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Things you missed: 1. If the boat is on a trailer, jack the trailer WAY UP using blocks to get the bow high into the air. If you smell gasoline coming out the stern drain hole, the boat has fuel leaking issues and you're riding on a floating bomb. This is usually caused by leaking at the fuel sender AND/OR holes in the fuel tank which allows gasoline to enter the bilge. This of course can only be checked in most circumstances if the boat has enough fuel in the tank. Another way to check is to have the fuel system pressurized which a process of having air forced into the fuel tank and looking for loss of air pressure. BEFORE YOU FILL THE BOAT WITH FUEL HAVE THE FUEL SYSTEM CHECKED FOR LEAKS. 2. Check the steering of the boat and the engine trim INCLUDING the trim seals. Make sure there's no leaks in the engine trim seals and the engine trim works smoothly. 3. Check the SEALANT around fittings and gunwale rod lockers AND THE OUTSIDE TRIM of the boat. Most of the time, people USE THE WRONG SEALANT (cough cough 100 percent silicone cough cough) when sealing these things and it quickly dries out and fails causing intakes for water. *ALWAYS USE MARINE SEALANT* which comes in 3 strengths - 1. PERMANENT 2. Medium 3. REMOVABLE If your fuel sending unit needs sealing, use REMOVABLE marine sealant for instance, because you may have to remove the fuel sender at some point. Marine sealant is specifically formulated to withstand SALT water and extreme UV radiation exposure. 4. CHECK THE WIRING at the gauges going to and from the fuse box. If its a rat's nest, its a PITA. Be prepared to experience that pain. If its NEAT, it was _probably_ done right. Be sure to look at the CONDITION of the wires. 5. MAKE SURE ALL - ALL - Lights and Horns WORK. These are safety features and under NO circumstances are they to be ignored. If you're new to boating and you don't understand any of the terminology used in this guide, LOOK IT UP. You have to know what you're doing because, just as with automobiles, people DIE in boats too. But unlike automobile accidents, you could be miles away from anybody when an accident happens. If your boat is on fire and you're 40 miles offshore, chances are there may not be anybody around to lend you aid. If you're 20 miles offshore and have a stroke or heart attack, its IMPERATIVE that you have a plan for ANY medical emergency - ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE ALONE. Getting an MMSI number and a handheld marine radio with built in GPS will allow you to make ONE BUTTON DISTRESS CALLS to the US COAST GUARD sending them your exact GPS Location, the MAKE of the vessel, the LENGTH and the NAME of the vessel, and the owner's name. This ONE feature COULD save your life or someone on board your vessel should an accident or medical emergency happen. Boat ownership is extremely rewarding and is fun for the entire family. But don't make the mistake that its all fun and games. BE RESPONSIBLE and BE SAFE and you'll enjoy your boat MUCH MORE.
I love my boats set up. I have Bayliner trophy 1903. Of course it's probably because I'm a new boater and don't know any better. Yep I'm that guy! I bought a Bayliner and it's a Cardinal sin in the boating world. Well I don't care I like it. I don't mind replacing cheap hardware with better hardware. I don't mind cleaning up and making sure I look for any shoddy wiring connections and properly connecting with Marine shrink wrap. If you look hard enough you can find really good quality parts for pretty cheap prices. There's a boat parts swap at a huge flea market where I live. I find people selling brand new stuff for pennies on the dollar. Trolling motors, kickers and old engine parts for older two strokes. Trailer parts you name it.
Great information! I just bought a boat in dead of winter (two states away) without inspecting it in person, which I know you frown upon. I just asked for a lot of photos and asked questions. I really respect your opinion after watching all your informative videos, so I know I have taken a big risk. My rationale was that I got a quote for a new 2022 Montauk 170 and it was $64K (beyond my means). Used 170 Montauks of the recent variety (post-redesign in 2018) appear to be in extremely short supply this year and this one came up at $39K, where most others were over $45K, so I just pulled the trigger. It's a relatively new Boston Whaler Montauk (2018) and since I own a 2012 Montauk 150 (that I will be selling soon) I know their quality in general. I also assessed the seller (he was the one owner of the boat he bought new) and he seemed honest and had service records for the vessel, He provided many pictures and motor has about 58 hrs. I picked it up a few weeks ago and am eagerly awaiting spring so I can hopefully feel a sense of relief that I didn't screw up. I am waiting for late March/April here (in Boston) to sell my Montauk 150 so I can really make her shine and offer a sea trial. Hopefully my gamble paid off. I would not recommend to others to buy a boat from a private seller in dead of winter without seeing it in person. Maybe ordering a new one from a dealer in winter would be OK since they are eager for the business and there are fewer unknowns. Wish me luck. I'm hoping that I can get a headstart on the season and be fishing early rather than going through the financing crap in April. Thanks for all your excellent info. It will help me in selling my old boat for what she's worth. I have been amazed by the range of asking prices I have seen for my exact model and year Whaler Montauk 150. From $16K to $25K. I have been an owner that fixes absolutely anything that breaks immediately - replaced lower unit after fishing braid caused my gear lube to drain and slightly twisted my shaft ($4000), replaced steering cables that corroded myself ($200), new fuel pump ($190), new thermostat ($250), replaced almost all wiring at one point (three full days of work). Not to mention the $2000 out of pocket to fix the fiberglass chunk on the bow that resulted from a late-night argument I had with a large metal nun buoy that I lost. My homeowner's insurance provided $7500 for that repair, too. Last couple of years have made me realize how truly expensive it is just to own a 16 ft center console boat, never mind a 30 footer! But I use her 6 days a week during the season and wouldnt have it any other way. Your advice to boaters is good about factoring in maintenance, slip fees, gas, repairs, storage, shrink-wrapping and all the other expenses when buying a boat - it's always a lot more than you expect.
Very informative video! My wife and I are looking at buying a good used (2010-2014) Center Console (20ft-22ft) in the next 6 months. I found your video to contain so much good useful information, Thanks so Much!
Great information. While under way I would suggest that you trim the motor as far out as you safely can. Apply as much power as you can to see if the power trim leaks down.
This is a Must Listen for a used boat buyer... good content. They just left out how to get "good price" on a used boat. That is what the pros know... and this video did not share. Good though... ++
Thanks guys 👍 Saved your site for study later. Currently looking for a saltwater fishing boat for both bay areas, and near shore. Living in Corpus Christi I'm surprised at the market here for a used boat. So many are way overpriced!
I ended up getting tabs on my 18 footer. I think tabs are a great idea on any sized center console. Even in light or moderate chop they help sooth the ride incredibly well. Also great for holeshot if running a heavier load.
@@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon Pioneer 180 Islander. It came with Bennett Electric tabs. Definitely happy with the entire package. Was hard downsizing from a 25 foot boat but I can take this anywhere. Lake fishing to the reef on a calm day. She does it all and fits under every low hanging tree and bridge that limited my boating before. But those tabs really make her feel bigger in slop. Really smooth that ride
I would like to hear about what are good prices for boat brands, size motor on boat, what makes a great fishing boat etc. Most of this is any boater should know. If they don’t they shouldn’t be on the water.
Good info I’m about to go check out an old Wellcraft 1989 center console it looks good but I’m worried about what’s under the deckJust trying to get an inexpensive starter boat to get out on the water
Not sure when they stopped using wood. I’d just ‘tap’ the hull and make sure it’s solid then keep it good and caulked around all holes to ensure no water intrusion
I wonder. Have you ever done one where the individual has bought the boat. But found out after it has issues.. And now you're giving advice on either cutting losses or possibly saving it? Asking for a friend 🤔
@@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon not yet!! I am working on galveston bay now. House on east bay. I live in north Texas. Try to find time to buy and make it worth while
not sure I agree with the outboard motor hours. I had Evinrude 2 strokes with 2200 hours on them that were sold to someone. we ran them multiple times a week though which they like!
@@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon They were 2015 E-Tecs. A couple winter's they sat and had some work done on them but not too many problems. Seems like the people I have talked to with the 2 stroke Evinrudes had tons of issues or hardly any.
Initially I thought the same, but boat sales are HOT in 2020! Due to people not booking $$$$ over-seas travel, and expensive summer camps for kids were closed. Instead, outdoor things like boats, waverunners, patio stuff are all sold out!
Quite possibly one of the most boring boating videos I’ve seen. You would have been better off producing a multi page pdf and letting people download it. Somewhere, somehow you HAVE to make it engaging and interesting . Imagine going to a work lecture and getting “death by PowerPoint”. That’s just what we’ve all suffered. You can do better with that information. I look forward to improvements.
