I am getting ready to buy my first boat in 15 years, always bought used from someone I knew. I guess I was lucky, $2000 - $3500 boats that lasted until I upgraded.

Reading on other posts about bad transoms and wonder how you can catch this and avoid a major problem.

I realize buying used means upgrades and fixes will be needed but what things do you look for when buying a used boat.

Pay a local shop an hour or two top go over the boat. I told a budd to do so on a $4500 used boat. He decided not to. Afetr a blown head gasket, a useless control box, various hoses, and some other things, he was on the water. His wallet was $2500 lighter, which could have gone towards tackle, or more boat.

Pay a local shop an hour or two top go over the boat. I told a budd to do so on a $4500 used boat. He decided not to. Afetr a blown head gasket, a useless control box, various hoses, and some other things, he was on the water. His wallet was $2500 lighter, which could have gone towards tackle, or more boat.

I agree 100% but what if you get a deal and the boat is 8+ hours away. I have been looking hard and the best source is on here for a V allum but they are from 8-16 hrs away. At first I though this was not an option, but the more I look, the more I realize a good used boat is not easy to find.
I hate EBAY fees, but as a person who has lots of high dollar positive feedback, that part is nice. A good seller would not ruin a perfect rep to get an extra grand or two by misrepresenting an item.

I guess a local (to boat owner) may be an option if its a reputable shop.

I looked around for at least 3 months and finally found a nice boat at a reasonable price so made the 18 hour round trip to pick it up. Couldnt find anything close so just figured it was worth the time and 300-400 in gas to go get it because I knew it was what i wanted. Hope you find one soon.

I looked around for at least 3 months and finally found a nice boat at a reasonable price so made the 18 hour round trip to pick it up. Couldnt find anything close so just figured it was worth the time and 300-400 in gas to go get it because I knew it was what i wanted. Hope you find one soon.

I am wondering the same thing. I will say the longer you shop and learn, the more knowledgeable you are when it comes to boats and what they are worth.

I think sellers sometimes have to find out their boat will not sell for what they would like it to.

It's buy new or settle on used. It's not car world where they are 1000's same model forsale

If the boat is located a long ways away and you need to act fast if a good deal is found thus requiring a deposit to hold the boat...make sure to have a 'sea trial' and mech inspection as part of the contract. This will make sure the boat is water ready (no leaks, engine performs and any other things you can only find with on the water experience) and than make arrangments to have a mech take a look at anything if still have worries. If the seller is not willing to accept these terms you probably dont want to consider the boat.