When you make the decision to buy a boat, you have a choice of purchasing a new or used version and, depending on a number of factors, you might just prefer to go with the used boat option. There is no doubt that buying a used boat certainly has its advantages, whether you are trying to save money while purchasing, or you’ve decided on a model that the manufacturer discontinued for whatever reason. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while you are inspecting the boat you are considering purchasing.

If you are not familiar with the architecture of boating engines, then you will want to bring a mechanic with you to ensure that the boat engine is in good working order and if it isn’t that you know about everything that is wrong. Not only will engine problems affect the performance while running on the water, but also depending on the extent of the issue, the price for the boat could be lowered.

Alternatively, some issues are so bad that the problem may not be able to be fixed, and is not worth the purchase. Unfortunately, while it’s rare, there are some unscrupulous people out there who will attempt to take advantage of the buyer, especially if the buyer doesn’t understand all too much about engines.

Bad Boat Buys Do Happen…

Though it mostly happens with automobiles, this is the reason the Lemon Law was created and passed into law.  The Lemon Law offers buyers a bit of protection should something not go right after purchasing a new or used car – or boat. Specifically, if something breaks after purchase, and the seller stated or otherwise proved somehow that the car or boat is in good working order, then the seller could be required to refund all monies paid in full, plus extra for any money that the buyer paid out of pocket in an attempt to fix the problem.

However, if you are comfortable with inspecting the engine yourself, then you’ll want to make sure you look at the following aspects of the boat in addition to the engine:

• The hull bottom and interior
• Electrical system and connecting systems
• Control cables
• Whether the engine is warm before it is started
• Whether it smokes upon a cold start

Almost more important than checking that the engine is in good working order is making sure that the bilges are good, and ensuring that there are no leaks from the body or the engine. Instruments are another must-check. Without working instruments, you could wind up breaking a few of the many boating speed laws.

You probably paid as much, if not more, for your boat than you did you car, so why wouldn’t you want to do everything you can to protect it?

If you live in an area of the U.S. in which winter is as cold as your freezer, then you’ll definitely want to know everything you can about winterizing your boat so you can to save it from the damage – especially when the optimal time is to do so.

Check the Manual: Yes, you should check the manual that came with your boat because manufacturers often offer tips for winterizing, or even a chapter or two with step-by-step instructions. OK, so now that you’ve read what your manufacturer has to say about the issue, it’s time to get going.

Cracks and structural damage: One thing you must remember is that snow damages fiberglass just as badly as the water does because of the salt content of the deicing substances. If this sprays up onto the fiberglass, it can cause cracking and weaken the structure.

Additionally, allowing snow to accumulate on the hull – or anywhere else for that matter – can cause the fiberglass to crack when the snow expands as it turns to ice. Ensure you have a cover for your boat that won’t tear to prevent these issues.

Barnacle patrol: Remove all barnacles that may have accumulated and, if you’re feeling adventurous, you may be able to make a nice soup with them, depending on which body of water in which you go boating. If not, then move on to washing the outside well using a pressure washer.

Check for blistering: Open the blisters with something sharp, as you would a blister on your hand, and then let it dry. Use an epoxy filler to fill the blisters and cracks. If you don’t have a fiberglass hull and body, then you might be able to get away with pulling the dents with a mallet.

After ensuring you know what you’re supposed to do according to the boat manufacturer, and after you’ve read and done the steps here, you’ll want to do one more thing before closing it up for the winter. You’ll want to take it to the dealer for any maintenance needed that you cannot handle yourself before the winter.

If you wait until you’re getting ready to get your boat into the water come springtime, then you’ll likely have a longer wait to get it back, and maybe even have caused more issues by allowing it to sit all winter without the help it needed.

The most important thing you need to know about winterizing is that the job is not only about adding some chemicals to the engine to stop it from freezing. It is not just about throwing a tarp over it to keep it safe from the elements. What it is about is preparing the boat to stand the cold, ensure it isn’t damaged, and that it lasts a lifetime.

Winterizing a boat is a process, and one, which – if not done properly – could cost you the boat.

Topic: Boat Winterization

Question: What Is boat winterization? How do I winterize my boat or marine engines?

Please contact us today at (405) 533-3812 if we may assist you with your boat winterization needs.  We also provide support on boat winterization, boat winterizing, winterization, winterizing a boat, winterizing boats, winterize boat, winterize outboard, marine winterize, winterizing boat, how to winterize boat, winterize your boat, winterizing jet boats, outboard winterizing, winterizing your boat, how to winterize boats, winterizing outboard motor, how to winterize a boat, winterizing inboard boat motor instructions, winterize boats, inboard boat winterizing, winterize outboard motor.