The Boating Forum - Thinking of Buying a Used Boat

I'm looking at an '02 Grady White 282 Saifish w/ 225 hp Yamaha 4 strokes. Any pros and cons on this particular boat would be appriciated. Also what steps should I take to make sure that everything is in good condition. Thanks.

Richard, if you're buying from an individual, look closely at him first...is he knowledgable about boats and is he the kind of person who ''takes care of his stuff?" Get UNDER the boat and look to see if there is anything about the surface other than smooth, clean gel-coat or bottom paint. Transom check; with engines tilted up, slowly apply your weight to the foot of each...what do you hear?....creaking and cracking noises are a red flag (owner freaking out is second red flag)...look closely at the electrical box...are all connections clean and secure? Walk around on ALL deck sufaces feeling for ''soft spots''. When raising/lowering the motors, do they move quickly or seem to stain and move slowly? Look at the welded joints and the mounts on the top...are all tight w/no loose fitting or cracked welds...this list could go on endlessly, but LOOK at things top to bottom, bow to stern...

TWO IMPORTANT ITEMS; seatrial and COMPRESSION check of the engines...seatrial on a moderately rough day (any boat rides good and doesn't rattle on flat water)...check out EVERYTING, put up the curtains, flip the switches, run the pumps and lights...if you have a friend or relative who is knowledgable re boats, take him along for another perspective...COMPRESSION test the motors...if the owner says he just had it done, ask who did it and then go there and followup w/THE tech...if that doesn't ''add up'', pay for your own comp-test by a qualified outboard tech...well worth it B4 an investment of that size...

Above, I suggested gettig UNDER the boat...of course that assumes it's outta the water...if it's normally kept in the water, pull it out and check it out...sometimes owners are surprised by what they find...good luck and for a boat that size boat, don't rule out the services of a marine surveyor...problem is FINDING one of those you can count on...

Good advice, but I would strongly advise you to get a professional survey. Should cost less than $500 and the surveyor will (should) check everything. Good investment for such a large purchase. If you like what you see, you can make the sale contingent on the survey

Three things come to mind:

(1) Know what you want - this might be easier said than done. What do you want the boat for and does this boat meet those needs?…that kind of thing.

(2) Sea trial – see the info posted above.

(3) Survey – see the info posted above. Yeah, it’s going to cost you around $300 (in my area) or so but it is money well spent. The survey should only be done while the boat is out of the water. I have heard of surveyors that did compression checks on the motor but that is not the norm in my area. You may want to have the motor(s) inspected as well.

It comes down to the idea that you want a boat for certain reasons and you think maybe you found the boat you need. So, go play on it and see if it is everything you thought it was. If it is, invest in having the vessel looked at by folks that know what to look at and how to look at it. A general recommendation on boat buying is that you should never survey the boat yourself. You want a certified marine surveyor to do it.

When buying a used boat don't fall in love to fast. You have to be able to walk away if something doesn't seem right.