So you’re ready to take the plunge and invest in a used boat, exciting! However, boats aren’t cheap, and before making this important investment, we want to make sure you know how to buy a used boat so you get the best value for your money.

What to look for in a used boat? It’s super important that you look into all the details and pick a boat in optimal condition; this way, it will be cheaper to maintain for years to come. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing your new vessel. 

Purchasing a used boat in the summer comes with several distinct advantages. Firstly, it’s the perfect time to thoroughly inspect and test-drive the vessel under optimal weather conditions, ensuring its performance meets your expectations. 

Additionally, private sellers and dealerships may have more inventory during these peak boating months, offering you a wider selection to choose from. Moreover, the summer season allows immediate enjoyment of your new boat, giving you plenty of time to familiarize yourself with the boat and address any minor issues.

Hull and Deck Condition

First, you’ll want to inspect the hull and deck condition since they provide structural integrity and protection. Hulls and decks that have been damaged or weakened by age can cause costly repairs down the road. Check for signs of wear and tear. If you find any, consider how much it will cost to fix. 

One recommended technique is to tap gently along the hull and deck. You’re listening for a consistent sound, which indicates a solid fiberglass structure. Any changes in tone might suggest areas of concern, such as delamination or moisture damage.

Furthermore, be cautious about any drilled holes in the mast near the deck and periodically inspect them to ensure there are no cracks. Cracks around these areas could imply structural stress and may require immediate attention.

Used Boat Mechanical Issues

Mechanical issues can be a major headache. Make sure to check the oil, lubricants, and battery condition; these things are essential for your boat’s functioning, so take the time to make sure it’s in good shape. Also, remember to give the wiring a quick look to make sure everything seems durable and stable. 

If you’re not confident in your boat’s mechanical knowledge, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted mechanic for some help. Visit Vally Marine. Our expert technicians can help you answer all your mechanical questions. 

Used Boat Corrosion or Weathering

Keep an eye out for any signs of corrosion or weathering that could indicate problems down the line. It’s also a good idea to ask your vendor if the boat’s engineering has ever been submerged or if the ship ever sunk. 

You can also take a peek underneath the engine to ensure everything is in shape. Trust us, a little extra diligence can save you a boatload of problems and lost weekends lost out in the waters. 

Used Boat engine Hours: 

Engine hours on a boat refer to the total amount of time that its engine has been running. Much like the odometer in a car tracks miles driven, engine hours serve as an indicator of the boat’s usage and wear. 

This measurement is crucial when assessing the condition and value of a used boat, as a higher number of engine hours might suggest more extensive wear or potential maintenance needs.

While a boat’s engine hour can give you a pretty good idea of how much it has been used, it doesn’t provide a full account of HOW it was used; it’s just an indicator of the time on the water. The wear of a vessel can be much different between a relaxing vacation type of boat and a high sport extreme one. 

Ask what was the use of the boat you are about to get. This will give you some idea of how those engine hours were spent. Knowing a boat’s engine hour can also indicate whether it’s time for a service soon. 

There isn’t necessarily a “right” number of engine hours, but the typical range is between 75-100 hours per year. “There isn’t necessarily a “right” number of engine hours, but the typical range is between 75-100 hours per year. 

Trailer Quality

Heading out to the lake with your brand-new boat is meant to be exciting, not frustrating. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure your trailer is in top shape so you don’t get stuck at home. 

Begin with a thorough inspection of all moving parts, as these are the components that are most susceptible to wear and tear. Tires, for instance, should be checked before every trip.

Look for signs of excessive wear, cracking, or embedded objects like nails or shards of glass. Additionally, tire pressure is critical to maintain; incorrect pressure can lead to poor handling or increased tire wear.

Your trailer’s tie-down straps also demand careful attention. These straps secure your boat during transport, so they need to be sturdy and reliable.

Lastly, remember to keep your trailer’s load evenly distributed. An unbalanced load can cause handling problems and put unnecessary strain on your trailer’s structure.

Safety Gear

Safety gear plays an indispensable role in ensuring your well-being, acting as your first line of defense against potential accidents or emergencies. Its importance escalates when you’re out on the open water, where help may not always be immediately available.

Always check the safety equipment before making your purchase. This gear includes items like life jackets, flares, and fire extinguishers, which should all be inspected to make sure they are properly working.

It’s important to ensure that all safety equipment is not only present but also in optimal working condition. Regular checks and maintenance are key to guaranteeing their reliability when you need them most.

Prioritizing safety gear is an integral part of responsible boating and water sports participation.

Walk Around 

Once you have ensured that the engine, battery, and safety gear are in sailing condition, take a tour outside the boat. Check for any unwanted damage and make sure the hardware is all good to go. 

Even if you didn’t find any significant scratches or hardware trouble, remember that this can affect the look of your boat, making the difference between a boat looking brand new or a pretty old one. 

Follow The Nebraska Regulations

Make sure you follow your state’s boat regulations. For Nebraska, all boats have to be registered with the Game & Parks Commission. Basically, this means that you’ll need to ask if the boat you are considering buying already has a certificate of number and follows all the proper regulations.

It’s the law! So be sure to take care of that registration before hitting the water.

Ask For a Lake Test

Take a boat for a spin before you commit! Just like test driving a car, make sure you get a feel of the boat on the water and make sure it moves smoothly across the lakes.

At Valley Marine’s dealership, you can ask for a test drive of any and all of our showroom boats to make sure you are choosing the right one. 

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Any Questions 

This is your investment, your money, so you want to make sure you are fully aware of what you’re buying. Before making any decisions, ask for all the specs of the boat you’re interested in. This includes the length, weight, engine type, fuel usage, and any history the boat has. 

Don’t hesitate to request trials or ask questions. Compare with other boats on the market and make sure you are buying the right boat for you. 

Come to Valley Marine and Find the Perfect Used Boat

Finding a reputable boat dealership is the most important part of buying a boat. Still wondering where that could be? If you live in Omaha or any part of the Midwest, come to Valley Marine!

At Valley Marine, we are more than just a dealership; we are a community of boaters. We understand the thrill of cruising on the open water, the joy of weekend lake adventures, and the tranquility of relaxing days spent fishing or sunbathing on deck. We know because we’ve lived it.

So, why spend any more time learning how to buy a used boat on your own? Allow us to share our expertise and passion with you. Our boat dealership has a full variety of used and new boats for you to test drive. Our team of water enthusiasts is ready to answer any questions you might have. 

Don’t waste more time learning how to buy a used boat: At Vally Marine, we are boaters, just like you, so we understand the importance of getting the perfect boat for your lake adventures and relaxing days. 

Choosing the Best Family Boat that pleases everyone’s needs can be a difficult task. There are so many factors to consider to ensure comfort and safety, such as the size of your family, the type of activities you want to do on the water, and your budget.

The last thing you want is to buy a boat that your family won’t enjoy, so going your research and taking the time to compare your options can help you make the best decision for you and your needs. To help you narrow down your choices, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Consider the Size of Your Family.

When considering the size of the boat you need, the size of your family is a major factor. If there are only a few people in your family, you may be able to get away with a smaller boat. However, if your family is larger, you will need to make sure the boat is big enough to hold everyone comfortably.

Additionally, you may need to consider the size of the motor if you also plan to use the boat for watersports or fishing. Make sure the motor is powerful enough to handle the size and weight of your family and any additional gear you may be bringing along.

Boats for small Families: for 4 -6 People

2007 Nitro Z7

2007 Malibu LXi

2022 Malibu Wakesetter

2023 Boston Whaler 160 SS

Boats for Big Families: More than 6 People

South Bay 523 RS 

2023 South Bay 525 RS

2023 South Bay 224 RS

2010 Sea Ray 185

2. Think About the Activities You Want to do on the Water.

Do you want to go fishing? Swimming? Water skiing?

Once you know what activities you want to do on the water, you can start to narrow down your choices. Consider factors such as cost, safety, and convenience. Make sure to choose a boat that checks all the boxes and that you feel comfortable within your budget.

For example, if you want to go water skiing, you will need a boat that is powerful enough to tow a skier, something more sport-like. If you plan on spending relaxin summers on the Omaha lake with your friends, you don’t really need a powerful motor for sports.

3. Set a Budget for Your Family Boat

Before you begin shopping for boats, it’s important to set a budget for yourself so you don’t overspend. This will help you narrow down your search to boats that fit within your price range.

Make sure to research and compare different boat models, features, and prices to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

Additionally, you can look into Financing options to help you make the purchase; you don´t need to wait that long to get that new boat. Contact us to apply for financing.

Finally, don’t forget to factor in maintenance and repair costs when setting your budget, especially if you are getting a used boat.

4. Do Your Research.

Once you have considered the factors above, you can start to do your research. Read online reviews, talk to other boat owners, and visit boat dealerships. The more research you do, the better equipped you will be to make a decision.

5. Visit a Boat Dealership.

Visiting a boat dealership is an invaluable part of the boat-buying process. It allows you to see the boats in person, inspect them up close, and gain a better understanding of their features, capabilities, and size.

Speaking with an expert at the dealership can also be incredibly helpful, as they can provide detailed answers to any questions you may have about the boat and the buying process. They can also suggest models and features that may fit your needs and lifestyle better.

Ultimately, visiting a boat dealership can help you make an informed decision and ensure that you are getting the right boat for you. If you live in Nebraska or the Midwest, don’t hesitate to visit us and talk to our expert staff.

6. Take a Test Drive.

Once you have found a boat that you are interested in, it is a good idea to take it for a test drive. This will give you a chance to see how the boat handles and make sure it is the right fit for your family.

At Valley Marine, we offer Test Drive services to all of our clients; not sure about that boat yet? Don’t worry! Schedule an appointment with us and try your new boat.

7. Don’t Forget About the Extras.

It is easy to get carried away with the excitement of a new boat and forget some details, but if you should remember something is the extras, never forget about the extras.

You will need to purchase necessary extra items such as life jackets, a first-aid kit, and a boat cover. Additionally, you may want to look into other items, such as a fire extinguisher, navigation equipment, a marine radio, and a waterproof tarp to protect your boat from the elements.

If you plan on towing your boat regularly, you will also need to invest in a trailer or a towable dolly, since most boats don’t include it, as well as a hitch and the necessary cables or straps to secure your boat.

Lastly, you will want to make sure you have the necessary tools and supplies to maintain and repair your boat, such as a toolkit, spare parts, and spare fuel for a quick fix.

8. Get the Right Family Boat Insurance.

Just like any other vehicle, your boat needs to be insured to be financially protected in the event of an accident or any damage.

Boat insurance can provide coverage for repairs or replacement of the boat itself if needed, as well as any, in the worst-case scenario, medical expenses for you or anyone else involved in an accident.

It can also provide coverage for damage caused by storms and other natural disasters, as well as for theft or vandalism. Furthermore, boat insurance can also provide protection for any liability claims that may arise from your boat. So get ahead of the game and find the right insurance for your boat.

9. Take a Boating Safety Course.

For our clients, the most important thing is always their family, so taking a boating safety course is an excellent way to become familiar with the laws and regulations governing watercraft, as well as gain an understanding of how to properly operate your boat and keep your family safe and out of trouble.

Boating safety courses are provided by a wide variety of organizations, including the U.S. Coast Guard. These courses typically cover topics such as boat registration, navigation, equipment requirements, emergency response, basic boat handling, and water safety.

Participants are usually given the opportunity to practice on-water maneuvers in interactive activities such as simulations and hands-on practice. Upon completion of the course, you might receive a certificate, which may be used to obtain a boating license or insurance, even a discount!

10. Have Fun in Your New Family Boat!

Buying a boat is a big investment, but it is also a lot of fun. Boating is a great way to spend time with your family and friends. So get out there and enjoy the water!

If you are looking for a boat dealership in Omaha, Nebraska, be sure to visit Valley Marine. We have a wide selection of boats to choose from, and our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect boat for your needs. We also offer financing options to make it easy to get the boat you want.