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Used Boat Buying Guide

Don't buy a money pit. A 20-page inspection guide with a 4-pass method — desk check, dry inspection, sea trial, decision — plus scoring, walk-away signals, and saltwater + freshwater checks to get the best bang for your buck.

$29

Instant PDF download via Gumroad · Print-ready · 7-day money-back guarantee

One bad transom, bad engine, or hidden lien can cost thousands. This guide shows you exactly what to check and test before you buy.

What's inside:

• Before you shop — true budget (purchase + tax / title / registration, insurance, storage, maintenance, repairs, safety gear), what boat type fits your use
• Paperwork — title, 12-character HIN verification, liens, USCG documentation, recall checks, hours verification, bill of sale
• Hull & structure — fiberglass cracks / blisters, aluminum rivets / welds / corrosion, transom tap + flex test, stringers, floor soft spots, deck hardware
• Engine — outboard + sterndrive / inboard, lower-unit oil, impeller, bellows, manifolds, closed vs raw-water cooling, cold-start protocol, compression testing
• Electrical & systems — batteries, wiring, bilge, steering, fuel, livewell, electronics
• Trailer — bunks, bearings, brakes, tires + date codes, winch, rust + test-tow
• Saltwater-specific checks — corrosion map, anodes, flushing history, trailer salt damage
• Freshwater-specific checks — freeze damage, ethanol fuel, algae / mildew, lift vs trailer
• Sea trial — 8-step plan from cold start through WOT RPM check to post-docking bilge check + symptom → cause → action table
• Negotiation — how to price repairs, when to walk away, when to hire an independent marine surveyor
• After you buy — first-week checklist
• Printables — pre-view + paperwork checklist, 20-line inspection scorecard (40 points), sea trial record form

Who it's for: Anyone buying a used boat who wants to avoid a costly mistake and negotiate with confidence.

What's included: 1 PDF, 20 pages, Letter, print-ready. Instant download.

7-day money-back guarantee. If it's not for you, message us within 7 days for a refund.

Educational guide — not a substitute for a professional marine survey. Verify state titling / registration rules in your state.

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