Buying Used Marine Equipment
Buying Used Marine Equipment
Most boaters know that buying a used boat is a great way to save some cash, but fewer people consider buying used when it comes to marine equipment. If you are on a budget, you will be glad to hear that there are plenty of great options on the used market for all your boating essentials, like boat trailers and outboard motors.
Read on for some expert tips on buying used marine equipment! When you're ready to shop for the equipment you need, come check out our used inventory at Central Georgia Marina. You can find us in Macon, GA.
Used Outboard Motors
If you are thinking about buying a used outboard motor, here are some important factors to consider:
- First, make sure the motor will fit your boat by matching the shaft length of the motor to the transom height of your boat. You should also confirm that the motor controls are compatible with your boat.
- Thoroughly inspect every component of the motor, looking for signs of corrosion and other damage. Be sure to check the propeller, the cowl gasket, the anodes, the oil, and the spark plugs.
- If everything checks out, run a compression test on the motor, and make sure the PSI numbers are consistent across all the cylinders.
- Last but not least, give the motor a trial run, and make sure you are satisfied with its performance.
Used Boat Trailers
Are you looking at used boat trailers? Here are some tips for finding the right match:
- Of course, the first step is to make sure the trailer is the correct size for your boat. New trailers come with stickers that indicate their capacity – however, used trailers may not have this sticker, or the sticker may be weathered to the point of being illegible. So, you may need to take your own measurements.
- Inspect these components of the trailer for damage and excessive wear: the axles, the suspension, the frame, the fenders, the tires, the bearings, the coupler, and the safety chains.
- Test the brakes and the electrical features of the trailer to ensure they are in good working order.
- Gather and review all the necessary paperwork, and make sure all the documents are in order for a smooth transfer of ownership.
If you need more advice on choosing used marine equipment, you are always welcome to consult the team here at Central Georgia Marina! We welcome our neighbors from Atlanta, GA, and from Columbus, SC.