The bowrider design can provide a pleasurable, family-friendly boating experience at an affordable cost for many. Bowriders are popular among families and hobbyists who want something fun and safe. They’re great for fishing, boat days and other activities. Best of all, they’re easy to operate and maintain.
Why Are Bowrider Boats Popular?
- Bowriders are well-liked due to their reasonable size and passenger capacity.
- They can be used for watersports, day cruises, fishing and more.
- They are relatively inexpensive to maintain and there are lots of options for upgrades.
Benefits of Buying a Pre-Owned Boat
A preowned boat is an investment, not just a simple purchase. Before buying a bowrider, it is imperative to conduct research. You’ll need to know what kind of maintenance has been done on it, how much time it’s had in storage, and if there are any problems with the engine or hull.
If you don’t know anything about these topics, it’s good to conduct research so you have a solid understanding of the right questions to ask.
Pre-owned boats come with warranties. Warranties vary by model and manufacturer. Some manufacturers offer extended warranty coverage for up to five years after the original sale date. When purchasing, inquire about this with your dealer.
A primary motivator for buying a used boat is that they are usually less expensive than a brand new one. Though the most common concern among prospective boat buyers is that a used boat may come with a laundry list of potential problems or fixes, while you will always hear horror stories, if you’re careful with your search you can find a boat you want for a great price.
Tips for Buying a Secondhand Boat
- Do your research: Don’t buy a used boat from either a private seller or boat company without doing research first. Determine what type of boat maintenance has already been conducted. Check the motor and hull’s condition. Examine the boat for signs of wear and ensure proper storage of the watercraft.
- Ask lots of questions: Get answers to all your concerns. Don’t assume that the seller knows everything about the boat. It is possible that he is unaware of certain details. Check out discussion boards, hire an expert or consult an enthusiast on the particular make and model you’re interested in.
- Check on repairs: If there are any repairs needed, get a written estimate of repair costs before you make a final decision.
- Check the reputation of the seller: If you’re buying used through a company that specializes in boat sales read reviews online of the company. If you’re buying from an individual, don’t part with cash before you’ve seen the boat and have an agreement with the seller.
- Too good to be true could be too good to be true: It’s easy to be tempted by a bargain but make sure you remain diligent as buying a boat with problems could cost you more in the long run.
Inspect the Condition of the Boat, Not Just the Engine Hours
Engine hours don’t always tell the whole story about boats. The owner might have spent thousands of dollars on accessories, but they could have ignored valuable parts of the boat.
When inspecting a boat, look for cracks in its hull, leaks in its bilges, and other problems. Check the engine compartment for signs of rusting, worn-out components, and loose wires. Check the steering system for any signs of wear, tear and looseness. Examine the deck for holes or cracks.
Make sure the rigging is properly tightened. Check for any missing rope or line. Examine the seats and cushions for any stains, tears, or rips. While cosmetic issues are often repairable they can be more costly than you think. Check the inside for any signs of leaks, water damage, and broken windows.
If you can, run the boat on the water. A good boat will be smooth and comfortable at speed or going slow. A bad boat will be noticeably rough and uncomfortable even when moving slowly.
Finding the Engine Hours
Most modern boats keep track of their hours of operation using computers. To check them, open the navigation software and select “hours.” You’ll also find this information on the back of the boat’s certificate of inspection (COI).
Hire a Marine Surveyor
If you need to know whether your boat needs repairs before spending thousands of dollars, a marine surveyor can help you.
A marine surveyor will examine every aspect of the boat, from its engine to its plumbing to its electrical system. They’ll give you a detailed report of the condition of the boat.
Why Bowriders?
Bowriders provide an unobstructed view of the water and surroundings. They’re easy to own and operate for new boat owners but they’re also highly adaptable and reliable for long-time boat owners looking for their next buy. They’re great for a variety of environments, lakes, rivers and ocean.
The design of the boat allows people to sit up high while enjoying the view. It also offers passengers and luggage greater space. With its large cockpit, the bowrider offers plenty of space for everyone onboard.
They are ideal for those who wish to enjoy the beauty of the sea while relaxing on board. Depending on size and design, there are numerous bowrider purchasing options.
There are many different designs of bowriders, ranging from simple flat-bottomed craft to highly sophisticated vessels capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots.
Why Used?
Because they depreciate in price over time, a used bowriders can be a better option for new owners. Buying a used boat is usually cheaper than buying a brand-new boat. If you can find a boat that has been well maintained you can save money without sacrificing quality.
You can often find used bowriders at bargain prices. Look online, ask friends, and visit local boat yards.
There are lots of websites where you can search for used boats these include:
Conclusion
When buying a Bowrider, a used boat purchase can be better than buying a brand new one. However, whether you are buying from a company or a private seller, do the research and do a thorough inspection of the boat you are looking into buying.
Always ask as many questions as you can and get a written estimate of the repairs needed on the boat before you purchase. You don’t want to buy a boat you can’t afford to fix.
Hiring a Marine Surveyor will help you determine the overall quality of the boat and if it is worth the cost. This will save you from buying a boat that will cost way more to fix than it would if you bought a new one.
If in doubt – and depending how expensive the boat is you’re looking at – it’s worth the cost to hire a Marine Surveyor so that you don’t lose money on a boat in need of repairs.
Look online for the best deals and compare sites for prices and quality before making a decision. Do research, ask questions, get advice, and – most importantly – enjoy the process. Many people dream of owning their own boat, if that’s you, then enjoy the buying journey!