Counting The Cost: Buying A Used Jet Boat

Buying a used jet boat can be a wise purchase because it alleviates the problem of depreciation that all new vehicles experience over the first year or two after purchase. Buying a used jet boat that is about one or two years old can be a great find since the boat is probably still in good condition, is still under warrantee in most cases, and costs much less than buying the boat new. There are different types of boats that can be found, such as the Ski Doo or Yamaha jet boats. While each brand has its own unique qualities, there are certain features that are standard on all jet boats so the tips below can help individuals choose the right used jet boat for their purposes.

Tips

When buying a used jet boat, the individual should bring certain things with him so that he can do a thorough first inspection and talk to the owner about things that he finds before taking the next step in the buying process. The individual should have a bright flashlight so that he can inspect all areas of the used jet boat, a compression gauge (to help check the spark plugs), a pad of paper and pen, and a towel or other implement to place on the ground for the under the boat inspection.

If the used jet boat is outside, it should have a cover on it, or the cover should have been recently taken off of it. If not, it is probably not a good idea to purchase this boat since it has been exposed to the elements during the entire year, which takes a toll on the paint job, the seat and other features of the boat. Preferably, the used jet boat will have been kept in a garage or other sheltered area, or has a tight fitting cover that will protect it from the harshest conditions.

The trailer should be in good condition, with the tail lights working and also a working lock on it so that it can be locked to the car or truck. The used jet boat should have no cracks in it and the stickers should be in good condition along all parts of the boat. If there are spider cracks in the hull in any place, this is a warning sign that should be taken into serious consideration since these small cracks only get bigger over time and use. The seat of the boat should be clean. It should not have cracks in it and it should not be faded. Again, small cracks always get bigger over time, so it is better to take the time to find a used jet boat in good condition overall, than put up with small issues that will require a lot of cost in the long run. The handlebars and the motor should be inspected next, as well as the spark plugs, before taking it out on the water for a test run.