Buying a second-hand ship is a complex and meticulous process that involves multiple aspects of investigation and decision-making. Here are 10 key details you need to pay attention to when buying a second-hand ship.
Legality and ownership
Make sure the purchase of a second-hand boat is legal to avoid legal disputes or debt problems.
- Check official documents such as the ship registration certificate and nationality certificate to confirm the legal identity and ownership of the ship.
- Confirm whether the ship is mortgaged or pledged to avoid purchasing a ship with legal disputes.
- If necessary, hire a professional lawyer for legal review.
Model and size
Choose a ship type and size that meets the use requirements to ensure that the ship can meet the needs of navigation, operation or entertainment.
- Choose a suitable ship type according to the purpose of use (such as navigation, fishing operations, yacht entertainment, etc.).
- Measure the length, width, draft and other dimensions of the ship to ensure that it meets the use requirements.
- Consider the performance indicators of the ship such as load capacity and speed.
Appearance and interior facilities
A ship with a neat appearance and complete interior facilities usually means better maintenance and use experience.
- Observe whether the hull surface is flat, without rust or cracks.
- Check whether the cabin is clean, odorless or damaged.
- Confirm whether the internal facilities such as seats, beds, kitchens, and toilets are complete and intact.
Engine condition
The engine is the heart of the ship, and its performance directly affects the ship’s navigation ability and safety.
- Check the engine model, power, and manufacturing date.
- Check the engine oil condition, including the color, amount, and whether there is oil leakage.
- Listen to the engine sound during the trial and observe whether there is abnormal vibration or noise.
- If necessary, hire a professional technician to perform engine inspection.
Electrical equipment
The normal operation of electrical equipment is crucial to the navigation and living experience of the ship.
- Turn on each electrical switch on the ship and check whether it is operating normally.
- Check whether the wires and cables are aging, damaged or exposed.
- Confirm that the fuse box and distribution box are neat, free of damage or moisture.
- Check that the battery pack is intact and that charging and discharging are normal.
Cruise system
The cruise system can provide navigation information of the ship and help the driver better understand the status of the ship.
- Check whether the display screen of the cruise system is clear and fault-free.
- Check the accuracy of data such as navigation track, engine hours and fuel consumption.
- Confirm whether the cruise system is compatible with other systems of the ship (such as the navigation system).
Buoyancy and stability
Buoyancy and stability are important indicators of ship safety.
- Observe the way the ship floats in the water and check whether there is abnormal tilt or sinking.
- Check whether the position of the drain outlet is reasonable to ensure that it can be quickly drained in an emergency.
- Confirm whether the stability height and initial stability of the ship meet the requirements.
Hull structure
The integrity of the hull structure directly affects the strength and durability of the ship.
- Check whether the hull has signs of cracks, decay or damage.
- Pay special attention to the condition of key parts such as beams, longitudinal beams and decks.
- If necessary, hire a professional organization to conduct hull inspection.
Bilge pumps and manual devices
Bilge pumps and manual devices can play an important role in emergency situations.
- Test whether the bilge pump can work normally and whether the drainage speed meets the requirements.
- Check whether the manual switch is flexible, not damaged or stuck.
- Confirm that the bilge pump and manual device can be started quickly in an emergency.
Test drive and contract
Test drive
The test drive can intuitively feel the performance and driving experience of the ship.
Test drive in open waters to observe the acceleration, deceleration, steering and other performance of the ship. Pay attention to the operation of the engine, transmission system and electrical system.
Contract:
The contract is a legal document to protect the rights and interests of both parties.
Make sure the contract content is clear and the terms are clear. Including key terms such as price, payment method, delivery time, and liability for breach of contract. If necessary, hire a professional lawyer to review the contract.
In short, buying a second-hand boat requires comprehensive consideration of many factors, from legality and ownership to test drives and contracts. Through comprehensive and detailed inspections and evaluations, you can ensure that the performance and safety of the selected boat meet your expectations, bringing convenience and pleasure to future use.
BESQO MARINE‘s second-hand ship trading will provide you with thoughtful service. All the above processes and steps are within our service scope, including complete contracts, ship certificates, ship repairs, and on-site inspections of the ship with customers