Tips, guides, and local know-how from The Boat Broker, the Lake Havasu brokerage for boats, RVs, and classic cars since 1986. Whether you are buying your first boat, getting ready to sell, or planning your next day on the Colorado River, our team shares what we know right here.
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…
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…
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…
Older fiberglass hulls can be excellent values — fiberglass is extremely durable and many boats from the 1990s and 2000s have decades of life remaining…
A marine survey is a professional inspection of a boat by a certified marine surveyor — the boating equivalent of a home inspection. It covers…
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,…
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…
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…
Yes — Lake Havasu summer temperatures above 115 degrees F cause significant damage to uncovered boats over time. Direct sun degrades gelcoat (causing oxidation and…
