Forget that big new yacht or shiny new jet boat; buy a well-maintained used inboard/outboard boat with an open bow for maximum seating. A V-6 engine will pull most skiers out of the water, and it is super for tubing kids. Most mini-vans with a V-6 engine can handle at least a 19 footer on a trailer. So, buy according to what the current family vehicle can tow.
Tips to Buying a Good, Cheap Used Boat
Chris Caswell shares tips in "How to Sell Your Boat” online, but many of these tips can be used by buyers as well.
- Start by checking the local newspaper classifieds. Don't forget that those are simply asking prices and the price can be negotiated.
- The best selection is on the Internet. There are a number of sites that list many thousands of boats for sale. Be sure to compare apples to apples, because small variations in engines or equipment can make big differences in price.
- A pricing service is available for members of BOAT/US called Value Check, which provides price guidelines for specific boats by telephone or Internet.
- Use a marine "blue book” that can be found at a bank, insurance agent, or boat dealership. NADA and ABOS are the most popular, but each varies in pricing and methodology.
- Once a boat is found and the price has been negotiated, get a typed bill of sale that includes price, buyer and seller names, addresses and driver's license numbers, type and size of boat, registration numbers, and a list of the major equipment included. The bill of sale can serve as a receipt for payment.
- Know that signing the back of the pink slip or the title isn't enough. Have the seller send a form (usually included with the pink slip) to the boat registration agency. Otherwise the seller may remain liable for accidents or liens caused by the new owner.
- Get insurance as soon as the transaction is completed.
- Understand that if a seller withholds information about a defect in the boat and there is an accident, the seller can be liable.
Additional Budget Boating Ideas
Some families take day trips to the local water attraction and take the boat out the same day for cheap weekend fun. Other families camp near public docks or public boat ramps. Many state parks have public ramps to put the boat in the water and public docks for use. And, some rent boats. However, some require an additional license to use the docks and ramps.
