Used Inflatable Boats

Careful!!! – You Can Get the Deal of a Lifetime or You Can Lose Your Money

As with buying a used car, purchasing a used inflatable boat has the same risks. You may end up making the deal of a lifetime or buying a total lemon. There are a few simple precautions that can help ensure that you make a deal that you are happy with.

Unlike new inflatable boats, it may not be a good idea to purchase a used boat on-line without actually seeing it, especially if you are dealing with an individual and not a boating retailer. Even if the seller has posted a picture of the boat, you have no idea of how old the picture is or how long ago it was taken. For example, a seller may have posted a picture of an inflatable raft that appears to be in excellent condition. It may turn out that the picture is several years old and the raft has been packed away all that time. You receive it in the mail and the fabric has permanent creases in it and appears faded and worn. There may also be some mildew and fabric rot. This is definitely not what you expected when you saw the original photograph.

If you decide to purchase an inflatable boat from an individual on-line, make sure that you have the condition of the raft and its specifications in writing. You may also want the seller to guarantee the boat, even if only for thirty days. As long as you have everything in writing, you will have some legal recourse if the boat does not meet your expectations.

Many boating retailers on the Internet offer used inflatable boats for sale. These merchandisers are a little safer to deal with than individuals, but nothing is guaranteed. Again, you may be purchasing a boat from a picture or description and not from seeing it for yourself. Just because a company has a Web site does not mean that it is a legitimate business. You may want to check with your local boating retailer or the Better Business Bureau to make sure that the company is reputable.

Even if you find that the business that you are dealing with is legitimate, you still want to make sure that you are aware of all guarantees and return policies that the company will offer you. You should keep a written description of the exact boat that you are purchasing to make sure that you receive the craft that you paid for.  You may also want to make sure that any purchasing contracts that the company has signed are “hand signed” and not “electronically signed.” This ensures that if you have a complaint you will know exactly who to contact. In the case of legal action, a person may be able to argue that an electronic signature is not his, where a handwritten signature positively identifies the person that signed it.

By far the best way to purchase a used inflatable boat is to do so in person. This enables you to check the craft over for any patches or other possible problem areas. You can also get a clearer idea whether it is worth the price that the seller is asking for it. In the case of purchasing a used boat, it is definitely better to be safe than sorry.

See Also: Inflatable White Water Rated Fishing Rafts

About The Author:
Cara Kelley is a successful author and regular contributor to best-inflatable-boats.com.