How to Find the Perfect Used Ski Boat

Buying a used ski boat allows you to get the marine fun you want but at a much more affordable price. Thanks to depreciation, used models will be hundreds or thousands of dollars lower than their new counterparts. But not all pre-owned ski boats are equal in value. It's important to be strategic in your search to find a quality model. We've created the following buyer's guide to finding the right used ski boat below, so read on to learn more!

Ask About the Ski Boat's History

The more you know about the boat's history, the better you can predict its future. Ask as many questions as you can about the model. How old is it? How many previous owners did it have? What is the maintenance history? All this information will help show you whether the boat is being sold for a fair price given its age and history.

Inspect the Pre-Owned Ski Boat

Always inspect any used ski boat you’re considering. See if you can spot any issues that will require costly repairs. You may also want to hire a professional to inspect the vessel since they can often catch things the average buyer misses.

Start with the exterior. Cracks that are larger than two inches are a red flag. Look for signs of corrosion in any metal and wood surfaces. Sometimes these issues are purely aesthetic, but they can often suggest a lack of past maintenance and indicate other problems below the surface.

Next, test the electronics to ensure everything is working well. Remember that mechanical issues on boats can be more costly than mechanical issues on cars, so keep that in mind when building your budget. Look for signs of extensive corrosion, rust, and rot since these can be a sign that the ski boat has taken on water at some point.

You’ll also want to inspect the engine oil and fuel. Oil that is milky can indicate water has gotten into the engine. Oil that feels gritty can mean metal shavings from the engine entered the oil, which means the engine needs repairs. Fuel that smells rotten or off is a red flag as well.

Go for a Test Drive

A used ski boat dealer should allow you to take a test drive. After all, a model may appear great but handle poorly when it leaves the dock. 

During your test drive, you’ll want to do a few tests. Make sure it idles well and runs fine at various speeds. Test the brakes to ensure they work well and are free of any delays, weird vibrations, or concerning sounds. You’ll also want to test that the ski boat works well for you. Can you control it? Does it offer enough power for your needs? If the boat passes inspection, meets your budget, and suits your needs, then you found a match!

We hope you found this guide helpful. When you’re ready to explore used ski boats for sale, visit Nisswa Marine. Our expert staff can help you find the perfect model for your budget and lifestyle, so stop by today! You’ll find us conveniently located in Nisswa, Minnesota, and we welcome all those coming from Minneapolis and St. Cloud.