| It's funny when the boating bug bites you - all you | | | | have gotten underneath and soften the deck. |
| can think about is getting out on the water and | | | | 3. Was the hardware and accessories installed |
| having fun. But purchasing a power boat is a financial | | | | professionally? |
| decision and using your head, rather than your heart, | | | | 4. If owner done, it could be a good job, but did he |
| is wise when selecting the right boat for you. | | | | mount it properly and use the proper amount of |
| There are specific things to examine and a lot of | | | | sealant to keep the water out? |
| questions to ask when shopping for a used power | | | | 5. Is the teak well-maintained? It should be smooth |
| boat, so you should know where to start. First, you | | | | and attractive, having either a varnish or similar type |
| need to decide which type of boat will suit your | | | | finish. If not teak easily becomes weather-beaten. |
| needs. You may want a fishing boat, an open boat | | | | The soft part of the wood gets eaten away, leaving |
| with plenty of room to fish; a cruiser with a cabin for | | | | a rough, grayish finish. There are several types of |
| overnight stays; or a speed boat to get there fast. | | | | products to restore the luster of teak, but sanding |
| No matter what kind of boat you desire, all should be | | | | and varnishing takes time. |
| inspected for tell tale signs of possible problems. | | | | All the above tells whether the owner had pride in his |
| Begin by examining the exterior. Do a walk around, | | | | boat. There are great deals out there on boats than |
| looking at the hull and deck. Is the gel coat faded, | | | | have not been well-maintained if you have the |
| the stainless steel not so stainless? Are the lines | | | | money and the time and experience to do it yourself. |
| holding the boat to dock frayed? | | | | You can save a lot of money. |
| Looking at the hull, is the gel coat faded or dull | | | | Some questions you can ask the owner or the yacht |
| looking? This could be due to a lack of maintaining a | | | | broker you are working with are: |
| good wax coat. Poor or no wax barrier lets the sun's | | | | 1. Why are you selling the boat? |
| harmful rays attack the gel coat and, let's not forget | | | | 2. How many hours are on the engine(s)? |
| about the salt that constantly eats away at it and | | | | 3. When was the last time bottom paint was applied? |
| the wax gel coat. The surface may only require a | | | | 4. Are there or had there been blisters on the |
| quick wax, but more serious cases may need a | | | | bottom? |
| compound and wax job. In the most severe cases, it | | | | 5. When were the fuel filters changed? |
| might need a light sanding with 1000 or 1200 sand | | | | 6. When were the cooling system impellors changed? |
| paper to get at the original gel coat, followed by | | | | All these questions help to determine where in the |
| compound and wax. The secret is to thoroughly | | | | picture you are coming in, plus they let you know |
| wash the hull 3 or 4 times to make sure all that's left | | | | how much you'll have to spend to repair the boat. |
| on the hull is the gel coat and no residuals from other | | | | Your yacht broker will help you figure out the cost |
| products that love to stick to the hull. | | | | of these things and where possibly to get them |
| Let's look at the deck. Are the cleats or other deck | | | | done. Boat dealers and yacht brokers have a wealth |
| hardware loose? Were the hardware and accessories | | | | of information to give you at the asking. They are |
| put in professionally or owner done? If there is teak, | | | | there on your behalf and might find things you |
| has that been protected and maintained? | | | | overlooked. Your yacht broker or boat dealer wants |
| To review: | | | | you to be happy, because in the future you just |
| 1. How's the gel coat? Does it need a wax or more? | | | | might want to upgrade to another boat...and he'll be |
| 2. The cleats and hardware should be tight with the | | | | there. |
| sealant seen in between, otherwise water might | | | | |