Buying a Used Bass Boat: Pros and Cons

Buying a used bass boat can be a great way to get a quality boat without breaking the bank. If you know what to look for, buying used can be a great way to score a great deal. Here are some pros and cons to consider when buying a used bass boat.

CONS

Less options
With used boats, it may be tough to find exactly what you want. Today, more used boats are posted for sale online than ever before, but the selection is not as customizable as buying a new boat. You may have to prioritize which features you want and which features you can be flexible on in order to find the right used boat for you.
Used motors
A used outboard motor can be tricky. How are you to know if the motor went through the proper break in procedures and routine maintenance? Those factors can severely impact the longevity of a motor. Not to mention if your motor breaks down it can be a costly fix. It is always best to get an opinion from a boat mechanic when looking to buy a used boat/motor.
No guarantees
You can only infer how the previous owner(s) may have treated the boat throughout its life. If you know how to properly evaluate a used boat you can gain a general idea of the boat’s condition, although sometimes it can still be hard to tell. Some owners treat their boats like gold while others are careless. If the previous owner of the boat was a hobbyist that took the boat out to fish once a month for fun, the boat might be in much better condition than if the previous owner was a tournament angler that would fly through stump fields or run through big waves every weekend. You might want to get the seller talking to find out more about how they used and treated the boat.

PROS

Variety
If you’re looking at used boat listings, you can often find great boats that are no longer in production. For instance, look at the Gambler and Champion communities. There are people that swear those boats were the greatest ever made. There are a few discontinued manufacturers that made some awesome boats. If you are strictly looking in the new boat market, you may be missing out on some awesome boats.
Price
A used boat is obviously cheaper than a new one. The biggest advantage to buying used is that you can get great value on a decent boat. Many sellers may be looking to upgrade a bass boat they bought new last year. If you know how to identify signs of a well-cared-for boat, one man’s old model could be your new pride and joy.
Value
Used boats will hold their resale value better than new boats. Since new boats depreciate at a much faster rate, a used boat’s resale value will remain closer to the amount you pay for it. So in other words, buying a used boat saves you value and forces the original owner to eat the initial depreciation.

Overall, buying used might seem a bit risky at first, but it can be the best choice for many. If you weigh the pros and cons, buying a used bass boat can save you a ton of money in your purchase. If you do your research and know how to spot a good deal from a bad one, the pros can easily outweigh the cons.