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Buying your first boat is nothing like buying your first car. Unfortunately, unlike purchasing a used car, you can never be sure of a boatâs history.
If youâve ever used Carfax to get a vehicle history report, then you know how informative it can be when deciding on purchasing a used car. A car can look perfect in pictures, but you canât ignore some history, like frame damage or a recall.
Like cars, boats are intricate vehicles that can sustain hidden damage. That damage may not be obvious on the outside, especially to a novice boater. Up until now, states have had no regulation on how to record a boatâs history.
Keep reading to learn how vehicle history reports assist first-time boat buyers and for more tips on purchasing your first boat.
Why Get a Marine Vehicle History Report
Anyone whoâs owned a boat before will tell you that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. Or, at least you should plan that way. Often, you end up fixing the same thing more than once. This is especially the case with sailboats, which have a lot of hardware and components.
Experienced boat owners typically know what kind of boat they prefer and they know what to inspect before purchasing a used boat. But, even an experienced buyer benefits from knowing a boatâs history.
You canât see all damage from the outside. For example, if a boatâs hull suffered damage before, the owner could have fiberglassed and painted over the damage. But there could be water damage beneath the surface you canât see.
The fact is, there is currently no country-wide law that requires boat owners to report damage or disclose previous damage to a new buyer.
Some states donât even require boaterâs insurance. Thatâs where a Carfax-like service for boats comes into play.
How Do States Require Boat History Reports?
The state of Florida recently passed its boat history law, dubbed the âCarfax for Boats Lawâ. The official name of the law is the Uniform Certificate of Title for Vessels Act (UCOFVA).
This new law in Florida doesnât begin until 2023. But the law does great things to protect used boat buyers from purchasing damaged boats.
The law requires that any boat that has sustained hull damage report that damage on its title. In a state like Florida, where 1 in 29 boats have negative history, thatâs a big step in vessel law.
Other popular boating spots have already implemented the âCarfax for Boats Lawâ. Virginia was the first state to require boat history. The District of Columbia, Connecticut, and Hawaii were soon to follow.
Unfortunately, until all states require boat titles, thereâs not as much regulation as there should be.
For example, someone can purchase a boat in Tennessee, where boat titles are not required, and then bring it to Florida for registration. Then the boat automatically has a âcleanâ title.
How to Get a Boat History Report
Websites like Boat History Report are great sources for a boatâs history. They track hull damage, accidents, fires, hurricanes, run aground, recalls, and more. To help buyers, Boat History Report gives brokers access to their reports for free.
So, if youâre purchasing a used boat from a dealer or broker, make sure to get the boat history report at no cost.
If youâre buying a used boat from an individual, you can use Boat History Reportâs website to search the boatâs HIN (hull identification number).
Another popular source for a boat history check is Boatfax. Not only does Boatfax report any negative history, but it also provides a cost estimate for what the boat is worth based on its make, model, year, and condition.
Boat history reports help get a fuller picture of the boat, but it doesnât take the place of an in-person inspection. Never buy a boat without seeing it first yourself or sending a trusted person to view the boat for you.
Tips for Buying Your First Boat
Buying your first boat is a big step. Youâre probably familiar with the phrase, âThe best two days of a manâs life are the day he buys a boat and the day he sells it.â
It’s common for people to get excited about a boat and rush into buying it without a proper inspection. Then, theyâre left with all the boatâs problems.
You can avoid this fate by following a few rules and tricks.
1. How Much Time Can You Devote?
Thereâs such a thing as a project boat. But chances are you arenât looking for a project. If you want to get on the water as fast as you can, buy the smallest boat that meets your needs.
The smaller the boat, the easier it will be to get in the water and the less time youâll spend fixing things or doing maintenance.
2. Pay For an Inspection
Once you check a boatâs history and do your inspection, if youâre still excited about the purchase, itâs worth it to get a professional inspection done.
An inspection costs around $25 per foot. Itâs a pricey thing, but itâs worth it to be aware of anything that needs attention on the boat. An inspection will also help you determine if the boatâs price is worth it and could give you some price negotiating room.
3. Be Patient
Finding the right boat is more involved in finding the right car. There are so many factors to consider, and everyone has different preferences.
Donât skip the steps, no matter how much you love a boat. Itâs easy to fall in love with a boat and rush into purchasing it. But like with buying a car or a house, thereâs always another boat to fall in love with.
As long as you follow these rules, check the Boatfax, and inspect the boat thoroughly, youâll avoid a purchase that you eventually regret.
Free Vehicle History Report
Thankfully, unlike boats, cars have detailed title histories. EpicVIN offers a free vehicle history report. Click the link here to see what a carâs VIN reveals.
Visit our website for more helpful vehicle tips and tricks!