Buying a used boat

[n.b.Goldie]

I think the best advice I have been given for when buying a used boat is to look in the engine 'ole before looking at anything else. If the 'ole is dirty and smelly with water and oil swilling about walk away without bothering to look at anything else.

 

 

If nothing else it avoids wasting time looking at no-hopers.

 

I notice that when compiling sales literature most brokers do not include pictures of what is most probably the most important part of the ship - the engine 'ole!

 

What do you look for?

 

Yours interestedly

Ditchdabbler

[Ex- Member]

I think the best advice I have been given for when buying a used boat is to look in the engine 'ole before looking at anything else. If the 'ole is dirty and smelly with water and oil swilling about walk away without bothering to look at anything else.

 

 

If nothing else it avoids wasting time looking at no-hopers.

 

I notice that when compiling sales literature most brokers do not include pictures of what is most probably the most important part of the ship - the engine 'ole!

 

What do you look for?

 

Yours interestedly

Ditchdabbler

 

That's a bit like the advice given to those seeking decent restaurants, check out the loo's before you eat, clean loo's = clean kitchen, so probably good food as well. Generally good advice in my experience.

 

So I would agree the engine room is probably the best place to start.

 

 

 

[alan_fincher]

I think the best advice I have been given for when buying a used boat is to look in the engine 'ole before looking at anything else. If the 'ole is dirty and smelly with water and oil swilling about walk away without bothering to look at anything else.

On that basis, I'd certainly not have bought either of our current boats!

[Ally]

hull condition, engine condition, general care, electrics and plumbing including gas, and insulation.

Pretty bits can all be worked on/changed/got rid of/added!

[nbfiresprite]

hull condition, engine condition, general care, electrics and plumbing including gas, and insulation.

Pretty bits can all be worked on/changed/got rid of/added!

 

I would add to that, The engine should be cold when you start it (If its warm, it may be hard to start from cold)

No blue smoke when running and no knocking sound which goes away when you speed the engine up. A large can of `Easy

Start in the engine bay is a bad sign.

 

Firesprite

[Caprifool]

If buying anything used I watch the eyes of the seller very carefully.

[NB Lola]

I agree, the engine is, apart from the shell, the most important, expensive element and surveys generally do not include a sufficient inspection/analysis as I found to my cost. My new engine is lovely, no leaks, squeaks or blue streaks (god, it took ages to create that linked phrase!).

 

If I ever bought another boat I would be taking a specialist with extensive knowledge - like Tony Brooks ( cannot remember if he has an e or not - sorry Tony). That way I would be getting a non liability backed honest opinion.

 

A boat survey I had recently carried far too many caveats to be useful in the event of a claim against it

 

So, yes have the engine ole checked by a competent professional - I am certainly not.

[station tug]

for me the hull is the most expensive part of a boat.....most vintage engines blue smoke (hear we go with the my engine dont smoke) which i dont see as a big problem.miost engine's a cheap to repair or replace.i like the boat out of the water and go round it with a decent sized hammer.you can tell far more with a hammer than you can with a silly meter..

[Higgs]

Learn your subject, as you're trying to do.

 

Some neglect-looking boats aren't necessarily duffers. It may be worth the effort and expense of restoration. It depends on your pocket and requirements.

 

Try and meet the owners. Get a survey. Don't let the cosmetics suck you in.

 

Some boats have been built in someone's backyard, others by well established boat builders.

 

It is a mine field and the more knowledge you have, the better.

 

If you just find a boat that you're drawn to then no advice, only good luck, is useful.

Edited August 30, 2011 by Higgs