Vero Marine Center FAQ's

While you can certainly find expensive used boats, if you want a reasonable vessel that fits within a tight budget, you will likely choose a used option. Not only is the price lower, but like a used car, much of the value depreciation has already happened, so a used boat will hold its value better as well.

How many hours is good for a used boat? In today's world of fuel injected four stroke outboards, we're seeing boat owners put lots of hours on their outboards with many years of reliable use. There's no magic number for when a motor turns bad, each one is unique and it all boils down to how was it maintained and cared for. If you can, opt for an outboard with lower hours, possibly still under manufacturer's warranty, and includes a detailed history of maintenance.

Used boat buying checklist

1. Check the condition of the transom. Make sure the wood where the outboard motor mounts on the boat is in good shape and isn't rotten.
2. Test the floor.
3. Inspect the hull.
4. Run the motor.
5. Check the lower unit.
6. Check motor tilt and trim.
7. Check lights and other miscellaneous items.
8. Look up the price.

Here's how to protect yourself, both before you purchase a boat and after you discover a problem.

1. Don't buy a boat sight unseen! 
2. Protect yourself with a contract.
3. Next, you'll need to hire a competent marine surveyor.
4. Check for open recalls or problems. 
5. Photograph the boat's HIN.

Historic: Any vessel constructed before and up to 1918. Antique: Any boat built between 1919 and 1942. Classic: A boat built between 1943 and 1975. Late classic: A boat ranging from 1976 to 25 years prior to the current year — from 2021, that would be 1996.

1,500 hours

The average marine gasoline engine runs for 1,500 hours before needing a major overhaul. The average marine diesel engine will run for more than three times that long and log an average of 5,000 hours under the same conditions.

FALL. Many people will argue that the fall is the best time for buying a boat. This is because most of the manufacturers start offering discounts around September and October. When demand begins to decline, dealers often provide incentives for buyers in the form of discounts and deep cuts in pricing.