Buying Used Boat from Dealer I don't know, need Advise to avoid big trouble

[Noelb]

Found this great deal on a very low hours Nautique (about 10 hrs, it a '09), now how can I check for the following? BTW, the boat is in a dealership in the US (not a CC dealer), I'm from Canada:

1- Any hints to tell if the boat has been in saltwater?
2- How to find out if the boat has been in an accident?
3- How can I make sure that there isn't a "lien" on it, i.e. that there isn't someone who ows money on it and the bank will come reposess it?
4- For that matter, what if the boat was stolen?
5- Any way to find out if the hours meter was tampered with?

Thank you very much!

[teamseal]

1.9 hours on a salt water boat wont hurt a thing!
2.Have the dealer send you a disclosure of known problems.
3.again you will have to trust the dealer however do not let go with the cash until you see all the proper clean paperwork.
4. same as #3
5 If this is a reputable dealer they should be able to set you up a diagnostic print out of the engine and that will give you the correct hours.

If it sounds shakey walk away. just dont hand over the cash until everything is correct.

[Noelb]

Interesting point in #5...

[2004196]

You should be able to request contact with the past owner. Not a guarantee but should provide some insight into why only 10 hrs, usage, condition, liens and why this boat is for resale at a dealer. Don't take everything you're told for gospel but could provide some answers to your concerns. If you have any friends in law enforcement, they can run the hull ID or registration numbers for you to get you the previous owners name if the dealer is hesitant or you don't trust the dealers information. The same with the hull ID, if you know (personally usually) another boat dealer or someone at the licensing department, they can also run the ID and give you the info of past owners etc. Good luck and hopefully you found a gem!

[Chattwake]

Are you looking at that orange crush '09 230?

I would ask about whether the factory warranty applies. It would be better to run a deal through a CC dealership if that guy can't offer you the factory warranty.

[Noelb]

Nope, no orange crush 230... Thanks for the reply though.

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Is there a reason you are asking these questions? I mean, has there been anything in your talks with this dealer or about the boat that would make you think it might be Salvaged, Stolen, Etc...?

If there is anything that hints in those ways enough to make you uncomfortable, I would walk away.

[swc5150]

If you'd be willing to share the name of the dealership, there's a better than average chance someone on PN can offer some insight.

[sailerboy]

If its The Boat Hunters, we got our nautique from them, and it works just fine. We didnt go through the precautions that we should have, but fortunately, we lucked out. Definatly make sure you check everything

[Noelb]

Thanks for all the replies. Very helpful information, however I ended up finding a great deal on a NEW one (from a CC dealer, of course). Now if only the snow could melt...