Used Boats For Sale in Minnesota

Every used boat in-stock is fully inspected from bow to stern by our skilled service technicians, so you can boat with peace of mind knowing you've invested in a quality vessel that will keep your crew on the water for years to come.

Visit our used boat dealership and explore our well-maintained used boats for sale today!

When you're ready to trade-up, we're here to help!

Used Boat Buying Guide

When you shop strategically, you can find a well-maintained used boat that helps you enjoy the water without breaking the bank. If you’re new to boating, buying used is a smart way to learn how to operate, service, store, and enjoy your vessel. If you have any questions, or if you want to check out our selection of used boats for sale, visit us in Nisswa & Crosslake today!

Build Your Budget

Your first step is to set a budget and make sure you stick to it. Many sellers will try to convince you that you should spend more on a fancier model than you can afford. When you make a budget before you start shopping, you eliminate those out-of-reach options from consideration.

Keep in mind that your budget should include more than the sticker price. Take into consideration any gear you’ll need (like life jackets), boat slip rental, fuel, and insurance. Remember that used boats will probably be out of warranty, so repairs will be an extra expense.

Do Your Research

You’ll want to have a list of priorities while you’re looking around for quality used boats. Do you want a specialized fishing boat or a versatile vessel capable of towing your kids on an inner tube? Narrow your options to make research more feasible. Think about how many people you anticipate taking with you. This will need to be within the boat’s maximum weight and carrying capacity. Be sure to check that none of the models you are considering were ever recalled.

Do an Inspection

Once you’ve found a potential option, take the time to thoroughly inspect it. Cracks in the gel coat that are longer than two inches could suggest issues. Check all metal and wood surfaces for signs of corrosion. You’ll also need to inspect the interior of the boat. Look underneath flooring materials for any discoloration or moss as those signal the boat wasn’t properly maintained. Check all electronic equipment and make sure they function properly. You can hire a technician to help catch issues you might miss, which could save you from buying a boat that later needs expensive repairs.

Take a Test Drive

Always take a boat out on the water before buying it. You’ll want to test drive to see how it feels and handles. See how the boat functions at different speeds and when idling. Look for anything out of the ordinary, like delays, odd vibrations, or odd sounds. Anything that sounds or feels off usually signals that the boat needs some work, which could be a bargaining point or just something to note for future renovations. So if you plan out your finances to fix up any rattles or dents, then you should be good to go. Otherwise, if the boat runs smoothly and falls within your budget, you found a winner!

Visit us at MarineMax Nisswa & Crosslake to shop our wide selection of beautiful used boats, or schedule a test drive today! We offer marine-specific financing and insurance right here, in-house to make your boat buying experience a breeze. Ask us about bundling your boat and trailer with a dock & lift to invest in your summer fun in one simple monthly payment! We proudly serve those in Central Minnesota and beyond.