Older fiberglass hulls can be excellent values — fiberglass is extremely durable and many boats from the 1990s and 2000s have decades of life remaining…
Major red flags on a used boat: soft or spongy deck areas (water-damaged core), heavy bilge staining from persistent leaks, mismatched gelcoat repairs indicating past…
Engine hours are meaningful but context-dependent. A well-maintained inboard engine can last 1,500-2,500 hours. Outboards and sterndrives in the 300-800 hour range are common on…
Osmotic blistering occurs when water penetrates the fiberglass gelcoat and creates fluid-filled bubbles beneath the surface. It is common in boats kept in the water…
Buying a salvage-title boat carries significant risk. Salvage titles are issued when an insurance company has declared the boat a total loss due to damage,…
Hire a Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) or National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) certified marine surveyor. They will visually inspect the hull, deck,…
The most effective sun protection for a Lake Havasu boat: store it indoors or under covered storage, use a quality marine-grade UV-resistant cover when outside,…
Yes — for most boat owners in Lake Havasu, covered storage is worth the $40-$80 per month premium over open outdoor storage. UV protection alone…
When inspecting a used boat, check for: gelcoat cracks or spider webbing on the hull (signs of impact or stress), soft spots in the deck…
Yes — Lake Havasu summer temperatures above 115 degrees F cause significant damage to uncovered boats over time. Direct sun degrades gelcoat (causing oxidation and…
