Assessing Your Boat, Year, Hours and Other Considerations

When it comes to evaluating a recreational boat, there are a few major considerations when it comes to the age and condition. Because there are different waterways, seasons, and different uses, it is important to break down a few factors to consider. Let’s look at some key considerations when it comes to evaluating the age and condition of the boat. Specifically, let’s consider whether it was used in salt or freshwater, the number of hours, the year of construction, and all of the equipment, including the trailer. 

Making Sure the Boat is Right for Your Purposes

First, an often overlooked factor when looking at different boats is considering if the boat was used in saltwater. Even though boats are designed generally to be able to be operated in salt water, the corrosion that salt can cause is real, no matter how well maintained. Often you will never know if an engine was flushed after every use or it was properly washed and stored. Many electronics and wiring can be negatively affected by saltwater use. This is where a detailed inspection and survey can be very helpful. A visual check, and systems check can point out issues with the vessel and it’s engine or engines. 

Inspecting Engine Hours

Many recreational boats use hours to catalog the use of the boat. Hours simply measure the time of operation and don’t tell you anything beyond that. Modern engines can provide more information in respect to idle time and RPM range, and engine fault codes. A mechanics or a surveyor's analysis would be optimal here. Another complication is that outboards are easy to swap out, and without knowing the history, a boat could have thousands of hours on it, and the engine could have 50 hours, so looking at the year, the hours and the overall condition is helpful. Like many vehicles, the hours of operation are a guide but not definitive. A low-hour boat that has been abused compared to a well-maintained boat with lots of hours is and should be worth less in many cases. 

Boat Age & Hull Identification Number (HIN)

When it comes to the age of a boat, there are many considerations. First, your USA hull identification number on the starboard stern of the boat will have the model year as the last two digits, and the third last digit is the year. As an example, 324 would mean model year 24, built in 2023.

Again, age is one thing and the use is another. Was the boat stored in the water? Was it trailered? Does the trailer fit properly? A poor-fitting trailer can warp the hull over time. Additionally, many boats are made with different materials, fiberglass, aluminum, or fiberglass with a composite core material. All these differences have to be considered. The structure of the boat might be rotten but externally looks perfect. This is where a surveyor can help with a moisture meter and a tap test on the boat. 

Fibreglass vs Wood vs Metal Construction

In respect to materials, it is important to note that popular boats can have gelcoat as the surface or be painted. Some boats are metal, painted or wood, and finished in varnish. There are many considerations. You often see boats with bottom paint which might lead you to believe the boat was stored in the water. There are many factors to consider and value.  

Inspecting the Trailer

For most boats, the trailer is a key piece of equipment and it is critical to the use and value of the boat. A good surveyor can help with this, as the trailer itself can be equipped with brakes, suspension, multiple axles, and more. Furthermore, some trailers are aluminum, some are steel, and some are painted or galvanized. Considering new trailers can be extremely expensive, take serious note of the trailer offered and have it looked at carefully. 

Outboard Engines

With outboard engines, most don’t have a designated year but the serial number can tell you the model range and other details. 

Conclusion

As you can see, there are so many factors beyond the age and hours of a recreational boat. That is why we always suggest having a professional inspect it for you if possible.