Used Boats

For some reason, the lightweight aluminium boats sold by Quicksilver seldom get mentioned in boating articles - and that’s a great shame because these tough all-purpose craft represent remarkably good value for money.

Quicksilver’s V Hull boats have been around for years and range from the V Hull 355 and 410SL through the 450SF/DLX, right up to the V Hull 500SF. With their green hull exterior and white interiors, these boats are not only attractive but a pretty smart buy. For those who don’t particularly want to dash about, bouncing through rough water and burning lots of expensive fuel, the remarkably low power requirement and minimal maintenance of a ‘tinnie’ like this will tick just about every box.

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You may think that spending £4,000 when buying a new boat is quite a large investment, but in today’s world you could easily pay more than that for a wristwatch. In short, a good boat for £4,000 is a great way to get started in boating. It’s enough to buy genuine quality and to flirt with new boats as well as the used market. Boat Mart sent Stuart Field out to investigate some of your boat buying options . . .

Ribeye T350

For those seeking an ultra lightweight tender, or a small boat in which to potter around harbours, explore secluded waters (or purely in which to let the kiddies get safe boating experience afloat) the T-Series RIBs from Ribeye are superb. These new T-series tenders feature precision-made epoxy-coated aluminium hulls and two-tone Hypartex tubes.
Remarkably, a complete T-series 350 tender (without the engine) weighs in at around 60kg - lighter than many similar sized inflatables and much lighter than conventional GRP hulled RIBs. Simple to carry on a roof rack, load onto a mother boat, or launch yourself, it will carry five people and, when fitted with a console and remote controls, can be matched with engines of up to 25hp.
It is equally happy, however, being used for general tender and run-about use and will perform well for such duties on just an 8hp outboard. A turnkey package with a tiller control Yamaha F8 outboard is just £3,899 - and that is a genuine steal

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Generally speaking, when you buy second hand you purchase her 'as seen', warts and all, The only legal terms that cover a private sale contract are:

• The seller must have the right to sell the craft
• The craft should not be misrepresented
• It should match its description

If the boat has faults or proves to be unseaworthy you’ll find it difficult to get your money back, so getting a survey is an essential part of the buying process.

In many ways it’s like buying a secondhand car but, unlike a car, there isn't a legal registration document tracking boat ownership. Many boat owners don’t bother to register their craft, but even if it is registered, the document is not proof of ownership, although it helps to build evidence of it.

In essence, checking that the person selling the boat actually owns the boat and that there are no outstanding loans secured on the boat can be difficult, so it pays to ask around. Are the boat and her seller well known? Has he had the boat long? Is he a member of the local boat club? Does anyone know who he bought her from and when? Has he had the engines regularly serviced? Is the boat insured in his name? Is the price similar to other boats on the market - a deal that looks too good to be true probably is. You should always arrange to view the boat at the seller's home or at the mooring. Never buy a boat strapped to a trailer in a car park or other public location.

It is also worthwhile visiting the stolen boats Web site below to see if the boat for sale, or a similar one, has been reported stolen. If a boat is not listed on the site it doesn't mean that it is not stolen but the research you have done will help to build up a picture and will allow to you become confident that the seller is genuine.

Once you are satisfied that the seller is genuine you will need to make arrangements to pay for the boat. It makes sense at this stage to agree a price ‘subject to survey’, so that if the surveyor spots a defect you can try to negotiate the cost of repair from the purchase price.

When the sale is agreed draw up a buyer’s contract for both of you to sign. Keep it and it will help you to prove ownership a few years down the line when you decide to sell her on.

FURTHER INFORMATION

www.stolenboats.org.uk

www.rya.org.uk/buyingaboat