Buying used Rig

[New Buyer]

I have read a couple of threads on this site about buying used rigs . Like the ones listed in the classifieds here. And the fact that some of the boats listed are nearly new late model outfits that are rigged and priced quite a bit under reatail. Which if they were well cared for would,and does make an attractive package. For a potential buyer. My question is. Even with the savings these boat packages are still quite a bit of money. And most likely will need some service while the new buyer owns them . How if you take advantaage of the classifieds and buy quite a distance from home. Are you able to secure good service locally ? I would like to hear how some of you that have bought your dream rig this way managed this part of the boat ownership . And protectionof your investment in the new, used rig ? Thank you in advance for you replys.

[tcbetka]

I can tell you as one of the owners of a 'used, but like new boat' currently listed in the classifieds, you take quite a hit selling it. That means a large savings for someone buying one, like yourself. It's still alot of money, to be sure, but in my case, I have over $28K in my rig, only 1.5 years ago. The only reason I am selling is due to a relocation to salt water area, for a great job. This will mitigate some of the beating I take on the sale of the boat. Everyone has their own reasons for selling however.

As for any risks involved... Well I don't know what to tell you. I guess you just have to consider the specific circumstances of each rig. In my case, the boat has 30 hours on it, the motor only about 15 (had a smaller motor at first.) It has always been kept inside a heated hangar when not in use. There has never been any damage or misuse of the boat. But you still have to take my word for it, that's where talking with the seller comes in. Hopefully, you can get some idea on how trustworthy or honest they are.

The way I see it, the *only* advantage you, as a buyer of a 'like new, used rig' has by buying locally--is that you will have a relationship with the dealer. But, I wouldn't let the fact that buying a rig 300 miles or more from home worry me. These dealerships make lots of money from service work. If you are buying a rig consisting of popular lines (Alumacraft & Honda in my case), then getting it serviced shouldn't be a problem. I seriously doubt ANY dealer's service department would refuse to service this boat for you in the future--just cause you didn't buy it from them. That's BS...cause you can always find someone who 'will' service it, then the first dealer has lost a customer.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used boat over the internet. I have friends who have, and have never regretted it. In fact, one of them referred me to this site... They both got boats (through this site) that had taken the initial depreciation 'ding' at someone else's expense. I would however, talk personally with the seller, and would NEVER buy a used rig without running it. That includes buying it from a dealer. The thing you have to remember is that once people trade their boats to a dealer, you lose alot of the details on that boat's history. Often the history of the unit will give you invaluable clues as to what you can expect in terms of future problems. Just cause some dealer's mechanic does a used boat inspection and pronounces it 'in good shape' doesn't really guarantee you anything. Sure you might get a 30 or 60 day guarantee from the dealer, but don't be fooled by that. If the boat is a newer rig, you usually aren't gonna see any problems that you wouldn't have seen on the initial inspection--those have probably been fixed by the seller to make the sale. And how many dealers will let you put the boat in the water and run it *before* you buy. There are some, but the bigger ones tell you "we just don't have the time" to let buyers do this. At least that has been my experience.

And to be honest, you would probably have to pay $500-$1000 more if you bought MY rig from a dealer; while they would be giving ME a bunch 'less' on trade. So we both have good incentive in the sale.

It will be interesting to read what others have to say on this subject. Sorry for the long response...
TB

[perchjerker]

Nothing wrong with buying used. All my previous boats were bought used.

However, when you start talking about spending $20 to $30 grand or whatever, the choice is harder. One thing you have to realise is the hull warranties on most boats are not transferrable. So if its a boat you plan on keeping a while, you need to keep this in mind. At least check it out. I shopped around and got a year old holdover at a boat show that the dealer needed to move because the next years models were due out soon, and saved $7000. So the deals are out there if depending on what you want and when you buy. You have to ask yourself whether its better to save the money now and give up the warranty or not.

[tcbetka]

I thought the warrantee on Alumacraft boats *was* transferrable? I will have to check it out.

TB

[perchjerker]

If it is, thats great. Most arent.

[muley hunter]

I for one have bought a used boat over the internet. I searched religiously for 4 months before I finally found what I was looking for and in the price range that I could afford. It is a task to continually search and e-mail people, but it was well worth the effort. Buying used always has its worries but if you do enough research and find a local dealer who you can work with as far as getting advice than that is half of the battle. I ended up driving 500+ miles to get the boat but I now have a very nice, well maintained 1994 18 ft Alumacraft Trophy 180 with a 115 Evinrude and all of the bells and wistles to go with it for under $9000. I searched boattraderonline.com. Good luck!!!!

[tcbetka]

You were right, Perchjerker...

I talked to Alumacraft today--the warrantee is NOT transferrable. The dealer I talked to initially was incorrect. He told me the Honda warrantee was transferrable as well. Better check that out too, I guess.

TB

[perchjerker]

Yea, I found it out when I was shopping.

Hey if you want some more exposure for your boat, on my website I have a page devoted to walleye central people and their boats. I would be glad to add it for you.

Even if you dont decide to sell it, its a nice place to show off your rig.

[tcbetka]

Sure...thanks.

Will check it out!

[King Possum]

I've bought 3 rigs used. The kast one off of here and am close to buying another listed here. Make sure you run the boat and all of it's " toys " on the water before you purchase it. You can generally get a pretty good deal buying one as long as you are aware what to look for. Let someone else take the depreciation hit initially. As far as service I've got a local dealer that a bought a new 50 hp Merc for my duckboat from and he has been excellent in servicing my used boats. All I've owned is Rangers and as far as their hull warranty goes it is lifetime for the original buyer and 10 years for the 2nd owner. Good Luck.