Used Boat Inspection Guide

Inspecting a used boat before you purchase it can help you catch all kinds of potential maintenance issues. However, first-time buyers don’t always know what to look for, which is why the experts at Nisswa Marine have created this guide to inspecting used boats.

Examine the Used Boat's Exterior

Start by checking the used boat’s exterior for cracks two inches or longer. While scratches and scrapes that are smaller than this are usually not a major cause for concern in and of themselves, too many of them may indicate that previous owners did not properly maintain the vessel. You should also keep a lookout for any signs of corrosion. 

Check the Oil and Fuel

Next, check out the engine oil and fuel. Oil with a milky appearance indicates that water got into the engine at some point, which is something that you should investigate further. You will also need to touch the oil itself to see if it feels gritty. If it does, this means that it is full of metal shavings, a major red flag when it comes to engine maintenance. Finally, smell some of the fuel. If it smells rotten or otherwise not right, this is another good indicator that something is wrong. 

Look for Mildew, Rot, and Rust

While internal rot, rust, or mildew are not serious problems by themselves, they often indicate that previous owners did not keep up with maintenance. Some boat owners choose to only deal with visible signs of deterioration, so be sure to check any hard-to-reach spaces for signs of neglect and poor maintenance. 

Test the Electronic Equipment

Most modern boats rely heavily on electronic equipment in order to function. Furthermore, these electronic systems tend to be very expensive to replace. Before you purchase a used boat, always make sure that the electronics are working properly. 

For more information or to view our selection of pre-owned boats, visit Nisswa Marine online or at our dealership in Nisswa, Minnesota. We also offer winterization, boat storage, financing, trade-ins, servicing, and parts ordering. We are proud to serve communities such as Minneapolis and St. Cloud, Minnesota, and we hope to see you soon.