Set Sail on Your Next Adventure

Types of boats for sale on Searchshop:

• Bass boats — purpose-built for freshwater fishing with livewells and rod storage
• Pontoon boats — wide stable decks ideal for family lake cruising
• Bowriders — versatile all-purpose runabouts for water sports and recreation
• Center console boats — 360-degree deck access for inshore and offshore fishing
• Cabin cruisers — galley, berths, and a head for overnight stays on the water
• Sailboats — wind-powered vessels from daysailers to ocean-capable cruisers
• Personal watercraft — jet skis and wave runners, easy to trailer and store

What to consider when buying a boat:

• Hull type — fiberglass for speed and looks; aluminum for durability and low maintenance
• Engine type — outboard for easy service; sterndrive for stern-drive performance
• Intended use — fishing, water sports, cruising, or overnight stays each suit different hulls
• Trailer included — trailerable boats cost less to store and open up more launch options
• Marine survey — recommended for any used boat over $20,000 or 25 feet

Types of Boats Available on Searchshop

Bass boats are purpose-built for freshwater fishing — low, flat-decked platforms with trolling motors, livewells, and rod storage. Pontoon boats have wide, stable decks ideal for family outings and lake cruising. Bowriders are the most popular all-purpose runabout: versatile, sporty, and comfortable for a day of water sports. Cabin cruisers provide overnight accommodations with a galley, berths, and a head. Center console boats are open-deck platforms with 360-degree access, popular for inshore and offshore fishing. Personal watercraft (jet skis and wave runners) are nimble and easy to trailer. Your use, water type, and crew size drive the right boat type.

Buying a Boat: New vs. Used

New boats come with manufacturer warranties and no prior wear, but lose value quickly in the first few years. A well-priced, properly inspected used boat can deliver excellent value. On fiberglass hulls, sound the hull with a mallet to detect delamination or osmotic blisters beneath the gelcoat. Inspect the engine hours — most outboard and sterndrive engines have useful lives of 1,000 to 2,000 hours. Check the bilge, trailer frame, wiring, and all through-hull fittings. A certified marine survey by an ABYC-certified surveyor costs $300–$600 for most pleasure boats and is typically required by lenders and insurers for boats over $20,000.

Boat Financing: Terms and What to Expect

Boat loans function similarly to auto loans. Terms range from 5 to 20 years depending on the purchase price. Most lenders require a 10–20% down payment. Boats over $25,000 or 25 feet typically require a full marine survey and proof of insurance before the lender releases funds. Credit unions and specialty marine lenders often offer competitive rates. Use the payment calculator on any listing page to model your monthly cost at different terms and rates before you start negotiations. Getting pre-approved puts you in a stronger negotiating position when you walk into a dealership.

Choosing the Right Boat Dealer

Specialization matters — seek dealers who focus on the type of boat you want. A dealer stocked with 50 pontoons will have far deeper product knowledge than a general marine dealer carrying a few of everything. Ask whether they offer sea trials before purchase — reputable dealers almost always do. Read Google reviews with attention to comments about service after the sale and warranty handling. Use Searchshop's boat dealer directory to find dealers near any lake, river, or coastal area, read buyer reviews, and browse full inventory before committing to a visit.

Pre-Purchase Boat Inspection Checklist

Test the engine at idle and at cruise — listen for unusual knock, vibration, or smoke. Check the lower unit oil for a milky appearance, which signals a damaged seal. Test the bilge pump, running lights, navigation electronics, and VHF radio. Inspect the trailer frame for rust, wheel bearings for play, and the winch strap condition. On inboard and sterndrive engines, inspect the bellows, gimbal ring, and exhaust manifolds for corrosion. Pull the drain plug and look into the bilge for standing water or discoloration from oil. A sea trial on the water is essential before any commitment.