How to Buy a Used Boat

Source: wikiHow

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Four Parts:Evaluating Different Types of BoatsSetting Your Budget and Searching for BoatsAsking Questions and Inspecting the BoatMaking the DealCommunity Q&A

If you’d like to buy a boat but have a limited budget or limited boating experience, a used boat is your best bet.

The first step is to figure out what specific type of boat will best suit your needs. Then, visit the boat and fully inspect it. Talk with the owner to ascertain its quality, and take the boat out on the water to make sure it doesn’t leak and runs well.

1. 1 Opt for a flat boat, or a bay or bass style if you’re an angler. One of these styles will suit you best if you plan to use your boat for freshwater fishing in lakes and rivers. You’ll be able to navigate the boat into narrow channels and streams, although the boat may not be suitable for holding more than 1 or 2 people.^[1]
   • Anglers also typically prefer center-console or dual-console boats.
2. 2 Purchase a pontoon for slow-paced relaxation. If you plan to use a boat for freshwater leisure but don’t plan to fish from it, opt for a reliable pontoon boat. Large pontoons can hold as many as 10 or 12 people, so they’re also a popular option for family parties or spending a day on the lake with your friends.^[2]
   • New pontoon boats range from $20–$30,000 USD, but used models will cost less.
3. 3 Buy a cabin cruiser, cuddy cabin, or dinghy for ocean cruising. If you want a fast boat that you can cruise in, check out cabin cruiser, cuddy cabin, and dinghy or dory designs.
   These are day-use boats that will allow you to cruise over the open ocean for hours at a time.^[3] Smaller cruisers can also be taken in…

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