Used Boats for Sale

Buying a new boat doesn’t need to break the bank. Search used boats for sale and benefit from a wide selection of previously owned boats available for sale on YATCO in a wide range of styles, sizes, and prices.

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Used Boat Buying Guide

Buying a used boat is an exciting time for many, but requires careful consideration to ensure you make a sound investment and avoid potential headaches. You’ll want to keep a few things in mind when buying a used boat – whether it’s a motor yacht, pontoon boat, racing boat or sailboat for sale, bear in mind the following items:

1. Determine Your Needs

  • Purpose: Decide how you plan to use the boat (fishing, cruising, water sports, sailing, racing boat).
  • Size: Consider how many people will typically be on board.
  • Type of Boat: Narrow your search to specific types (pontoon, fishing boat, speedboat, racing boat, sailboats for sale etc.).

2. Set a Budget

  • Sales Price: Establish a maximum price for the boat.
  • Maintenance: Factor in ongoing costs for repairs, fuel, docking, and insurance.
  • Upgrades: Consider potential costs for modifications or accessories if you want to make the boat your own.

3. Research

4. Inspect the Boat

Exterior

  • Hull Condition: Look for cracks, blisters, or repairs.
  • Propeller: Inspect for damage or excessive wear.
  • Paint and Gelcoat: Check for fading or peeling.

Interior

  • Seating and Upholstery: Look for mold, tears, or water damage.
  • Flooring: Check for soft spots that may indicate rot.
  • Cabin (if applicable): Inspect for leaks, odors, or signs of neglect.

Engine

  • Hours: Check the engine hours; fewer hours often indicate less wear.
  • Condition: Look for oil leaks, corrosion, or unusual sounds.
  • Maintenance Records: Request service history to see if the engine has been well-maintained.

Electrical Systems

  • Test the lights, horn, bilge pump, and other electronics.

5. Take a Sea Trial

  • Test the boat on the water to evaluate its performance.
  • Check steering, acceleration, and stability.
  • Listen for unusual noises or vibrations.

6. Get a Professional Survey

  • Hire a marine surveyor to conduct a thorough inspection.
  • A surveyor can identify hidden issues and estimate the boat’s value.

7. Verify Documentation

  • Title: Ensure the seller has a clear and transferable title.
  • Registration: Verify that the boat’s registration is current and matches the seller’s name.
  • Loan Status: Confirm there are no liens or outstanding loans.

8. After Purchase

  • Insurance: Obtain boat insurance based on its value and use.
  • Registration: Register the boat with your local marine authority.
  • Safety Gear: Equip the boat with necessary safety gear (life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, etc.).
  • Maintenance Plan: Schedule regular maintenance to keep the boat in top condition.

What Questions Should You Ask Before Buying a Used Boat?

  • What is the right used boat price for you?
  • What is your preferred boat hull material?
  • Where and how do you plan to use your boat?
  • How many people would you like to have onboard?
  • Where will you store it?
  • What type of used boat sales are you looking for?
  • Do you want an inboard engine, or outboard?

While there may not be a Blue Book or NADA Guide to used boat prices, YATCO can help you narrow down your boat search. There are hundreds of used boats for sale in your area, but if there is a better deal on the other side of the world, are you willing to wait 4 to 6 weeks to get it delivered, or do you want to get your used boat immediately? Buying a used vessel is a unique and exciting experience. Contact our boat dealer members who will guide you with accuracy, integrity, and passion for helping you find the vessel of your dreams.

How to Buy a Used Boat?

The first place to start your search for a used boat for sale is YATCO. YATCO lets you search by builders, year of build, boat type, used boat prices, location, and more! You’ll also want to consider what type of boat you’re interested in. As an example, here are the following used boat sales you’ll come across in your search:

  • Used motor boats for sale
  • Used power boats for sale
  • Used sailboats for sale near me
  • Used sailing boats
  • Used bass boats
  • Used fishing boats
  • Used aluminum boats for sale near me
  • Used Sun Tracker pontoon boats for sale near me
  • Used center console boats for sale near me

Not to mention personal watercrafts like Jet Skis that a lot of people use as an entry to boating, or to use alongside a larger boat.

Another great place to start is with a knowledgeable boat broker. Boat brokers excel in their work in knowing the market inside and out to bring you the best used boat sales for your needs and budget.

Search for a boat broker with YATCO now.

Where to Buy Used Boats?

Used boats are usually available not far from where you live! This is why YATCO uses the location search feature. This way, you can search for used boat prices near you and see what fits your budget. From used sailboats for sale near me, to used aluminum boats for sale, and used bass boats for sale near me, you can narrow down your search as much as you like!

Another good place to look is at local boat dealers near you. Boat dealers will usually carry a number of brands and models to look at. Do you want an inboard engine? Or a Sun Tracker pontoon boat? Or is a used fishing boat more your style? Used sailing boats can be a great way to get on the water and feel connected to the water in a deeper way than on a used motor boat for sale.

How Long Can You Finance a Used Boat?

Used boats will usually offer loan terms from 10 – 20 years. However, this can depend on your own credit score and income, and the condition of the boat.

Your lender will want to look at the boat you are buying and consider the risks. This is why it’s great to know what boat type you want to purchase before starting the search. Once again, some boat types to consider are:

  • Used motor boats for sale
  • Used power boats for sale
  • Used sailboats for sale near me
  • Used aluminum boats for sale
  • Used bass boats for sale near me
  • Used fishing boats
  • Used Sun Track pontoon boats

Learn more in YATCO’s Boat Financing Guide.

What are Some Popular Used Boat Brands?

When shopping for a used boat, certain brands stand out for their competitive sales prices, quality, reliability, and strong resale value. Some popular used boat types and brands include:

Sportfishing Boats

Not just for the anglers out there, sportfishing boats offer ample deck space, plenty of storage and seating for friends and families as well.

  • Boston Whaler– Boston Whaler boats are known for their “unnsinkable” construction, durability, and resale value.
  • Grady-White – Grady-White is known for high-quality offshore fishing boats with excellent craftsmanship.
  • Lund – Lund is known for building reliable aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats.
  • Tracker – Tracker is a brand well known for building affordable aluminum fishing boats with practical designs.

Pontoon Boats

Pontoons boats are flat, fun, recreational boats that can be used for fishing, sunbathing, and small parties with family and friends on the water.

  • Bennington – Known for style, luxury, comfort, and high build quality.
  • Harris – A versatile brand excellent for family-friendly features.
  • Sun Tracker – An affordable and spacious pontoon boat ideal for families.
  • Manitou – High-performance pontoons with innovative designs.

Center Console Boats

Center console boats are fast fishing boats that can get you where you need to be to find that next great catch, offering walkaround decks for 360-degree fishability, making it easier to fight fish all around the boat with no obstructions.

  • Sea Ray – Stylish design mixed with reliable performance and excellent reputation.
  • Bayliner – affordable entry-level boats for families.
  • Chaparral – High-quality materials and excellent customer support make Chaparral a popular brand year on year.
  • Regal – Regal creates elegant designs with innovative features.

Sailboats

A sailboat is propelled partly or entirely by sails and is smaller than a sailing yacht under 79ft (24m). Sailboats can come in different styles including high performance, day sailers, racers, outboard motors, and more.

  • Catalina – A sailboat equipped with easy handling and excellent customer loyalty.
  • Beneteau – A very popular sailboat brand offering versatility and luxurious interiors.
  • Hunter – A spacious sailboat brand with innovative designs.
  • Jeanneau – Expect European styling and performance.

Luxury Motor Yachts

As the name would suggest, a luxury motor yacht is powered by a motor. These types of vessels are an excellent way to cruise long destinations in a short period of time and are built for a leisurely time on the water.

  • Azimut YachtsA well known luxury motor yacht builder featuring Italian craftsmanship and elegant designs.
  • Princess Yachts – A brand famous for modern designs and premium quality.

From Boston Whaler and Sea Ray to Beneteau, Azimut and Princess Yachts, there is a wide selection of used boats for sale on the market with a range of sales prices to suit every budget.