The ultimate guide to buying second hand boats
Dreaming of buying a boat? Many of our customers make the dream a reality by purchasing second hand boats; trading in the overcrowded pavements to enjoy the sweet pace of boating life and the magnificent waterways.
To help you embark on this beautiful adventure and purchase your first boat, hassle-free, we have created this guide on how to buy a used boat. It includes everything you need to look for when buying second hand boats and the important questions you must ask yourself and the sellers.
Ask yourself these questions before buying a used boat
- What size boat is right for you? (Consider how many people will be cruising or living onboard at any given time and ensure that you have enough cabins).
- Where will you moor your boat? (If you plan to use it often, make sure it is easily accessible, and remember that mooring space prices vary depending on the size of your boat).
- Can your boat access all the regions and countries you wish to visit? (For example,for boating in France, small waterways can be pretty shallow, and some bridges are very low).
For inspiration on where to take your boat, our guide ‘Le Boat’s top boating destinations – Our ultimate boating holiday index’ can help you find the best locations for boating holidays.
How much do second hand boats cost?
Second hand boat prices vary greatly depending on the size, make, model, age, and condition of the used boat you wish to purchase. If you already have an idea of your budget and have your financial options in place, then you are off to a good start. If not, it helps if you set a budget and stick to it.
In addition to the cost of buying your boat, you need to factor in the cost of maintaining, mooring, and operating your boat.
Our article ‘The real cost of owning a boat’ can help you discover everything that you need to factor into your boat purchasing budget.
Once you have answered the questions above and have identified models that match your criteria, here are the next steps you should take to find the perfect used boat for you:
What to look for when buying a second hand boat online?
When looking to purchase a second hand boat online, start by limiting your research to ads that are clear and complete.
A detailed and carefully written advert gives a good indication of the care taken of the boat.
There should be clear images of the boat from every angle of the interior and exterior of the boat, and some may even include a video tour.
The ad should list the boat’s:
- Make
- Model
- Conditon
- Year
- Size
- Number of cabins, bedrooms and bathrooms
- Motor make
- Fuel type
- Propeller type
It’s also useful to know what equipment the used boat comes with, such as whether it has a water heater, electric shock pump, cooker, fridge, etc. The more specification details and honest mentions of both minor and major issues the ad lists, the better.
What to ask the seller when buying a used boat?
You don’t want to start your adventure with endless repair work, so you must ask the seller for details of the boats:
- Current condition
- Age of the boat
- Maintenance history
- Owners’ manual and legal documents
- Warranty information
Find out before you buy the boat whether any maintenance work needs to be done. If the boat comes with a warranty or professional survey and inspection, you will feel more confident in its quality.
What are the signs of a boat in poor condition?
We always recommend visiting any boat you wish to buy in person so that you can walkWalk around the boat to look for signs of wear and tear.
- For example, discolouration of the top layer may be a sign of previous damage to the boat.
- Blistering on the underwater sections of the boat, i.e. the submerged part of the hull, may be a sign of osmosis: a chemical reaction between the hull components and the water in which the boat cruises.
This water gradually penetrates the gelcoat, which becomes porous as it ages. This water then comes into contact with the resin and fibre of the laminate that makes up the hull.
Repairs for osmosis exist, but they will add to the cost of maintaining your boat. So, consider negotiating the price if your dream boat shows signs of osmosis. - If the boat is out of the water, check the condition of the hull, anodes and propeller blades. Some defaults are repairable, but if the hull and deck structures look like they are about to drift away, run!
Buying a used boat checklist
1. The engine
Give it the same importance as if you were buying a car. Before your visit, ask about the engine hours. Check that the engine does not look rusty and that the mountings are still sound. Check that the oil in the dipstick is not milky and that the belt is not cracked or worn.
2. The electrical wiring
Take a look at the electrical wiring. The electrical system can quickly be overloaded. Check that all plugs are secured. Worn and loose wiring can cause electrolysis, an electrochemical phenomenon that leads to a quick oxidation of the hull, which can lead to water entering the boat, corrosion, and boat fires. In addition to the dangers associated with poor electrical wiring, a complete rewiring can be expensive.
3. Gas, appliances, installations and equipment
Check the age and certificates of the appliances onboard to ensure that they are still up to standard.
Check which items are sold with the boat: Ropes, fire extinguishers, etc. In what condition are they? Do they need to be replaced?
Where can I buy a second hand river or canal boat?
Feeling overwhelmed by so many checks? At Le Boat, our expert Romuald Leblanc has carried out the used boat checklist for you and has selected, the best second-hand models for sale, which all meet strict quality criteria. Having been a chief boat mechanic for Le Boat himself, Romuald lived on his own boat for 9 years and knows boats perfectly. He will help you with all the procedures and is available to answer all of your questions.
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