Ben's Boat Repair

Finding the right boat for you:

• Deck boats

• Pontoon boats

• Ski boats

• Fishing boats

• Ski & fish

• House boats, cabin boats, and big boats

• Inboards vs. Outboards

• New vs. Used

 

Shop around: ebay, craigslist, bulletin boards, classifieds, word-of-mouth, etc

 

**Cavēre Emptor: Beware Purchaser**

 

NADA Guide: Check “bluebook” value

 

TPWD website: Boat- Buying and Selling

 

Paperwork to bring with you: (pdf)

• Texas Parks & Wildlife form 143- Vessel/Boat Application, Title & Registration

• Texas Parks & Wildlife form 144 – Outboard Motor

• Texas Department of Motor Vehicles form 130-U – Application for Texas Certificate of Title (for the trailer)

• other forms at TPWD that might be needed

 

Paperwork to leave with:

• Properly signed boat title

• Properly signed outboard motor title

• Properly signed trailer title

• Properly completed and signed 143, 144, and 130-U

• Contact information in case additional paperwork or supporting documentation is required

• (Optional: Bill of Sale that lists separate descriptions and prices for boat, trailer, and outboard motor)

 

Investing Wisely

• Visual Inspection:

  • Use your phone’s browser, go to tpwd.texas.gov, click menu/boating, click request ownership information, click query ownership (ignore warning about mobile browsers, works fine on firefox & stock browser on android 4.0). Run the TPW Registration Number on the bow (TX 1111 XX). The results will show owner(s), co-owners, lien holders, and other information on file. **If the name of the person selling the boat is different from TPWD, DO NOT BUY. Only the legal owner can sell the boat.

  • Is the trailer tongue in good condition?

  • Does ball/hitch mechanism operate freely?

  • Is the trailer jack in good condition/maintained?

  • Are the winch & rollers in good condition?

  • Trailer tires, lug nuts, bearing buddies

  • Wires, connectors, lights

  • Check hull for scratches, gouges, evidence of previous repairs

  • Is drive stored raised or lowered?

  • Check bellows and boots

  • Check prop and skeg for damage

  • Is the prop stock or aftermarket?

  • Put boat in forward, spin prop

  • Put boat in reverse, spin prop

  • Raise drive, try to push down gently

  • Lower drive, try to pull up

  • If mechanical steering, push drive from side to side

  • Check flooring for weak spots

  • If split windshield, open or close center glass (checks alignment)

  • Check navigation lights

  • Does it have an hour meter? How many hours are on it?

  • Do all the gauges and displays work?

  • Check belts, hoses, and wires for cracking, bites, exposed butt connectors, incorrect wiring, unconnected wires, and other signs of damage

  • Check for evidence of prior oil leaks

  • Check brand of filters – Wix or Sierra?

  • Check battery date, look for signs of corrosion or leaks, check electrolyte level

  • Does the battery have a selector switch? Is it working and in good condition?

• Mechanical Inspection

  • Check battery with DVOM – 12v?

  • Remove spark plugs, inspect

  • Check oil for color and condition

  • Put it on muffs or dip it in water, fire engine, make sure prop spins in both directions

  • If at the ramp, put it in forward, push the truck up the ramp

  • Listen for a growling noise or strong vibration from the back of the engine/stern area

  • Inspect transom for water leaks, check bilge pump

  • Inspect all hoses, couplers, manifolds and plugs for leaks

  • Recheck oil, check for water

 

 

Questions to ask:

• Why are they selling? (Remember, people lie. Pay attention to body language and vague answers)

• Clarify any TPWD recorded lien holders and mismatches (i.e.: engine serial number)

• Do they have maintenance records? Trip logs?

• Who is the boat’s regular mechanic?

• When was the last impeller change? Bellows? Gimbal?

• How old is the gas?

• What fuel stabilizer is normally used?

• Where was the boat last used? (Specific name of lake or river)

 

When NOT to buy:

• TPWD ownership information does not match

• Improper or missing paperwork (unless you’re willing to do a bonded title)

• Boat won’t start/engine won’t turn over (unless you’re willing to drop $5k immediately)

• Excessive water in the oil (unless you’re willing to drop $5k immediately)

• Weak flooring or windshield won’t close (unless you’re willing to drop $5k immediately)

• If you see house wiring/Romex (unless you’re willing to drop $5k immediately)

• Unholy noises coming from the transom (unless you’re willing to drop $5k immediately)

• Priced over bluebook value (unless it’s super-customized & looks really awesome… do your research, educate yourself)