Buying a used boat can help you save a lot of money as well as manage to afford a bigger boat than you would when buying a brand new one. Nevertheless, there are no guarantees when buying a secondhand boat. That is why you need to work closely with marine surveyors Palm Beachtrusts to ensure you evaluate a boat thoroughly before making payments for it. This article will look at the key steps you must take when buying a used boat.
See the boat and get a professional inspection
Just because a boat is being sold by your trusted cousin or a reputable firm doesn’t mean you should take their word for it. Most of the issues on used boats are not cosmetic; they are hidden. If you don’t know what to look for in a boat survey, you risk buying a vessel that will torment you for years. To avoid this, enlist the help of experienced marine surveyors Palm Beach recommends. The surveyor you hire should have experience inspecting vessels similar to what you are considering. They will inspect every inch of the boat and provide you with a detailed report that will help you understand the boat better. If major repairs need to be fixed, this information will be in the report. An experienced surveyor will also include photos of the issues he found.
Give it a sea trial
The role of a boat surveyor is to help you understand the exact condition of the boat and give you a price estimate. It is your job to determine if the boat you are considering is a good fit or not. One way of determining if the boat is right for you is by arranging a sea trial. In most cases, when getting a pre-purchase survey, a surveyor will insist on a sea trial. If this was done during the survey, you don’t need to do it again. However, if you are not the person behind the wheel, it is good to arrange for another sea trial. The goal is to get a feel for driving the boat.
Check the paperwork
Now that you are okay with everything about the vessel itself, it is time to dig deeper. Ask the seller for all the paperwork that relates to the boat. Title documents will be needed for most boats. Ensure there are no liens on the boat’s title because you might be liable as the new owner. You must also check the Hull Identification Number to ensure it matches what is imprinted on the boat. You must also request a bill of sale from the seller and check if the boat has VAT paid.