Click here to zoom in Buying A Used Inflatable Boat

Click here to zoom in Buying A Used Inflatable Boat

Click here to zoom in Buying A Used Inflatable Boat

Click here to zoom in Buying A Used Inflatable Boat

Buying a Used Inflatable

Once you have decided exactly what type of boat you wish to buy, you may then want to consider looking for a used boat. You should be aware that even used inflatable boats do not come at highly discounted prices. While you might be able find old conventional boats at rock-bottom prices, used inflatable boats that are still serviceable are generally not that much cheaper than new boats, for two reasons. The first is that the number of used inflatable boats for sale is fairl y low but demand is relatively high, as many people seem to prefer to buy a used inflatable boat rather than a new one. Many people simply keep their inflatable boats even if they do not use them often at all, simply because inflatable boat s are extremely easy to store and do not take up nearly as much space as a conventional boat would. The second reason is that inflatable boats, unlike well-made conventional boats, do not have a very long lifespan, and few remain in service able condition 10 years or more after they are made.

This should not discourage you from searching for a used inflatable boat, however, and your local classifieds might yield a few possibilities. Soundings magazine features a section for inflatable boats and you will find several used infl ble boats for sale there every month.

Inspecting a Used Boat

If you are able to locate a use inflatable boat that suits your requirements, then there a few more checks that you need to before you commit to a purchase. The following is a basic list of things to check before you even think about buy the boat:

* Overall appearance

* Condition of the fabric

* Condition of the tube seams

* Hard-bottom-to-tube seams

* Bottom seams

* Transom-to-tube seams

* Outboard bracket

* Abrasions on the external bottom

* Abrasions on the internal bottom

* Valve condition

* Valve operation

* Valve-to-tube seams

* Transom

* Oarlocks

* Floorboards

* Cables for steering

* Paddles or oars

* Manual or electric pump

* Operation manual

* Repair and patching kit

If all of the above parts look to be in good condition, you should then request that the owner inflate the boat hard without putting the engine, floorboards, or anything else into the boat. Observe the overall appearance of the boat once is inflated. The fabric should not look chalky if the boat is made of PVC, although a chalky appearance is perfectly normal with a Hypalon boat.

A boat that looks better than it should is an indicator that the seller has attempted to cover up the boat’s real condition by applying a film of petroleum jelly or oil or using a restorative or protectant. Such tactics are usually given ay by an oily film on the surface of the boat. Such treatments are extremely damaging to the boat, and will usually cause the seams to give way in short order.

If you have difficulty determining whether the boat is made of PVC or Hypalon, there is a simple test you can do to confirm this. You simply need to drip a few drops of nail-polish remover onto the surface of the boat. If the surface bec s sticky after a short time, then the boat is made of PVC. You should do this test in an area that is not conspicuous, as the test might leave a small stain on the surface of the boat. Rest assured that the test will not damage the boat in any way, aside from leaving a small mark.

The next thing to do is to inspect all the seams of the boat. One excellent way to test the integrity of the seams is with a simple solution of water and dish soap. Simply apply some soapy water to the entire length of each seam, and wat if any bubbles form. Small bubbles indicate the presence of a slow leak from that seam. A few small leaks are considered entirely normal for a slightly older boat, particularly those made of Hypalon, which suffer from air loss due to wickin g even when brand new.

You should then proceed to check all of the remaining parts of the boat, including the inflation valves, oarlocks, any wooden parts, lifelines, windshield, seats and dodger, storage bag, the inflation pump and the included repair kit.

If doing all of these checks on your own does not appeal to you, the option is always open for you to have the boat surveyed, particularly if you are looking at purchasing a larger and more expensive used inflatable boat such as a RIB. Warning: include(../mid-banner.php) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/content/32/7595332/html/inflatable-boats-kayaks-and-canoes-com/buying-a-used-inflatable-boat/default.php on line 1576

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