Second Hand Boat Buying Advice

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engmpoll

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Hi All,

Looking at making my first boat purchase. I am going to buy second hand, so does anyone have a link to a good buyers information guide?

I have a short list of 2 boats, a 2008 Galstron 259 and a 1990 Sunseeker Mohawk 29. Whilst quite different boats each one offers pros and cons, but ultimately both fall within my purchase budget.

Thanks in advance.
 
Good luck with your search. Google might come up with some tests of the boats you are interested in. Have a look at different types and boats if you can and once you decide on a particular boat get a survey.
 
I suppose when I view the boats initially, I should just do a very simplistic check and make sure everything works as it should, engine starts, loo flushes, switches work etc and then maybe look out for anything that doesn't look right and is a clear "walk away now".

As for the survey, I assume these are a more detailed affair, with detailed specifics reported? Can anyone recommend any companies?
 
You are targeting 2 very different boats. The Sunny is a classic sports boat, the Glastron probably better accommodation, and much newer, hence likely to need much less maintenance. How do you intend using the boat?
 
rafiki_;594434How do you intend using the boat?[/QUOTE said:
That's the 'burning'? question rafiki, well said
engmpoll, I would say most of us on here have bought our first boat with the wrong idea/perception of what we realy wanted
It's not like going up the road and trying a Ford Escort or an Astra etc
You say You have a Short List
Good stuff, no probs with that but what information/ideas/ reasons led you to this 'short list'?
The answers to this may give the Forum people an answer to your question
Click to expand...
 
So the "plan" is to moor in North Wales. Either Conwy or Deganwy, use the boat for day cruising, up and down the river, out to Puffin Island, great Orme, little Rome and around Anglesey taking in the bays. I have a young family so cabin and toilet are a must. Plus some additional amenities, sink, hob etc. Might have a few camping nights onboard in the marina with my 4 year old son as an adventure, but other than that and as a first boat full live aboard capability isn't required.

So the Sunny and Glastron are at either end of my short list, the Glastron 259 may prove to be more family friendly, plus cheaper to run and maintain however when I manage to get out in my own it may prove not to have enough grunt to scratch that itch. The Sunny, whilst older is trading on a bigger brand name, I also quite like the whole retro vibe as a child of the 80's, can still get the family onboard with perhaps slightly less amenities. Plenty of grunt for those lone trips out. Against it is the maintenance and running costs.

Also on the list are Bayliner 2855, Rinker 232, Maxum 2400 and Four Winns 248.

Concensus as to if I'm looking at the right type of boats?
 
I think for your family, the US sportscruiser will be a better proposition, alternatively consider the Sealine 23. How much patience will your wife and children have when you are deep in the engine room of your "project" again?
In your boating area there are several on here with some serious experience and expertise, inc Kawasaki! You could do worse than strike up a conversation with him.
 
Only you can decide what sort of boat you want, but the problem you have presently is insufficient experience to be able to deduce this, indeed your primary selections are considerably different. So don't let that put you off, just be conscious that your first boat will be just that, so when buying be thinking about the onward sale.

A list of priorities is worth drawing up to help with comparing and rejecting / refining your selection ...

Type: Sport, hardtop, speedboat, semi displacement, etc

Is the outside space effective, especially for kids who can get bored very easily if confined to a small cockpit

How many easily used berths are there - waking up on what is also the breakfast table can become a real PITA

Fuel preference - diesels will always sell more easily and are generally cheaper to run

One engine or two

Outboard, Outdrive, or Shaft

Accommodation / layout

Toilet / Shower / Hot water

Fridge

Inventory included, especially safety gear

Budget - consider boats asking up to twice your price limit, you will be surprised what can be negotiated

Ongoing costs of upkeep etc


Also with a young family be aware that your passion might not be everyone else's, particularly if any you are thinking of are trailer launched. That novelty rapidly wears off, which is why so many boats sitting on trailers in gardens rarely go anywhere.

Find out how long has the boat you intend to buy been for sale for ? Wanting to move on can be a frustrating business, so paying more for something that will remain popular is a bonus, this means a known name, well presented and with a full history of ownership. If your dream boat took the current owner 2 seasons to sell, it will likely take you 2 as well.

As as buyer you are in a commanding position to negotiate not just on price but also other terms as well.

Oh yes those rose tinted specs you might sometimes wear - burn them, and invest in a decent pair of running shoes - you might need them.
 
Lot's of things to consider. The obvious search will bring lots of info, but soon after stating the budget some trips out into marinas to talk to owners will be well spent time.

Do no forget that budgets have to comprise but investement and operation, the latter a much bigger unkown than the first.
 
Very grateful for all the input, some things I hadn't considered have been raised.

Buying a second hand car is so easy by comparison, pricing guides are everywhere. Very difficult when you lack experience to know if something is being advertised at an unrealistic price.
 
engmpoll said:
Very grateful for all the input, some things I hadn't considered have been raised.

Buying a second hand car is so easy by comparison, pricing guides are everywhere. Very difficult when you lack experience to know if something is being advertised at an unrealistic price.
Click to expand...

There are more differences than commons between cars and boats.

When you work on requiremments a prerequisite is to know what is available/possible - and how these fit or meet your idea of need/nice to have.
You need to look well beyond and aside of types that you initally found suitable because this will set a base for comparison.

IMO no feature on a boat counts if it not usable - eg. a cuddy cabin where access is possible only when crawling backwards. Or heads where only a child fit. Or bunks too short. Or stowage in places where you cant use it. Or lack of shelter on a boat that you plan to use even if the weather is less than brochure-like.

Go visit some marinas. Talk to owners - most are happy to chat and you might even get invited to see things. Season not really for it just now, but soon.

Shows can be interesting too, but are known to feed dreams of all sorts. [££££)
 
simonfraser said:
local marine mechanic was fixing a US mobo back here in the UK, build for the lakes.
no heat exchanger, so the salt water was rotting the inside of the engine, news to me that boats existed without one ...
try to avoid that one, even if the boat is 'cheap'
Click to expand...

I'm not sure this is sound advice. Especially for the un-fathomable number of mercruiser and VP GM block engine powered vessel owners ?
The GM-Mercruiser-outdrive combination isn't the most popular and best selling combination of all time for nothing.
There will be very few cases of these blocks rusting through....even after 40-50 years of them being in production...and still in use.
I wouldn't let this out you off at all. Most boat owners will probably have had one of these engines in their boating CV at some point or another.
I've had many of them over the years and as long as you keep on top of recommended maintenance and particularly riser and exhaust replacement (if in SW), I can't fault them for their reliability and simplicity.
I dare say that both the boats you have mentioned may have this type of engine in them....unless they are diesel.
If the Glastron is a diesel, you may be disappointed with the performance. Especially if it's the 1.7l mercruiser diesel and perhaps to a lesser extent, the tamd31 that are both found in these boats. Hopefully it's a good old GM "V" block !
All the best
 
Thanks for the contrasting opinions, it helps make a balanced assessment. Early on I had decided that I would try and a get a closed loop cooling set up to avoid the accelerated corrosion issue associated with raw cooling systems. The Glastron I have looked at is a good old 5.0 V8. Meant to be good for 30 knots.
 
Hi engmpoll,

I started boating about 5 years ago. I started with a single engine petrol Bayliner 285, and have since moved onto a twin diesel Sealine S34

Personally, I would recommend the twin diesels over a single petrol because:
1. manoeuvrability of a twin engine boat is so much easier than a single - especially with a planing hull.
2. fuel costs; you get a discount of on 40% of diesel costs to pay for heating
3. you get heating - this makes a huge difference to the usability of the boat in this country
4. petrol is not as readily available as diesel

other things I would consider adding to your spec list:
1. Windlass - bit of kit to automatically raise and lower the anchor. Mrs Engmpoll will thank you.
2. a boat with good side decks that you and your crew are comfortable walking down
3. Consider a bow thruster - these are your 'get out of jail free' card when docking. Many will say you should need one with twin diesels if you know what you are doing (I still use mine, and even if I don't its nice to know it is there); but I would strongly recommend one on a single petrol engine boat.

I would look at things like Sealine S28 / Fairline Targa 28.

Boat prices are negotiable. I recommend you get marine engineer (e.g.Volvopaul) to check out the mechanicals.

good luck
DW
 
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