Skipper’s Corner – Used Boats – Is Now The Time To Buy?

During the time of COVID, many folks felt constricted by what became housed in lifestyles and the definite sense of depression that hung over us, which was hard to escape. People began to look for outdoor pursuits that would be uplifting, out in the fresh air, and away from the realities we were all dealing with. Fortunately, those times, for the most part, are behind us, thank God. One of the major outlets became boating. More folks entered the boating community in those years than in any previous six-year period. Many were newbies to this pleasant and at times, adventurous activity. What could be better than crossing the bay on a summer’s day, wind in your face, with the sun glistening on the water? And so, during this period, many, many, boats were sold.

During those years, the coves were jammed with boats. You could virtually walk across the water from bow to bow. But things change. After COVID, many of these new boaters realized the costs of maintaining a boat were squeezing their wallets. Now, the real die-hard boater will do anything to keep their boat in the water. One year, I stole the poor boxes from Saint Ignoble’s to pay to put them up for the winter. I should feel a little bad about it, but I figured it was better than stealing my grandma’s social security check for over 18 years, so when she passed, I had to find another way. Need is the mother of invention.
Over the past two summers, boating has seen a decrease in new boat sales. On Saturdays and Sundays, the coves are emptier, and many buyers have concluded that the commitment to boating is a bit too much for them. The result is an opportunity to purchase relatively newer boats at a large discount. Many of the new boat dealers also sell used late model boats that they service and detail as if they are new, but at a more feasible price. They will often take trade in on your older boat and then work their restoration magic so they can sell that also. It’s such a merry-go-round that, believe it or not, I bought my own boat twice before realizing it. You may say, “That’s some kind of stupid!” and it genuinely was. When I went to sell it again, I broke out in hives, worrying that I might buy it again in another two years. So, I gave it to my brother, whose son gave it back to me. Now it’s a giant tomato planter in my yard.
Now let’s get serious. When you are looking for a good used boat, make sure you have a marine surveyor do an inspection. Even if the boat is only two years old, you don’t know if the boat has had major structural repairs due to an accident or a storm. Some of these boats are actually shipped from other areas to sell here, so their history could be dubious. Have your own mechanic check the engine(s) for hours of use, compression, rebuilt or replaced parts, etc. Inspect the hull’s fiberglass thickness, especially at the bow, where year by year some newer models have been made thinner and thinner. The claim is that the new fiberglass composites are stronger and safer because the vessel is lighter and fuel consumption is less, but personally, being old school, I don’t feel very safe with the thinner hulls. Check that the hull hasn’t been refinished, which could indicate an accident. Open the bilge and check for any fuel odors, which could indicate a compromised fuel tank.
Be sure all electronics work, and it would be perfect if any guarantees can be transferred if they are still within the guarantee period. This goes for the power plant also. Check all vinyl and canvas for rips and damage. No matter if you buy from a dealer or a private owner, all these examinations should be completed. Then take it out for a spin. Do the trim tabs function? How does the helm (wheel or shifter) react? How fast does it rise from the hole and plane off? You have to have a couple of meaty stooges with you, so you have some weight aboard when you do these sea tests.
Last is price. Except in a very rare case, the price is not the price. You have to master the art of haggling. It’s actually fun. As the debate gets intense at dealers, the salesperson will usually say, “Let me talk to my manager.” That’s an indication that until a month ago, they were selling cars, so you know the scenario. They’re going to try to “mind game” you. Now, you have to dig in your heels and “mind game” them back. If you don’t get near what you want, you have to be ready to walk. You do it nicely, of course, because you may get a call in a few days giving you 90% of what you wanted.
So, there it is. This is a time for boat-buying opportunities, especially in the winter when the most action in the boat market is sales guys playing poker in the cold showroom because the boss turned the heat down to save on expenses. Of the nine boats I’ve purchased, I only bought them in the dead of winter and never at a boat show. Good boat hunting.
Stay safe and happy holidays to all.
Captain Eddy Smith (Retired)