Why A Used Boat Might Be Right For You
There’s nothing like cruising on the open water to feel alive and free, but the thought of buying a new boat can stop some in their tracks. Don’t worry, though. Buying a pre-owned boat is not just an option — it can actually be the best move. Depreciation can mean a fairly new boat comes at a sliver of the cost, and when you shop in the right places, it’s easy to find used boats in great condition.
This buying guide can cover the basics, but sometimes you need to see a boat with your own eyes. At JR Motors, we offer excellent quality pre-owned boats at great prices. Stop by our locations in Lake Havasu and Parker, Arizona, and our friendly staff can help you find the perfect boat for you.
Budgetary Benefits
One of the greatest advantages of used boats is the cost. Pre-owned boats will go for a significantly lower rate than one fresh off the line, even if they were barely used by their previous owners. That means you can get a great deal on a boat which may have barely touched the water! A lower price also means a smaller investment for a captain who’s new to captaining. You’ll pay it off faster, which means less of a burden as you go into this new venture.
Make Your Dollar Go Further
Spending less money on the boat itself also means more money left over for other considerations. If you know a bit about boating and want to customize your new purchase, buying pre-owned allows you to spend more money on making your boat look and feel the way you like. This can also help with repairs down the road or stocking up on all your marine supplies, whether that includes fishing rods, inner tubes, snorkels, or a combination of them all.
Low Risk, High Reward
Having spent less money on your purchase can help you relax when it comes to learning the ropes. Anyone who’s new to boating can benefit from having a training period, so to speak. Learning to control your boat often comes with a few bumps and scrapes, and on a newer boat, that could feel worse and cost more to repair.
Know Your Boat
A used boat means a tested boat. While something new off the lot may be a bit of a mystery, buying a used boat gives you the chance to know a bit about how it works and moves before you ever hit the waves. A previous owner or a well-informed dealer can tell you about any quirks that a particular machine might have, which means you’re better prepared to control it when the time comes.
Even if you can’t learn much about that specific boat, a used boat is usually an older boat. Learn about others of that model online from other owners to get their perspective on how to handle it.
Considerations
With as many benefits as a used boat has, there are a few things to keep in mind before going ahead with your purchase. Pre-owned boats will have a history of one kind or another, and it’s important to learn as much about a specific boat as you can before you invest in it.
Previous Captains And Adventures
When speaking to a dealer or a boat’s current owner, try to learn as much about your boat’s history as possible. Learn its maintenance history, like when it was last inspected by a professional or how many problems it’s had in recent years, if any. Talk about the boat’s age and other previous owners. These tidbits can help you explore how well the boat was cared for and whether it’s changed hands too many times. The age of the boat will also help you determine a fair price.
Keep A Lookout
When you’ve narrowed down your options, make sure to make a visual inspection of any potential issues. A fresh coat of paint and new upholstery is nice, but they’re not everything. Start by examining the exterior of the boat. Chips and cracks aren’t necessarily a red flag, but they shouldn’t be longer than two inches at most. Any wood or metal surfaces should be checked for signs of rot or corrosion as well. Sometimes the issue is just cosmetic, but they can also suggest a lack of maintenance that may indicate further problems.
Next, check the interior. If it’s possible without damaging the boat, look beneath any flooring materials for discoloration or moss, which may indicate poor maintenance and water issues. Make sure all electronics and moving parts are smooth and in working condition. Mechanical troubles on boats can become more expensive than in cars, so it’s not a bad idea to get a surveyor to inspect your potential boat to be safe. This could keep you from buying a boat that could sink you.
Most importantly, purchase your boat from someone you trust or a licensed retailer. At JR Motors, our staff is ready to help you with making the right choice on a used boat. We’re located in Lake Havasu and Parker, Arizona, and proudly serve Blythe, Arizona.