Any tips on buying a 2nd hand boat?

Hi,

I'm a total novice at this and would appreciate any tips. I've been looking at apollo ducks and done deal and there are a few boats there that are reasonably priced.

Is it advisable to use sites such as these? Am I better using a dealer? If so, can you recommend one?

Anything I should look out for?

Also, I came accross berthing described as having no amenities such as running water or electricity and you're reliant on a lift out to your boat within cetain times. The cost is significantly less than a berth with amenities. Apart from having to bring your own water on board, what are the downsides to this? I'm sorry if this sounds like a stupid question, but why would you want electricity at your mooring?

Many thanks in advance.

I will try to give you my best opinion....hope it helps.
Firstly you might need electricity if you want to use power tools or lighting on your boat should you not have a generator aboard!

Now, back to the boat!
Decide first of all what you want and where you will moor her, moorings at marina,jetty or "offshore".

Maybe you will retrieve her back onto a trailer and take her home!Is your car big enough to do this?

If offshore you will need a tender ie smaller boat to get to and fro , more expense!

How much you want to spend will dictate the quality and size of vessel you will acquire.

You will also have a choice of inboard,outboard or outdrive propulsion units!

How many people that will be aboard with you will also be a factor in what you buy.

If you have decided roughly what you want, research the various sites for boats like what you have listed above.

If you are serious about a particular boat go and see her, if you intend to buy have her surveyed if you are unsure.

Trust your own instinct,if it looks to good to be true it probably is!

Remember paint can cover a multitude and a prewarmed engine always "starts first-time everytime"!!!

Wow ! Thats a big wide open question. Firstly let me state that i run a tackle shop and have sold many boats through my contacts and customers. But I am not selling any boats at the moment.
So, things to consider, Budget, location, number of crew, mooring or launch and retrieve.
the sites you have mentioned are good. also checkout 'boats and outboards.' a UK website. do compare prices and travel + shipping costs. Sometimes the quality of the craft is worth the journey. often a dealer will deliver to a port, say Liverpool, and you can pick up from Dublin. But in reality, you do have to know what to look for also.
Orkney are vary popular but as such are generally overpriced. For starting out on a low budget I have found that the older well cared for craft offer the best value. pilot 17. is a good example of a well built stable craft.
Then comes the engine, which in many peoples opinion is the most important factor. if you cant get the engine checked out by a pro' then look at the condition of the boat, the condition of the sellers house, car, etc, it is all relevant. a well cared for engine will go on for a long long time.
And the trailer, just do the obvious inspection Rust, play on the bearings, condition of the hubs etc.
Please pm me if you have any particular queries or specific needs. Happy Hunting.

Thanks all. It may be a while before we can set about doing this, so i'll come back then if I have any more queries.

Have you done any of the IYA approved boat handling courses, beebub2?

Not mandatory by law, but I'd call them essential. No matter how old a salt you are, you'd still learn something on them.

Thanks for that Tanglerat, will certainly look into it if we go ahead.