How to Inspect and Buy Used Boat Motors

Before purchasing used boat motors, you must perform a thorough visual inspection from the powerhead to the gearbox, listen well to an audio test as well as ask relevant questions regarding past performance and maintenance service done on them. Needless to say, you must have satisfactory results and answers.

DETERMINE

Before looking at secondhand boat motors, be sure that you know what you want in terms of power requirements, shaft lengths, and operational matters like motor mounting height, trim, ventilation and cavitations.

With the many models available in the market, it is best to search for a specific type of motor that will suit your personal needs. Otherwise, you will waste time and money on the wrong secondhand boat motors. When you have determined your technical specifications, it is time to look.

SEE

First, look for obvious signs of deterioration and damage like corrosions and cracks on the motors’ exteriors. These are important indications of interior damage as corrosion and cracks mean that excessive quantities of saltwater has entered and frozen inside the motor, respectively. And, of course, these damages might mean that the owners failed to perform proper care of the used boat motors.

If you can’t see them personally, request photographs from the owners. Still, you must visually inspect your choices at a later date.

HEAR

Even after a thorough visual inspection, you must request the owners for a test run. Of course, it does not mean that you should have the boat motors attached to a boat, far from it.

Instead, just have the boat motors propped up in an appropriate place and operated in dry land. You must have them run in high speeds for several minutes. You should listen to unusual sounds like knocks, noises, and buzzes. If possible, have someone who knows about used boat motors and whom you trust with you to provide advice.

All throughout your visual and audio inspections, you must ask questions of the owners. These questions must include the service record of the boat motors in relation to what, when, where, why and how these maintenance activities were conducted. When you are satisfied, then purchase the used boat motors!

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Tips for Buying Used Boat Motors

So, you have decided to buy used boat motors because these are, arguably, cheaper compared to purchasing brand-new items. However, to get the best out of your money, you have to be very wise about your choices since the cost of repairs do add up in the long run.

Closely Inspect

First, exterior damage like cracks and corrosion are signs of internal damage so watch out for them. These can become costly repairs that often contribute to a sinking boat, financially speaking.

Second, if it is an outboard motor, inspect the prop shaft for bent portions. You can do this by looking at the propeller hub’s end when it is spinning – no wobble means that the used boat motors might be in good condition.

Third, and very important to protect yourself against stolen boat complaints, inspect the nameplate for its complete model and serial numbers. If it appears suspicious, then it probably is not a safe buy.

Closely Listen

Ask the owners to operate the secondhand boat motors at both idle and full speed modes. This is very important as problems involving the carburetor and the ignition are very costly.

Also, you have to check that the boat motor can easily handle shifting from neutral to reverse and neutral to forward. You will only realize the importance of these functions when docking the boat.

If you can have a trusted boat mechanic to offer advice, then better for your hunt for the right used boat motors. After all, he is more qualified to inspect them than you are!

Close the Sale

If you have decided that you are going to purchase the secondhand boat motors, then you must take the preliminary steps to close the sale. Whether online or offline, you must protect yourself against unscrupulous sellers who might have fraudulent documents on said motors.

Thus, always ask for the legal documents on the sale such as receipt of purchase outlining the date of transaction, the purchase amount including advance payments, technical specifications of the boat motors especially their model and serial numbers, and the signatures of both the concerned parties.

Soon, you’ll have your used boat motors powering your ride!

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Used Boat Motors - Getting the Right Price

When properly chosen according to your boating needs, used boat motors are very good bargains. However, caution must be exercised as choosing the right secondhand boat motors must be complemented with paying the right prices for them.

Retail Price of Brand New Motors

Usually, the price of secondhand boat motors in good condition must play in the range between 50-60 percent of the retail price for their brand-new counterparts. Thus, you must do your research so that you have ammunition during price negotiations! At the very least, you have a starting point for comparative purposes.

Exterior and Interior Condition

Before buying the used boat motors, you should have conducted visual inspections and audio tests that will make damages and deteriorations obvious. From these engine tests, you should be able to secure information on repairs to be done and replacement parts to be purchased. You will then be able to deduct part of the costs from the initial selling price, which is only fair and equitable.

Depreciation Value

Normal wear and tear must be accounted for when purchasing secondhand boat motors, which in accounting circles is called depreciation value. If the straight-line method of depreciation is used, you can deduct fixed figures from the original purchase cost for every year that the used boat motors have been used until these are sold to you.

For example, if the boat motor was originally purchased for $1,000 and has a life expectancy of 10 years, then the depreciation for each year would be $100. If it was sold to you after two years of original purchase, then you can take the $200 depreciation into account when haggling for the right price.

Level of Maintenance Care

However, you must also consider that degree with which the original owner exercised proper maintenance. He/she will also ask for a higher price based on the good condition of the used boat motors even after many years have lapsed.

Admittedly, there are many factors to be considered when purchasing second hand boat motors at a price agreeable to both buyer and seller. But with adequate research, satisfactory inspections and good haggling skills, you definitely can!

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