Boat Buying on a Budget
Author: SWalker
Written: 2/9/18
Written for: NJ Extreme Fishing
Written: 2/9/18
Written for: NJ Extreme Fishing
Are you are in the market for a good or at least a nice running boat but you do not have a lot to spend? Depending on budget and mechanical know how, you can meet both for less than you expect. We will Gove you hints and tips to get you on the water quickly.
How much to expect
If you want a Boat that is either water ready or very close to it, you can get away with between $1500 to $2000. My best deal was for a 22 foot Bayliner trophy offshore for $1200. This boat was completely water ready minus needing a shift cable adjusted. It was fully running beautiful original interior, a new engine with around 50 hours on it and a rebuilt lower unit that did not even touch water yet. No stress cracks or soft spots. We gave her a paint job just because we wanted to not because it needed it. Sounds too good to be true? It's not, even though the new engine alone is valued at $3500 and the rebuilt lower unit at $1500. You have to know how to shop for boats to find these awesome deals.
So how do you get these kinds of boats?
Well it's not all that difficult, you actually shop like most used boat dealers and investors do. In fact you will find yourself competing against them in a race of time.
1. First step is finding the boat. The best app that I used is one of the oldest but best... Craigslist. You simply search your budget and wait. To get a awesome deal you need to be patient and fast acting. Cash in hand, you have to really wait and wait and then jump on that deal like greased lightning, cause if you don't the dealers and investors will (the Trophy mentioned above we were there in 4 hours of the posting and the 3rd person to view, one guy needed to get a truck another needed money, we had both and drove away with her.)
2. To view Craigslist at it's best you need to be willing to view a little higher than your budget, for example if I want to spend $1500 then view prices $2000 and lower. This is because you can easily negotiate most boat owners down when the cash is in your hands. You should also expand your location a good deal. Look at least 50 miles out or more. The best deals seem to rarely be close by. Lastly as mentioned before you have to have patience and check a few times a day sometimes for a month or 2.
3. When to buy a Boat.
You really can't expect a good deal of options and good pricing during spring and summer or early fall. Your best deals comes at winter, when everyone needs that extra Christmas cash and the demand is low since no one is boating for months. You will also have less computation because no one is think new boat in November. Timing is key and this is no exception. Sometimes even January or February can be great boat buying times.
4. What to watch out for
Like any other market there is A LOT of lemons out there. Never, ever buy a Boat without testing the engine first. Bring your own muffs just so that can't be a excuse. If they won't let you start it (often a lame excuse) simply walk away. If they don't want it to be started they java something to hide, which is something you don't want to find out. When starting it, place it in forward and reverse to make sure it shifts smoothly. Give it a LITTLE throttle to make sure it sounds good. Test electronics and lights. Electronics and lights not working is rarely a deal breaker for me. But use judgement, if nothing works it might be a electrical nightmare under the dash.
Lastly never view a Boat alone. Craigslist can be full of Loonies, we actually been lucky but there was always 4 of us so doubtful anyone would try much anyhow. Safety in numbers so bring at least 1 friend with you.
5. Do not be afraid to walk away
You are not there to make them feel good about themselves, you are there to fulfil a dream or at least a strong desire. Do not throw away your money or 1 chance at getting it. If your gut feels uneasy walk away and think about it at least. Everyone on Craigslist will try to push you into a sale if it's a lemon. If the boat is a true steal they'll let ya walk cause it WILL sell quickly and they know it, so you walking is nothing to them. If they are virtually begging you to buy now, then consider that a red flag and defiantly walk away and think about it. If it's a perfect match you won't be able to hand them the cash fast enough, if there's doubt don't give out that money without talks and thoughts.
I hope this articles helps play a big part in helping you get that dream boat and out to fishing in the bay or sea. Be safe out there and happy boating!
How much to expect
If you want a Boat that is either water ready or very close to it, you can get away with between $1500 to $2000. My best deal was for a 22 foot Bayliner trophy offshore for $1200. This boat was completely water ready minus needing a shift cable adjusted. It was fully running beautiful original interior, a new engine with around 50 hours on it and a rebuilt lower unit that did not even touch water yet. No stress cracks or soft spots. We gave her a paint job just because we wanted to not because it needed it. Sounds too good to be true? It's not, even though the new engine alone is valued at $3500 and the rebuilt lower unit at $1500. You have to know how to shop for boats to find these awesome deals.
So how do you get these kinds of boats?
Well it's not all that difficult, you actually shop like most used boat dealers and investors do. In fact you will find yourself competing against them in a race of time.
1. First step is finding the boat. The best app that I used is one of the oldest but best... Craigslist. You simply search your budget and wait. To get a awesome deal you need to be patient and fast acting. Cash in hand, you have to really wait and wait and then jump on that deal like greased lightning, cause if you don't the dealers and investors will (the Trophy mentioned above we were there in 4 hours of the posting and the 3rd person to view, one guy needed to get a truck another needed money, we had both and drove away with her.)
2. To view Craigslist at it's best you need to be willing to view a little higher than your budget, for example if I want to spend $1500 then view prices $2000 and lower. This is because you can easily negotiate most boat owners down when the cash is in your hands. You should also expand your location a good deal. Look at least 50 miles out or more. The best deals seem to rarely be close by. Lastly as mentioned before you have to have patience and check a few times a day sometimes for a month or 2.
3. When to buy a Boat.
You really can't expect a good deal of options and good pricing during spring and summer or early fall. Your best deals comes at winter, when everyone needs that extra Christmas cash and the demand is low since no one is boating for months. You will also have less computation because no one is think new boat in November. Timing is key and this is no exception. Sometimes even January or February can be great boat buying times.
4. What to watch out for
Like any other market there is A LOT of lemons out there. Never, ever buy a Boat without testing the engine first. Bring your own muffs just so that can't be a excuse. If they won't let you start it (often a lame excuse) simply walk away. If they don't want it to be started they java something to hide, which is something you don't want to find out. When starting it, place it in forward and reverse to make sure it shifts smoothly. Give it a LITTLE throttle to make sure it sounds good. Test electronics and lights. Electronics and lights not working is rarely a deal breaker for me. But use judgement, if nothing works it might be a electrical nightmare under the dash.
Lastly never view a Boat alone. Craigslist can be full of Loonies, we actually been lucky but there was always 4 of us so doubtful anyone would try much anyhow. Safety in numbers so bring at least 1 friend with you.
5. Do not be afraid to walk away
You are not there to make them feel good about themselves, you are there to fulfil a dream or at least a strong desire. Do not throw away your money or 1 chance at getting it. If your gut feels uneasy walk away and think about it at least. Everyone on Craigslist will try to push you into a sale if it's a lemon. If the boat is a true steal they'll let ya walk cause it WILL sell quickly and they know it, so you walking is nothing to them. If they are virtually begging you to buy now, then consider that a red flag and defiantly walk away and think about it. If it's a perfect match you won't be able to hand them the cash fast enough, if there's doubt don't give out that money without talks and thoughts.
I hope this articles helps play a big part in helping you get that dream boat and out to fishing in the bay or sea. Be safe out there and happy boating!
