Used Boat Buying Tips

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Boat looks clean and inside the hatches look clean as well.

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Check out the trailer. Last salt boat I bought had so many trailer issues i wish i had just bought a new trailer from the beginning.

Probably not. Maybe stop after a few miles and see if they are hot. Does it have brakes?

Probably don't need them. I like them because my job taints my mind re: traffic accidents.

This looks like a decent deal. Little newer and $500 more.


My tip would be to have cash on hand and be ready to buy at a moment's notice. I had a deal fall through, dude backed out on me.

Biggest issues are to have a mechanic go over the motor, run a compression test and let you know of any other issues they see. Does he have maintenance records? Second is a good sea trial. Be sure you can run it at over 4000 rpm for 15 minutes at least to make sure no cooling issues. Make sure all electronic stuff works, a minor issue here or there isn't a huge deal (it is a boat, never know what wire decided to disconnect itself the last time you went out).

I'd also be hesitant about an 18' with a 90hp motor. May be a little underpowered with a couple ice chests, baitwell and fishing buddies.

Is it a Nautic Star by chance?

Hours on motor? Extremely low or high would push me away.

Price seems high, but then again, if you can't find anything else suitable at the price, maybe it's good. Pre-covid, in 2018, I paid $10k for a 2000 19' with a 150hp OX66 with 500 hours. It was meticulously cared for by one owner, and I probably overpaid slightly for it, but I'm happy. and couldnt find shite-else for $10k. A whole new world opens up at $15-20K

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looks like a decent deal.

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Yeah I saw that one last night. I like the engine and layout of that Bluewave. Just trying to see what other buyers experience were lately as I'd like to buy the boat but shave cost where I can. The boat will need a trolling motor and eventually a repower

Offer $9,500 and settle at $10,500.

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Offer $9,500 and settle at $10,500.

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This sounds like a solid game plan

If you have a long haul from where you’d be buying it from I’d check the trailer bearings. Throw a Jack under the axle and spin the tire. If the bearings are on their way out you’ll know from the noise. I about lost one buying a used rig 2+ hours away on week night one time.

Drop a little bit of the lower unit oil to see if there’s water in it. Haggle price more if so.

Compression test is a must.

Test all electronics. If batteries are 3-4yrs old be prepared to replace them.

I have '01 OX66's and 110-120 is ideal. Mine are now down to 100-90 but I'm over 1K hours, still runs fine knock on wood. The lowest cylinder will have the lowest reading by design - for example 110 top, 105 mid, 100 low. You can borrow a test gage from Oriley's for free. Run the engine for 10 min to warm it up then do the test yourself.