Used Boat Inspection Guide

You should always inspect a used boat before you purchase it. Without a proper inspection, you run the risk of accidentally purchasing a boat that has serious maintenance issues. Of course, conducting a used boat inspection is sometimes easier said than done. That’s why the experts at LMC Marine Center have created this used boat inspection guide.

Examine the Used Boat's Exterior

Start your inspection at the boat’s exterior. Check metal parts for signs of corrosion and wooden parts for signs of rotting. Also, look out for cracks and scratches. While a crack smaller than 2 inches isn’t a huge cause for concern, lots of smaller scratches may signify that previous owners were careless about how they used the boat or did not keep up with maintenance. 

Check the Oil and Fuel

Run the engine oil through your fingers. If it feels gritty, that means it's full of metal shavings and the engine is in bad shape. If the oil looks milky, that means that water found its way into the engine at some point. You should also give the fuel a quick smell. Fuel that smells off is a huge red flag. 

Look for Mildew, Rot, and Rust

While rot, rust, and mildew aren’t serious in and of themselves, their presence often means that previous owners did not take care of the boat. Some owners only deal with these kinds of issues where they can be seen, so don’t forget to check the boat’s nooks and crannies. 

Test the Electronic Equipment

Electronic equipment is very important and very expensive to replace. That’s why you should always test a used boat’s electronics before you purchase it. 

To shop our selection of used boats, visit LMC Marine Center in Houston, Texas. We offer parts ordering, financing, and servicing. We are proud to serve communities like Conroe, Texas, and we hope you’ll come visit us soon!