Used Boat Buying Process
 

Newbie here wanting to know the best way to go about buying a used boat. I've found a minty 25 Outlaw that I'm going to see in a few days. It's a 1999 SST that is spotless with rebuild 61 hours ago. My plan is to go look at it and make an offer pending a survey and compression test. Not sure how to go about the compression test. I have tested compression on motorcycles before, I'm assuming the procedure is similar. What do you experienced boat buyers suggest? Finding a surveyor and then taking to a boat mechanic? Also, anything in particular I should look for in this boat? Standing by.

I wasn't sure that was included in the survey. I will call a few surveyors.

My surveyor had options up to and including mechanical engine testing, etc...

OK thanks. Researching surveyors and services now

A lot of people have been burned using a surveyor. They did not pick up on a lot of issues. Do your due diligence!!

Definitely do your homework on a good surveyor. I've found they can "miss" things.... Be sure to give the boat a very good examination, use a qualified surveyor and given it is a Baja, a quick check with a moisture meter is not a bad idea either.

Will do.

Def moisture meter & compression check and any receipts & maint records from boat owner are very helpfull

Where are you located?

Southern New Hampshire

Your insurance might require a survey by a S.A.M s certified surveyor, ask for the surveyors credentials.

I cannot stress enough doing research on a surveyor, ask for a sample report to see how the finished product will look. Lots of pics help. Since your in NH is there a chance you boat may have seen some salt water action ? If so the ballgame changes IMO. I pulled my Cig out of the salt in Fla back in June. While the boat is in great shape overall I had issues with the survey with respect to how it was reported or lack thereof and what I actually saw when the boat was delivered. Ray Charles could have made a better report and the surveyor was supposedly very good. I would have liked to have seen the boat in person but a broken leg n ankle didn't allow. Had a better survey been provided it would have allowed for more negotiation and/or getting a few items fixed before the boat was delivered. Regards

Thanks for the reply. The boat was fresh water only.

Hire a NAMS or SAMS certified surveyor. There are different types of surveys ( insurance, purchase, value etc...) On a purchase survey everything is ala cart. No surveys
"include" leak downs or compression tests.

i say if you're on a river just get a raft,leave the offshore boats to the men who use them in the ocean like they're meant to be used,every time i hear river or lake i laugh and remember jon reep and his river skit