Whenever you opt for buying a used item you will come across some words that give the seller the options for a better price by proving that his wares are not harshly and roughly handled by the previous owner. You should not fall for certain terms when you are looking at the option of buying a second hand sail boat. Some of the terms to beware of are "Gently worn," "previously owned," "recycled," and "reconditioned". So even when the item to be purchased is a second hand sail boat you should view it with the same options.

Some plus points of a second hand sail boat

There are some beneficial points to think about in buying a second hand sailboat. First and foremost it will cost you much less than if you were to go in for a new one. It is definitely a cheaper way to get caught up in the sailing business. You may find that the boat in question has additional features, without your having to pay for it, which you may not have found in a brand new boat. The boat that you are thinking of buying may be a unique one that is not found in the market any more and maybe just one of its kind that will not be manufactured here after.

Make a thorough check before you buy it

Do not go in for the sail boat unless you check it out thoroughly and are absolutely sure of its condition. In case you are not capable of finding out the problems that may exist in the sail boat that is second hand, it is better to get someone who knows about how to check things about and find out the true picture. You would need someone who can look out for any faults in the design, or an effort to conceal some severe problems with a poor patch up job.

You could hire a surveyor who would be able to tell you the pros and cons of the choice of boat. This is suggested only when the price of the boat or insurance calls for it. Of course you need not go in for a surveyor if you just want to decide which option would be a better buy. Surveyors are specialists and their services are not cheap.

What are the other options to make a examination of the boat

You could always ask the previous owners about the condition of the boat. A definite indication would be a scrutiny of the boats log book where you could ask relevant questions regarding the use of the boat and the repairs that have been undertaken. Another thing that would give you some idea of the condition of the boat, is to weigh it against other boats in its class and of the same age. Once you jot down the points and go over them you will be able to have a fair idea of the general condition of the boat.

Make a meticulous inspection of the boat at the time that you go to see it. Examine in detail every bit and piece of it. Begin with the hull, as the rest of the boat will depend on this as this is the most vital part of the craft. Examine the hull to see if it is smooth and regular and flowing according to the design.

Examine it for other factors like weeping, delamination and various gel coat problems. In case there is substantial gel coat cracking or large amount of leaking all the way through the hull-to-deck joint, think about your choices for this used sail boat.

Some other problems to look out for are erosion of the electric system.

In case this is green, it is corroded. In case the hull is of iron check for rusting. Check to see whether the sails are stained and dirty, the inboard engine slow to start and rusty, the paint on the interior peeling or chipping and the plumbing smelly, it may be a better bet to avoid going in for this sail boat.

You will have to give a lot of time and energy and money for a sailboat. Though repairs are essential for all boats it should not be so, right in the beginning of your sailing experience. A prudent thing to keep in mind would be to estimate whether the cost of doing up and repairing the boat would be more than the resale value of the boat. If this is so then you should not plan to buy the boat.