Things to Look Out for When Buying a Second Hand Boat

Why Buy a Second Hand Boat?

If you are thinking about living aboard but have not tried it before, buying a used boat can be a sensible first step. A second hand purchase means less money tied up while you work out whether the lifestyle suits you.

New boats lose value quickly, much like cars. A well maintained used boat can offer similar comfort and reliability at a fraction of the cost. That said, buying second hand does require more homework. You will need to assess the condition of the vessel carefully, or pay someone who can do it for you.

The boat market in the UK covers everything from narrow canal boats to coastal cruisers. Prices, condition and running costs vary widely depending on what you are looking at. Take your time and resist the urge to rush into a purchase, even if a deal seems too good to miss.

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Where to Find a Used Boat

Most buyers find second hand boats through one of three routes: private sellers, boat brokers or marine dealerships.

Private sales are common and often offer the lowest prices. You might find boats advertised on websites like Apollo Duck, BoatShop24 or the narrowboat specific forums and Facebook groups. The trade off is that private sales rarely come with any warranty. What you see is what you get, and the responsibility for checking the boat falls entirely on you.

Brokers act as middlemen between seller and buyer. They typically list boats on behalf of private owners and handle viewings, negotiations and paperwork. You may pay a slightly higher price because the broker takes a commission, but some offer limited warranties or at least a degree of accountability. The British Marine Federation has a list of accredited brokers if you want to stick with recognised traders.

Marine dealerships sometimes sell used boats alongside new stock. They may offer part exchange deals and short term warranties. Prices tend to be higher, but you may get more peace of mind and a clearer paper trail.

Whichever route you choose, it is wise to view the boat in person before committing. Photos can hide a great deal, and sellers do not always mention problems unless asked directly.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Getting a Marine Survey

Unless you have solid experience with boats, getting a professional survey is one of the best decisions you can make. A marine surveyor will inspect the hull, engine, electrics, gas systems, steering and general structure. They will produce a written report outlining any defects, safety concerns or areas likely to need attention soon.

The cost of a survey varies depending on the size and type of boat, but typically falls somewhere between a few hundred and a thousand pounds. This might seem like a lot on top of an already expensive purchase. However, it can save you from buying a boat with hidden problems that would cost far more to fix.

Surveyors can be found through professional bodies such as the International Institute of Marine Surveying or the Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association. Look for someone with experience in the type of boat you are buying, whether that is a steel narrowboat, a fibreglass cruiser or something else entirely.

Even if the survey comes back clean, it gives you a baseline record of the boat's condition. This can be useful for insurance purposes and when you come to sell later on.

Questions to Ask Before You Commit

A good inspection involves more than walking around and kicking the tyres, so to speak. Go in with a list of questions and make notes as you go.

• How old is the engine and when was it last serviced?
• Has the hull been blacked or anti fouled recently?
• Are the gas and electrical systems up to current safety standards?
• Is there a Boat Safety Scheme certificate, and when does it expire?
• What is the history of the boat and how many previous owners has it had?
• Are there any outstanding finance agreements or debts secured against the boat?
• Is the boat registered with the Canal and River Trust, the Environment Agency or another navigation authority?

Ask to see paperwork for any recent repairs or maintenance. A seller who has looked after their boat will usually have receipts and service records to hand. Be cautious if documentation is vague or missing altogether.

It is also worth checking whether the boat has a valid Boat Safety Scheme certificate. This is required on most inland waterways in England and Wales and covers basic safety standards for fuel, gas, electrics and ventilation. Without a valid certificate, you may not be able to get a licence to use the boat on certain waters.

Finally, consider running a check through a service like the Marine Finance Register. This can tell you whether there is any outstanding finance on the boat, which could leave you liable for someone else's debt if you buy without checking.

Buying a second hand boat takes patience and a willingness to ask awkward questions. Done properly, it can be a smart way to start life afloat without spending more than you need to.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Boat Living Cost Calculator lets you estimate your annual expenses for boat living based on boat type, location, and usage patterns. Try it now →