
7. How much is the estimated annual cost of maintaining the boat?
Boats need repairs, maintenance, replaced motors, fuels and regular checkups. Like all vehicles, your water chariot will pull a pretty hefty sum. Ask the dealer for an estimate on how much you have to spend on the boat to keep it well and running. If you’re buying for business purposes, you may be able to manage the boat costs easily.
It’s also a good idea to ask the dealer or manufacturer for tips on how to care for a used boat and which repair houses to frequent. You can find detailed guides on how to care for used boats online or from the dealer.
Conclusion
A bay boat is a popular choice for inshore fishing. Now you know the answer to the question: is investment on a used bay boat a good or bad idea. Remember to keep multiple choices open and talk to many dealers before sealing the deal. It’s best to let a friend who has experience in owning and buying boats tag along with you. You can also hire a marine surveyor who can check the conditions of the boat and sea during the trail.
However, hiring a marine surveyor or professional to confirm a purchase will cost you extra money. Our simple steps on how to buy a used boat will help you make the purchase easily. Happy boating!