Tips For Buying a Used Boat

Buying a used boat is a great way to bring home your preferred vessel without breaking the bank. If you plan to purchase a pre-owned vessel but are unsure where to begin, we can help you get started.

Hava Style Recreation is your local used boat dealership in Lake Havasu City, AZ, and we’ve gathered a few tips to help you find your dream vessel more quickly than you think. Read on to learn more, and for more information, swing by our dealership for a friendly chat with our team!

Do Your Research

It will be hard to narrow your choices if you aren’t sure what you need in a used boat. Determine the type of boat you want—a small fishing boat or a spacious pontoon—and explore models that fit your requirements. Remember that your boat’s size will determine how many people and how much cargo you can take on board. Check boat weight maximums to ensure you invest in a vessel that is large enough for your outings.

Plan Your Budget

Don’t shop for a used boat without being aware of your limits. You don’t want to purchase a fancy boat that’s outside of your means, leaving you with empty pockets and a great deal of responsibility on your shoulders.

To avoid this, make a budget you can stick with and automatically discount any boat that costs more than your upper limit. Consider the boat’s sticker price licensing, insurance, slip rental, and safety equipment before finalizing your decision. You’ll also want to consider fuel and storage expenses for a more realistic estimation.

Perform a Thorough Inspection

After you’ve narrowed your choice to one boat in particular, you’ll want to inspect it thoroughly. Check the exterior to see that there aren’t any large cracks or repairs in the gel coat that could indicate a collision or impact event that the seller is trying to hide. Examine metal and wood for signs of corrosion and rot and check under flooring for discoloration. You’ll want to be sure the electronic equipment functions well and that the vessel doesn’t need intense maintenance to perform smoothly.

Now that you’re more familiar with the things to consider when buying a used boat, you are ready to explore a few models in person. Visit Hava Style Recreation to peruse our fine selection of premium vessels and let us help you select the perfect model for your budget. We proudly serve Lake Havasu City and Parker, AZ, so reach out today!