What to look for when picking up a new boat

[Gooch]

First off, I want to thank everyone on this site for all of the great information that gets posted. Secondly, you guys are great at spending other people’s money. I stumbled across this sight about 6 months ago with some casual interest in buying a boat. (Not even that interested in a jet boat!) After reading information about the Yamaha I had to break it to the wife that she wasn’t getting her Bennington Pontoon. So after spending $70k on a new AR250 and a ton of “needed” items for the boat, she thinks this site is Satan’s Spawn!

So here is my question: What should I look for when I pick up the boat? I’ve already done a cursory walk thru and had them fix a couple of issues with the fiberglass in the head area. As anyone noticed recurring issues with the 250’s that I need to keep an eye out for?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[adrianp89]

In for answers as well.

 

[1WetBoat]

If you already did a walk thru you probably picked up on most items. I have had my boat out several times already and here is what I looked for or should have looked for when i first picked her up. It might sound picky, but you want this taken care of now instead of later when boating season begins and dealers are backed up with services and other work.

1) Scratches/blemishes on gelcoat (had em, dealer repaired it)
2) Trailer lights
3) Trailer tires/spare
4) Not sure if you are doing a water test, but i would if possible.
5) All hatches and their hardware
6) Nav/courtesy lights on boat
7) Connext display works correctly cycling thru menus
8) Batteries wired correctly as house/start
9) Battery selector switches
10) All drain plugs are present
11) Lanyard/cleanout hatch kills engines (mine didnt, lol)
12) Cleanout plugs are not binding even though they are new( you never know)
13) Engine compt blower works
14) Bilge pump works
15) Cleats pop up/down easily
16) Bow/Stern ladders open close correctly
17) Tower goes down/up easily and knobs to secure it are tight
18) Bimini is attached correctly

 

[Gooch]

Thanks. That’s a great list. i appreciate your help.