What to look for when buying a speedboat

Are you planning on buying a speedboat? Being quite an investment, there will be a lot to take into consideration. Once you’ve decided on a budget, ask yourself…  do you want new or used? What features do you want to be included? What will you be using it for? If you decide to purchase a used vessel, there are a few extra things you should look for…

New or used?

When looking to buy a speedboat, there are so many different options to choose from, including whether to choose one that is brand new or used. 

New 

When making such a purchase, it's important to make sure everything is just right and for some, that means buying a speedboat brand new. This way, it should be guaranteed that it is in perfect condition and will last for many years to come, making for some amazing memories. When purchasing a speedboat, it's important to consider your budget, the size, what it will be used for and the location of where it will mostly be used. 

Speedboats range in length and often the larger it is, the more expensive it will be. Some have an open cockpit and seating area, this is perfect for recreational uses and days out with friends and family. When viewing a vessel, take a seat and make sure the seating arrangements are suitable and comfy. 

Used 

All it takes is a little bit of shopping around to discover that there are many used speedboats on the market at a lower price to brand new, ones that are usually still in fantastic condition. Aluminium and fibreglass don't deteriorate the same way that traditional wood boats would, so nowadays they last a long time. Buying used helps to save you money upfront however, just like a used car, there are more variables you will need to look out for. 

Things to consider when buying a second-hand boat

Exterior 

Whether looking at a boat online or in person, the first thing to note is overall how does it look? Is it clean and shiny, or scratched, scraped and dirty? When viewing in person take a look around the whole of the boat and look for any cracked or bubbled glass or repairs that may have already been completed on the exterior, including the gel-coat finish. If some areas are discoloured, it could be a sign that someone has covered up work from previous damage. 

Take a look at the sides of the hull to see if they are straight and if there is any sign of leakage or separation between the hull and deck.  If a trailer is part of the sale, be sure to inspect that as well, along with the tyres and ask when the wheel bearings and lights were last professionally checked. Another important thing to look for when buying a speedboat is any oil leaks and that the fuel tank is secure with no signs of damage or corrosion. The engine is obviously a very important aspect of any boat, so also check for rust, cracked belts, cracked spark plug wires and worn hoses.

Interior 

Next, take a tour around the interior of the vessel, does it smell old or damp? This could be a sign of mould or rot on the floor or seating, so be wary of this, in addition, a major problem could be highlighted in warped flooring. Look out for cracks in the windshield, rips or stains on the seating and the door hatches opening and closing effectively. If everything seems to be in order, narrow down your choices and pick your favourite. 

Don’t forget insurance

When buying a speedboat, insurance is crucial to have and this should also be factored into your budget. GJW Direct offers great quality insurance, with 24-hour access to your policy and documentation in an online portal. The policy covers medical expenses, personal accident cover, legal protection and much more. 

No matter whether you buy a new or used speedboat, it's important to consider all features and specifications of the boat to ensure it is just right for your boating adventure. 

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