Buying a second hand inflatable dinghy
More and more boaters are buying second hand nowadays. As long as you are careful and satisfy yourself that everything is in order, then you will 'bag yourself a bargain'!
When buying a second hand inflatable dinghy there are several things to look out for, before parting with your money. Having read the advert you know that the inflatable is roughly going to meet your needs. Otherwise you would not go and see it! If the advert had a photo then you also know the appearance of the tender. However, you still need to confirm in your own mind whether it is a bargain or not; and more importantly, whether it will meet your requirements. Here are 7 questions you should get answers to:
1. Are there any patches in the hull of the inflatable dinghy and
how many are visible when the dinghy is in the water?
2. Does the inflatable leak anywhere and if it does how quickly does it
deflate?
3. How old is the tender?
4. How heavy is it when deflated and what size when stored?
5. Are there oars, outboard bracket, air pump and other accessories
such as carrier bag with the boat?
6. When can I view the dinghy or can you send me more detailed
photos?
7. What is the minimum price you will take for the inflatable?
Once you have answers for these questions you will be better informed and able to decide if you are going ahead and buying the inflatable dinghy. If the seller is within reasonable travelling distance then it is worth going to see the boat. Failing that a good selection of photos showing the inflatable from every possible angle will help you
decide. From the sellers responses to your questions you will be able to gauge whether this is the dinghy for you. Do not be hesitant to ask plenty of questions as you will often be amazed what you can learn. This also helps to build up a rapport with the seller and often they will include additional gear with the sale that would otherwise not be
offered. Try and enjoy the whole process of buying your next inflatable dinghy!
To find out more about the different makes of inflatables follow this link to one of our other pages. To view some adverts for second hand inflatable dinghies go here.
If you cannot find what you are looking for in our store, why not consider buying from new. Sometimes it just makes financial sense to buy the item brand new, if you can afford it! West Marine are America's largest online chandler. So their prices are very good. Being so large they can buy stock in bulk at low cost; then pass these savings onto you the customer. Just click on their advert to see just how little there items are, just now.