Prep Work Prior To Purchasing Any Marine Repo

Before buying any "pre-owned" vessel and particularly a marine repo or repossessed boat it's imperitive to be aware of what you're buying. Unless, your experienced with restorative work you're safer to either have the repo inspected or surveyed as a pre cautionary measure.

A survey is a comprehensive inspection of a boat by an individual with expertise in evaluating the condition of boats.

A good marine surveyor will evaluate many different aspects of a boat's condition providing many of the same evaluations that a home appraiser, code inspector, home inspector, or a fire marshall would perform when inspecting a home.

If you're satisfied enough with what you see upon arrival your best bet is to hire a qualified marine surveyor. I emphasize qualified because anyone considering hiring a marine surveyor should be aware that there is no regulation or licensing of marine surveys.

Anyone considering hiring a marine surveyor should be aware that there is no regulation or licensing of marine surveys

Having a professional marine survey performed on a boat before you purchase it will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about purchase and pricing, as well as provide you with peace of mind about the vessel.

The more knowledge you have in advance the better equiped you are to negotiate or bid if at an auction. Minor problems can provide you with a negotiating platform for getting the boat for a better price. Major problems may cause you to decide not to purchase or bid on the boat, or at least insist on a professional repair prior to purchase, paid for by the seller

Marine repo vessels or equipmment will almost always sell on an "as is bill of sale" with "no warranties express or implied" by the seller. Nonetheless a free a clean title should be furnished without exception.

With that in mind you can confidently approach any marine repo source. A good repo source can be found at auctionspass.com. I've found basically any type of marine repo including: fishing boats, power boats, sail boats, yachts, pontoons, ski boats, bass boats, etc. all within my home state of Florida. However, listings are available in any state. Repos are often in rough condition, about 1 out of 10 are great buys.