Tips for Buying a Pre-Owned Boat

Pictured: 2003 Supra Launch SSV Gravity/SK - $28,500

Are you exploring the market for a "new to you" boat or pontoon? We have some helpful tips to save you time and headaches; whether you're thinking about purchasing from us or going with a private seller.

Buying From a Dealer

Buying a pre-owned boat from a trusted boat dealer can save you headaches and extra costs that might come along with buying from a private seller. We inspect every pre-owned boat so that it is ready and waiting for you to inspect it yourself. We stand behind all our boats, service, and maintenance. Your boat is an important investment and we can help you protect that investment. Having access to really good trustworthy boat service professionals is a key element of carefree boat ownership. Not everyone is cut out to do boat maintenance. But we are and we enjoy doing it. Our team of boat service professionals is among the best in the business. 

Sinclair Marina is part of the Classic City Marinas' Network Program. As part of Classic City Marinas' Network Program, our customers are welcome to use the marina facilities of any of our affiliate marinas. So if you live in Eatonton, Georgia, for instance, and you have your boat at Sinclair Marina, but you are a huge Clemson Tiger fan and spend fall weekends in Clemson, SC, you are welcome to reserve a temporary slip (subject to availability) at Clemson Marina at no additional charge to extend your weekend fun while in Tiger Town.

Buying From a Private Seller

Thinking about going with a private seller? Most private sellers do not allow you to test drive the boat that you are interested in purchasing. Most private sellers also do not stand behind the boat sale or offer mechanical and other help should a problem arise once the boat is yours.

If you're still considering purchasing a boat from a private seller - look for scratches, dents, cracks – open all doors and cabinets. Make sure to check the cables and steering. You may even consider hiring a qualified professional boat surveyor to look over the boat and to do a complete certified inspection. Always make sure that you’re working with a well known, local, and highly recommended seller.

Avoid Online Boat Sales
Stay away from long distance online boat sales. You may end up spending more money in traveling expenses, only to come back home with a broken boat or even worse, not coming home with a boat at all! Never purchase a boat online without inspecting it first, or hiring a certified professional to inspect it for you.