There’s a plethora of reasons why people sell their boats.

They may be upgrading, downgrading or renewing; they simply may not be using it enough to warrant the expense, it may have been a dream unfulfilled, they may need the cash for other purposes, possibly a deceased estate or in a minor number of cases they may be unloading a stolen or hidden problem.

Often people don’t even know that there are problems with their boats.

I have seen engines with scored cylinder compressions up to 40psi under recommended pressure and about to seize with the owners totally unaware that there’s any problem, in fact still fishing with them.

Floors and transoms may look OK from the outside but the timber structure beneath can be totally rotten.

Trailers can rust from the inside out to the point of collapse but seem outwardly strong.

You can’t simply pull over to the side of the road at sea and call RACQ to look after you.

Breakdowns always seems to happen at the worst possible time. Boating can also take you to lonely backwaters far from mobile service, so help isn’t always at hand.

Know what you are lookin at

Buying a boat, whether new or preloved is about knowing what you are after, but then understanding what you are looking at.

If there’s a comparable boat for sale, considerably cheaper, then either one of the boats needs a price realisation, or there’s more than meets the eye.

Second-hand boats are generally quite individual. There are just so many variable components.

Engines, trailers, electronics, canopies, year, condition, hours and even branding can make the world of difference. In fact, price should really be the final consideration.

Many purchasers are so intent on the price they don’t see the potential ramifications of an ill-informed purchase.

Some portray boat dealers in a low human category along with car salesmen and real estate agents, however from long experience I can tell you that it’s more often the buyers that are the liars.

Sure, buying from a dealer may sometimes seem a bit more expensive, however as an ex-dealer I often used to wonder about the exorbitant price some paid for private sales only to find problems with the purchase and no backup or warranty.

Dealers generally know what they are looking at and consider the overall package when establishing a price.

Those factors include general overheads, advertising, staff and all of the factors that make a boat seaworthy and presentable at a reasonable price.

Then there’s guarantee of ownership and warranty considerations, plus a wide choice of varying makes, models, power and other package price considerations that may well see you buying something more suited to your needs.

Use an independent assessor

An independent assessor, such as Seaworthy Inspections, can help qualify a suitable purchase.

They not only know boats, they know common faults and have a comprehensive checklist that could save you thousands of dollars, or better still avoid putting yourself, mates and loved ones into serious risk.

A professional, independent assessor will not only check and advise on all components, but they can also estimate ongoing service and maintenance costs, registration, insurance and running costs.

It’s not really an independent assessor’s job to advise on price, more so it’s some peace of mind that you aren’t throwing hard-earned dollars at someone else’s lemon.

Sometimes that lemon may not even be theirs to sell leaving the unprepared purchaser empty-handed.

If you already own a boat, you may be considering a private sale or trade-in to purchase your new dream machine.

People often have inflated ideas of the real market value of their boat and in our current economic boom, where new boats often have long waiting lists, you may well have more than you originally thought, particularly if it is a sought-after brand and model.

It pays to be realistic. If it is a trade-in, please consider the dealer needs to cover all their overheads, wages, commissions, warranty, taxes and profit.

Most of all you don’t want the possible repercussions, responsibilities or conscience of selling someone a lemon either. The world is a much better place with honesty and honour.

Tips for boat buying

• If it looks like a lemon, and smells like a lemon it usually is a lemon.
• If a seller has no service or usage history then raise your suspicions
• Ensure the seller has the legal right to sell the boat and if a private sale, get a Statutory Declaration re ownership. Note that registration does not prove ownership nor finance obligations
• Consider the overall package, not just the boat.
• Trailers are often an afterthought but, in reality, should be a priority 
• A professional boat salesman may well be your greatest ally, not someone to be haggled with.
• In the case of a trailer boat, ensure your towing vehicle capabilities and legalities. Remember that what was suitable for registration 20 years ago may not be legal, nor insurable now.
• Look out for quick fixes, paint-overs, new floor carpets, modifications, recommended power and transom weight ratings, brakes, lighting and trailer condition
• Lastly, in the year 2022, more than 50 years since the drive-on trailer was invented, why on earth would you still cause problems at busy boat ramps without one?

STORY BY WILL TYNE