7 Advantages to Buying a Used Boat vs New Boat

Dec 27, 2021
When buying a boat, the budget is often the first thing on the buyer’s mind. However, to get the most bang for your buck, buying a used boat makes a lot of sense for multiple reasons. If you’re looking for a guide in buying a new boat vs used boat, then this blog is for you.

The first reason buying a used boat makes sense is that you’re paying the actual market value, or maybe even below market value. Just like driving a new car off the lot instantly decreases the deal, the same is true of a boat. A boat is a depreciating asset, and the main loss of value happens immediately after the new boat purchase.

Secondly, when it comes time to sell your boat, you’ll take less of a hit from a used boat purchase because you both bought and sold at market value, not an inflated new boat price.

cobalt bow rider driving boat

Purchase a pre-owned boat and get more boat for your budget.

For Best Used Boat Price, Buy During Off-Season

A great time to buy a boat is in the fall, winter, or early spring. The current owner may realize that they didn’t use the boat as much as they thought they would, or the seller may be thinking ahead to an upgrade. Either way, the seller is likely to negotiate the price to move the sale along.

Off-season buying is not only a way to get a lower price, but it’s also possible that boat finance rates may be lower during the off-season. Also, consider that if there are boat repairs, maintenance, or upgrades to be done, you’ll likely get the best service at your local marina during non-peak seasons.

There may be other reasons why boat owner wants to sell, like they need money. It gives the buyer yet another advantage when negotiating a favorable price.

advantages of buying used boat

Buy a used boat during the off-season and negotiate a favorable price.

Advantages to Buying a Used Boat From a Dealer

There are three main sellers of used boats. You can buy a boat from a used boat dealership, a boat broker, or a private seller. Each has advantages.

The advantage of a used boat dealer, like a local marina that sells used boats, is that there are much quality used boats to view at one location. Also, you may be open to what kind of boat you’re looking for anyway, so just seeing what’s out there and at what price point is a fun educational experience in itself. 

When viewing many quality boats in one location, it is possible to find yourself purchasing a model you hadn’t previously considered. But there it was, in beautiful condition and immediately available. That is another advantage of used boats, ready to use today.

Because you are buying a boat from a dealership, it may give the buyer a perfect opportunity to build trust with the dealer. The dealer may have serviced the boat in the past, may know its history and can provide future service for boat maintenance and repairs.

An additional advantage of purchasing from a used boat dealership is they have easy access to boat financing. Since a boat is a major purchase, most people finance a boat with monthly payments.

used boat vs new boat

Purchasing a used boat from a dealer has advantages. Selection at a single location and creating a relationship for future service are both advantages.

Advantages to Buying a Boat From a Broker or Private Seller

The advantage of buying a boat from a broker is that they may have a wide coverage area from where they draw customers, giving them a large selection. It may be helpful if you are searching out a particular model.

The drawback is that the boats may be scattered at separate locations, and to go view and test drive the boats is both time-consuming and costly.

A private seller may also be a good place to find a great price, and they may have all of the details of the boat’s history. But again, you can only view one boat per location.

Know the Boat’s History

Regardless of what source you choose to purchase a boat, you’ll want to gather as much information about the boat’s history. Especially important are the scheduled maintenance records for services like oil changes, lower unit services, and annual winterization.

It is important to know all of the repairs and upgrades that have been made over time. Therefore, it is best if the seller provides records of these repairs and upgrades. 

Ideally, the history shows that the repairs and upgrades were done over a period of time as they naturally occurred. Beware if there have been many repairs in the past few months, which indicate maintenance had been absent, and the seller just got the boat ready to sell.

You need to do a close inspection to know what you’re buying. Beyond the maintenance records, look at the overall cleanliness, and inspect closely for damage to the gel coat and fiberglass. Inspect the carpet, upholstery, and accessories. 

Look closely at the cleanliness of the bilge and the engine. A continuously maintained piece of equipment always looks fresh and clean.

Inspect the motor for any leaks, cracked belts or hoses, corroded electrical parts, or black soot inside the engine compartment. Again, an engine that is maintained will always have a clean and tidy appearance.

Inspect the hull of the boat for hairline cracks and gouges. These may be signs of degradation of the underlying structural fiberglass. Also, look for moisture within the deck or hull. In case there are issues, a qualified shop can do permanent fiberglass and gel coat repairs that can make it good as new.

For a serious investment, you may want to hire a marine surveyor, the boat equivalent of a home inspector. They know exactly where to look for potential issues.

driving a boat showing peace sign

Before purchasing a used boat, gather all of the maintenance records so you are confident that it has been well cared for.

Other Advantages to Buying a Used Boat

A huge advantage to buying a used boat is that the boat may come fully outfitted. For instance, it may come with an anchor and anchor line, bow and stern lines, bumpers, first aid kit, flares, fire extinguisher, and life jackets. All of these accessory items add up to upfront costs when buying a new boat.

Other bonuses may be a canopy or enclosure, boat cover, upgraded electronics, and a trailer.

When choosing a used boat model, you can research reviews online and find out whether the model you are interested in is a good one or it’s a lemon. There are sure to be lots of owner-written testimonies about any boat model. This is valuable information as a buyer because it alerts you what to watch out for or assures you that the model is a solid design.

Conclusion

Buying a used boat is a great choice for most people. It is a way to maximize value and quality for the money spent. It is also a safe investment when it comes to holding resale value. 

If you are confident that the boat you’re interested in has been well maintained, it likely has a lot of life left in it. After all, the goal is to get out on the water with family and friends and have fun. By lowering the cost of your boat purchase, it may free up time and money for additional recreation and relaxation. Goal achieved!

For new or used boat transport contact Trailers and Transport.

Browse Used Boat for Sale

FOLLOW US
Schedule Service
RELATED POST
Advantages of a Center Console Boat

Advantages of a Center Console Boat

May 26, 2022

Center console boats are akin to the SUV's of boats. You sit up high, they're sturdy, utilitarian, and a blast to drive. The primary advantages of a center console boat are ease of operation, superior view from the center helm, clear access to all sides of the boat,...

Boat Propeller 101: Frequently asked questions

Boat Propeller 101: Frequently asked questions

Apr 7, 2022

Is boat propeller selection important?  Yes! After the engine, boat propeller is the essential component that gives your boat connection to the water and creates thrust to propel the boat forward. It is akin to tires on your car. You can feel higher performance...

How Does Marine Audio Equipment Differ?

How Does Marine Audio Equipment Differ?

Apr 7, 2022

Marine Audio equipment is specially designed and manufactured to perform in the harsh conditions of the marine environment: sun, rain, spray, salt, and the shock of pounding waves. Marine audio equipment is either waterproof or highly water-resistant. The internal...

198 Comments

  1. binance
    binance on February 18, 2025 at 10:03 am

    Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

    Reply
  2. binance bonus za prijavo
    binance bonus za prijavo on February 22, 2025 at 10:11 pm

    Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

    Reply
  3. www.binance.com
    www.binance.com on February 24, 2025 at 2:00 am

    Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!

    Reply
  4. sign up binance
    sign up binance on March 1, 2025 at 4:29 am

    Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

    Reply
  7. Crie uma conta gratuita
    Crie uma conta gratuita on April 21, 2025 at 9:11 am

    Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

    Reply
  8. binance US registrieren
    binance US registrieren on April 29, 2025 at 9:41 pm

    Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

    Reply
  25. 注册Binance
    注册Binance on May 3, 2025 at 6:56 am

    Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

    Reply
  60. Регистрация
    Регистрация on May 8, 2025 at 8:54 pm

    Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

    Reply
  92. Ralphbat
    Ralphbat on May 17, 2025 at 2:41 am

    Эта публикация дает возможность задействовать различные источники информации и представить их в удобной форме. Читатели смогут быстро найти нужные данные и получить ответы на интересующие их вопросы. Мы стремимся к четкости и доступности материала для всех!
    Ознакомиться с деталями – https://medalkoblog.ru/

    Reply
  104. 注册Binance
    注册Binance on May 19, 2025 at 8:53 am

    Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

    Reply
  131. WilliamSueni
    WilliamSueni on June 3, 2025 at 9:19 am

    cialis 20mg prix: Pharmacie Express Рm̩dicament sans ordonnance pour infection urinaire

    Reply
  132. BrianAsype
    BrianAsype on June 3, 2025 at 12:34 pm

    oligobs m: ordonnance qsp – amoxicilline angine sans ordonnance

    Reply
  136. ThomasAwace
    ThomasAwace on June 4, 2025 at 6:28 am

    scrub mask filorga: g̩n̩rique viagra Рsomnif̬re sans ordonnance en pharmacie

    Reply
  137. MichaeldoK
    MichaeldoK on June 4, 2025 at 8:56 am

    cortisone sans ordonnance: Pharmacie Express – anti depresseur sans ordonnance

    Reply
  138. binance
    binance on June 4, 2025 at 9:02 am

    I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

    Reply
  139. ThomasAwace
    ThomasAwace on June 4, 2025 at 10:23 am

    comprar toseina online sin receta: Confia Pharma – online farmacia italy

    Reply
  142. MichaeldoK
    MichaeldoK on June 4, 2025 at 1:03 pm

    enstilar schiuma prezzo ticket: Farmacia Subito – farmacia online tampone rapido

    Reply
  144. Bradleytek
    Bradleytek on June 4, 2025 at 3:31 pm

    som actif sommeil posologie Pharmacie Express exacyl sans ordonnance

    Reply
  145. MichaeldoK
    MichaeldoK on June 4, 2025 at 5:39 pm

    farmacia guadalajara facturacion online: Confia Pharma – mascarillas ffp2 en farmacia online

    Reply
  146. JosephBroth
    JosephBroth on June 4, 2025 at 6:46 pm

    ventolin farmacia online: Confia Pharma – farmacia vaticana ordini online

    Reply
  147. binance registration
    binance registration on June 4, 2025 at 6:54 pm

    Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

    Reply
  148. Bradleytek
    Bradleytek on June 4, 2025 at 7:44 pm

    farmacia on line affidabile Farmacia Subito colecalciferolo prezzo

    Reply
  149. MichaeldoK
    MichaeldoK on June 4, 2025 at 9:38 pm

    ematonil a cosa serve: Farmacia Subito – cerazette prezzo

    Reply
  151. JosephBroth
    JosephBroth on June 4, 2025 at 10:54 pm

    pharmacie en ligne codeine sans ordonnance: sildenafil 100mg – acheter betamethasone sans ordonnance

    Reply
  152. Bradleytek
    Bradleytek on June 4, 2025 at 11:51 pm

    farmacia online tampone covid Farmacia Subito aripiprazolo 5 mg prezzo

    Reply
  153. MichaeldoK
    MichaeldoK on June 5, 2025 at 1:37 am

    pernazene avec ou sans ordonnance: Pharmacie Express – ciclopirox olamine

    Reply
  154. JosephBroth
    JosephBroth on June 5, 2025 at 3:04 am

    farmacia online svizzera: Farmacia Subito – vmp pasta per gatti controindicazioni

    Reply
  158. Rogersappy
    Rogersappy on June 5, 2025 at 8:30 am

    viagra in chennai pharmacy: Pharm Express 24 – amoxicillin mexican pharmacy

    Reply
  159. Charleshaums
    Charleshaums on June 5, 2025 at 10:30 am

    ziprasidone online pharmacy: Pharm Express 24 – legit online pharmacy provigil

    Reply
  160. Matthewham
    Matthewham on June 5, 2025 at 10:55 am

    medicine delivery in vadodara InPharm24 buy online medicine

    Reply
  161. Rogersappy
    Rogersappy on June 5, 2025 at 12:04 pm

    dutasteride from dr reddy’s or inhouse pharmacy: mexican pharmacy – pharmacy coumadin clinic

    Reply
  162. Matthewham
    Matthewham on June 5, 2025 at 2:42 pm

    mexico pharmacy near me Pharm Mex pharmacy in nogales mexico

    Reply
  164. Charleshaums
    Charleshaums on June 5, 2025 at 3:09 pm

    india pharmacy market: InPharm24 – order medicines online

    Reply
  165. Rogersappy
    Rogersappy on June 5, 2025 at 3:20 pm

    best online pharmacy india: InPharm24 – india medicine

    Reply
  166. Matthewham
    Matthewham on June 5, 2025 at 6:20 pm

    vibramycin online pharmacy Pamelor compare pharmacy prices

    Reply
  167. Rogersappy
    Rogersappy on June 5, 2025 at 6:36 pm

    kamagra india pharmacy: Pharm Express 24 – mexican viagra pharmacy

    Reply
  170. Rogersappy
    Rogersappy on June 5, 2025 at 9:54 pm

    cialis india pharmacy: InPharm24 – india pharmacy ship to usa

    Reply
  173. Rogersappy
    Rogersappy on June 6, 2025 at 1:12 am

    pharmacy tijuana mexico: Pharm Mex – antibiotics mexican pharmacy

    Reply
  178. Charleshaums
    Charleshaums on June 6, 2025 at 6:16 am

    legit online pharmacy cialis: pharmacy2u viagra – domperidone from inhouse pharmacy

    Reply
  180. Matthewham
    Matthewham on June 6, 2025 at 9:36 am

    legitimate online pharmacy uk Pharm Express 24 pharmacy world rx

    Reply
  182. Rogersappy
    Rogersappy on June 6, 2025 at 12:36 pm

    can i order ozempic from mexico: mexico pharmacy mounjaro – how much does mounjaro cost in mexico

    Reply
  188. Matthewham
    Matthewham on June 6, 2025 at 6:23 pm

    medicine online shopping InPharm24 ozempic india pharmacy

    Reply
  190. Charleshaums
    Charleshaums on June 6, 2025 at 10:06 pm

    buy medicine online: InPharm24 – pharmacy franchises in india

    Reply
  193. anm"ala dig till binance
    anm"ala dig till binance on June 7, 2025 at 12:35 am

    I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

    Reply
  196. Rogersappy
    Rogersappy on June 7, 2025 at 4:53 am

    target pharmacy flovent: Pharm Express 24 – diovan pharmacy coupons

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *