Ralsy,It is a wonderful world at times partly due to the diversity of opinions. You know the saying about what everyone hasPersonally, and this is nothing against the person I am differing with, I agree with you. When I am buying a boat, I want to know the most about it I can, so I have the best chance of knowing exactly what I am buying. Fully realizing that "perfection does not exist". Yes, the survey and mechanical are important, and are the buyer's responsibility. The survey is definitely the most important tool to help with determining overall condition of the boat. However, there is alot of the more "detailed info" that cannot be determined with that method. Having a detailed maintenance log (unfortunately not that common or purposely not on board) coupled with at least a few supporting receipts (for big ticket items or parts) can really help to establish a maintenance baseline for the new owner to start from. Without some of the info you are asking for, you have to assume that all of it is due now. Pretty time consuming and costly. An example of where info can be helpful: my surveyor stated that he advises that the PYI shaft seal be replaced due to no records of when it was done. My insurance required this within 3 months (or some other relatively short time frame). The seal was not leaking and looked in excellent condition, but I don't know how long it had been since servicing and insurance mandated it, so it was serviced.Overall since buying my boat that the surveyor stated was in the best overall condition of any boat that age that he had ever surveyed, I spent about $15,000 in the first 3 years of ownership getting her mechanicals up to what I consider a starting point as far as maintenance is concerned. I am sure, that some of what was done could have been delayed had records been available. Examples: raw water components off engine cleaned and pressures tested, new custom exhaust elbow and hose, coolant changed, new belt, idler pulley, replaced CCV system and air filter, shaft seal, cutlass bearings, rudder seal, prop serviced, alternator rebuild, new thermostat and coolant tank cap, new zincs everywhere, replaced several fuel lines and coolant hoses, new raw water pump, with similar items on the generator (sure I am forgetting some things I did).So for me, if a seller responded to questions regarding maintenance with the answers that Peter suggested, I would walk without a survey and find a boat I liked with a more forthcoming and obliging seller. I would wonder "what is he hiding?" Maybe just me, but I doubt it.I do not think it is unreasonable for you to attempt to "get the answers" to your questions. However, if the current owner has owned for a short while, he may not know the answersWhat is, in my opinion unreasonable, is to expect a "discount" off of an agreed price due to some maintenance that is not up to your standards. That should have been determined prior to offer (while in the process of considering putting in an offer and not asked just for curiousity), and discounts should only be negotiated for "larger ticket" items found on survey(s).JMHO, and to each his own. But I feel, he who has the money, is in the driver's seat (as long as he is reasonable about it).As a seller, I would take offence if a buyer made an offer and we came to a deal, then asked all of the maintenance questions, then asked for a discount due to the maintenance, especially since I maintain my boat to a high level, and then tried for an additional discount after survey.
HUAZHONG are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.
White River Marine Group spokesperson and Product Development Manager, Steve Mason, knows fishing boats. He was once one of the nation&#;s largest Tracker boat dealers, has spent hundreds of hours on the retail floor, and is now an industry consultant. Whether buying your first fishing boat, making the jump to a larger model, or switching from aluminum to fiberglass, below are five questions Mason recommends keeping in mind when shopping.
TIP: Ready for the boating life? Check out Discovery Boating: Boating Guide, Find Your Dream Boat here
Boat with aerated fish livewell w/recirculator, timer,pump-out system to protect your catch.
The best way to keep your catch alive as long as possible is to use an on-board livewell. Not all fish livewells are created equal. When scoping-out a boat, be sure it has a conveniently located, aerated livewell. Other important livewell features include a recirculating function, a timer for automatic water/oxygen recirculation, and a pump-out system for easy water removal.
Whether tournament fishing or after bragging rights with buddies, keeping fish separate is vital to some. Here, multiple livewells or a large livewell with a divider are worth considering.
Extra Tip: A livewell with rounded corners is easier to clean and more fish-friendly than one with hard-edged corners, says Mason.
&#;In today&#;s world, a rod and reel is an investment,&#; Mason said. &#;How are these protected in the boat?&#;
Anglers should ensure on-board fishing rod storage compartments can safely and securely hold ample spinning and casting rods. Storage length must also be considered and today&#;s trends see many anglers wielding 7&#;6&#; and 8&#; sticks.
Extra Tip: Rod hold-down straps are another useful feature for securing combos when running down the lake.
&#;You can never have too much storage in a boat,&#; Mason said. &#;We want to make sure we take care of the boat owner&#;s stuff, but that there&#;s also enough room for their fishing partner&#;s equipment.&#;
Storage is more than a simple square-foot equation of having enough space to hold tackle boxes, bags, rain gear, life jackets, food and water, tool boxes, safety equipment, and so on. Storage also needs to be accessible and hassle-free.
Look for a boat with ample storage.
&#;What about when I want to switch out a lure? Can I get to tackle easily and conveniently?&#; Mason asked rhetorically. &#;Organization is key.&#;
Extra Tip: &#;I don&#;t know a fisherman who goes out and doesn&#;t have needle nose pliers or some sort of hook-removal system,&#; Mason said, emphasizing buyer&#;s pay attention to a boat&#;s storage options for pliers, scissors, and other commonly used fishing tools.
Want more information on marine navigation equipment? Feel free to contact us.
White River Marine Group offers a variety of boats in different layouts to suit the different wants and needs of anglers. This includes fishability features, like having a large casting deck for two anglers to comfortably cast from the bow or having ample deck space and walkabout room for large families eager to enjoy fishing along with watersports.
Mason also recommends planning ahead when surveying a boat&#;s console layout and electronics. He suggests boat buyer&#;s asking: &#;As I progress in my fishing skills, what [electronics] am I going to use two to three years down the road and will my console accommodate it?&#;
Extra Tip: &#;If you fish in shallow water make sure the boat can accommodate putting on shallow-water anchors,&#; Mason said.
Think about boat maintenance, shop read reviews and ask questions. Proper boat engine maintenance is necessary in all seasons. If you don't have the time or know-how, consider the boat dealers with on-site service departments like Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's Boating Center with more than 130 locations across North America.
Features that keep boats boaters safe and comfortable also must be factored into a purchase decision. Take a dry ride for instance.
&#;We spend a lot of time in hull designs to keep not only the driver dry, but the passenger dry,&#; Mason said.
This fishing boat has a recessed space for a trolling motor pedal.
Fishing comfort is another consideration. Bass and other cast-centric anglers should think about buying a boat with a recessed space for a trolling motor pedal. This type of design will keep the foot pedal the same height as the deck floor, allowing an angler to keep their center of gravity over both feet for better balance and overall comfort.
And, let&#;s not forget about the trailer.
&#;We stress the trailer,&#; Mason said. &#;Most boats sit on the trailer more than in the water, and we make sure the trailer supports the hull and lets you go to and from the lake very easily and safely.&#;
Extra Tip: Not buying enough horsepower is one of the biggest boat purchasing mistakes, according to Mason. Buyers should consider their boating needs four years from now and purchase ample motor power.
&#;Your young family will grow and get bigger,&#; Mason said. &#;Most people underestimate 30mph as very fast, and it is at first, but after running 30mph for a while your preferences change, you&#;ll want more performance.&#;
Avoid buyer&#;s remorse and consider the five categories of questions outlined above when shopping for a boat. Take time, research products, and think about your needs now and several years in the future. Happy shopping!
The company is the world’s best marine navigational aids company supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.