Is a Boat History Report Worth It?
When it comes to purchasing a used boat, there are a lot of things that need to be taken into consideration. One of the most important is getting a boat history report. This report will tell you everything you need to know about the boat, from its past owners and repairs to any accidents or damage it may have been involved in. Some people think that this report is worth the money, while others believe it’s not worth the hassle. In this article, we will explore both sides of the argument and let you decide for yourself!
What Does a Boat Report Do?
A boat history report is essentially a background check for boats. Think CARFAX, but for boats instead of cars. It will provide you with information on the ship’s previous registrations, as well as any accidents or damage that has been reported. You should expect information on accidents, fires, theft, submersion, total loss, registration history, title history, recalls, warranties, and many more when you receive a report from companies like BoatHistoryReport. These reports can be very helpful in determining whether or not a used boat is worth purchasing and help you avoid any potential hidden problems. Consider it part of your due diligence. Many have asked if this is a legitimate company because they have not heard of it or any of its competitors.
Why It’s Worth the Money (for)
There are several reasons why a boat history report is worth the money. First, it gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re not buying a lemon. With boat reports, you’ll have information at your fingertips, helping you avoid costly problems that aren’t apparent. You can verify that the seller is giving correct information about the boat.
Second, it can give you a sense of security in knowing that the boat has been well-maintained and is in good condition. You don’t want to come across a dishonest seller who’s trying to pass a damaged boat as clean. With a history report, you can see for yourself whether the boat has been involved in any accidents or had any major repairs.
Lastly, it can help you get a better deal on your purchase. If you know the boat’s history and it’s in good condition, you can negotiate with the seller a bit more confidently.
Why It is NOT Worth the Money (against)
On the other had, there are some people who believe that a boat history report is not worth the money. They argue that you can get all of this information by simply asking the seller questions about the boat’s history and doing a marine survey. And while this is true, it’s also worth noting that not all sellers are honest. With a boat history report, you can be sure that you’re getting accurate information about the boat.
Another argument made is that the reports can be missing some crucial information such as maintenance records, warranty claims, insurance claims, certified marine surveyors, and more. Sometimes boat reports will only give you information that you already have access to. While this is a valid concern, it’s worth noting that not all boat reports are created equal. You can find different amounts of data for each boat and it has helped many avoid scams. There are times where the boat has HIN cloning or title fraud. You can also run into cases where the boat history report has not updated its quarterly database sync so the data would not be up to date yet…etc.
Ultimately, you can avoid getting a boat history report by doing your due diligence. Hiring a private surveyor will always be more comprehensive and up to date, especially with older vessels.
Sample Boat History Report
If you want to see a sample boat history report, you can download it here. When you read the sample boat history report, you will notice the different sections available. Each boat will be different and the sample report is just an example of a boat history report. Click to open boat history report sample.
Competitors and alternatives to boat history report
There are alternatives to BoatHistoryReport. We have covered those in this article here. The important ones to know are boatfax and boat-alert.com. Those are half the price!
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide whether or not a boat history report is worth the money. If you’re buying a used boat and have the budget, we highly recommend that you get one. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and will complement any marine survey as part of your due diligence.
Remember that the marine survey tells you the current state of the boat but not its history or paper work.