Used Boats For Sale

Used Boat Buying Guide

You don't need to break the bank to hit the water! If you want to partake in water activities but are on a budget, it's time to consider a used boat! At Fish and Ski Marine, we've got a fantastic selection of gently used boats for sale. Before you visit our convenient Sanger or Austin locations, we've put together a buying guide for used boats to get you started on your search!

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Inspect the Boat

After you've picked out a potentially used boat option, it's time to perform an exterior and interior inspection. Start by examining the boat's exterior for cracks two inches or more significant, as this could lead to future problems. It is also essential to know that materials such as wood and metal can rust. With this in mind, you'll want to take extra time to thoroughly inspect any wood or metal surfaces for signs of corrosion! 

After you're pleased with your exterior inspection, it's time to move on to the interior of the used boat. Look beneath the flooring materials for discoloration or moss, as this may mean that the boat was poorly maintained by its previous owner.

Some dents and scratches you come across during your inspection may be purely cosmetic! If you need assistance determining the condition of the boat, consider hiring a surveyor! Surveyors will be able to inspect the potentially used boat for you. And, with their expert knowledge, they can catch issues you may otherwise have overlooked!

Look for Mildew, Rot, and Rust

When you're looking at previously owned houses, you wouldn't be impressed to find mildew, rot, and rust, would you? The same concept can be applied when shopping for used boats! If you're finding these three things as you inspect the used boat, this is indicative that the boat wasn't well-maintained in the past. In other words, this previously owned boat was not carefully cleaned and inspected each season. Extensive rust, corrosion, and rot may suggest that the boat has taken on water at some point, which would be a significant concern and should deter you from choosing said used boat.

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Test the Oil & Fuel

Another step you'll want to take before making a used boat purchase is testing the oil and fuel. This is a sign of concern if you're touching the engine oil and the texture is milky or gritty. Water or metal shavings may have found their way into the engine, which can cause significant damage. Also, if the fuel smells rotten, it's best to pick a different used boat.

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Take a Test Drive

Last but not least, looks can be deceiving. A used boat may look fantastic docked, but you don't know how it performs for sure until you take it out for a test drive on the water. Luckily enough, at Fish and Ski Marine, you can test out that used boat you've had an eye on! A test drive gives you a general idea of how the boat feels and handles. Tips for test driving a used boat include trying different speeds, testing the brakes, and seeing if the boat makes any odd sounds or vibrations as you take on the water! 

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Servicing Dallas , Austin, & San Antonio

At Fish and Ski Marine, we proudly offer used boats for sale for fantastic prices. When you're ready to see the best selection of used boats in Texas in person, visit us at our Dallas or Austin area locations. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff will help you find a quality used boat that fits your budget!