8 tips for buying a used boat

Some of the best buys for waterborne craft may come from the used boat market. Here are some general guidelines to keep your head above water.
Instructions
STEP 1: Find the right boat style, size, age and equipment for your needs and budget. Know what you're looking for before you start shopping.

STEP 2: Determine how far from home you're willing to travel to shop for a boat. Unlike real estate, boats can move almost anywhere. It isn't unusual for people to travel to other states to buy a boat.

STEP 3: Contact a broker and search classifieds or the Internet for boats that fit the profile that you've developed. A yacht broker, like a real estate agent, can check listings of other brokers.

STEP 4: Set up appointments to view boats. Save time by seeing boats at the dock before test sailing.

STEP 5: Eliminate undesirable boats and schedule test sails on a short list of desirable boats.

STEP 6: Contact a licensed marine surveyor to check out the boat. This is the equivalent of a home inspection, and it's worth the investment.

STEP 7: Check classified ads and Internet listings for prices of comparable boats. Your surveyor may also have advice on price.

STEP 8: Make an offer and be prepared financially and emotionally to become a boat owner.