There are so many things to look for when buying a boat, but insisting on a test ride goes a long way for someone who doesn't know much about boats.  If the seller is reluctant to do that for say $50-100 I'd pass.  Do all the gauges work?  Often some will and some won't.  Does the battery sound strong, and is there a second battery if it comes with a big stereo?  If it has a floor is it soft anywhere (be sure you check).  Check any stringers you can see (be careful for violent reaction when you break out a small hammer LOL)   Do the plugs, wires, alum manifolds look crusty?  Any signs of leaks around the motor?
Don't forget the trailer inspection.  Very important to check the date codes on the tires.  Trailer tires are frequently 10 years old and don't show it but still remain sketchy in my book.  Use it as leverage on the price.  A trailer rehab can run $1k easy.  If there is an old crusty nylon strap or rope instead of cable holding the front of your boat down, I'd damn sure replace that too.  Trailer failures can be ugly as hell, and people can die.  Don't be that guy.  The worst thing that happens when your boat fails is that you float back to camp.
Depending where you are located, I'm sure there are a few good folks around here who would be glad to come along and give you a second set of eyes on a potential purchase.  And there are so many open bows for sale right now that I'm sure you can find one in your price range.

I'd definitely be up for somebody coming with me since I have no idea what I would be looking at, I've ridden jet skis and that's pretty much the extent of my on water knowledge. For a boat in my dream land is get an open bow or one of the old school eliminators. But I'll just have to see when I'm ready to pull the trigger


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Yes, a clean titled boat will have a "pink slip". Looks just like one you would get when buying a car. Trailers have one too. Some trailers (boat carriers) are titled but the owner doesn't have a pink slip, just the registration. This is normal and ok too. All of this is transferred and registered at the DMV or AAA if you are a member. Word to the wise, if you don't know boats, take someone with you that does. Never buy a complete boat without a drive test. And always verify the HIN (boat version of a VIN). This number is fiberglass into the boat @ the top right corner of the transom. Older boats don't have that. As far as weight, that is a loaded question. It all depends on what kind of boat you want. A little 70's 18' jet doesn't weight nearly as much as a 21' open bow. Good luck, welcome to the madness

Thanks for the info. I'd love an open bow but think that's a little out of the price range I'm gunna try to stick to. So I guess my question is how much does your typical 19 footer weigh? And you're saying I can use the prior registration with a bill of sale type thing? What year did the HIN stop?


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