Boat Auctions Can Yield Real Bargains

From bass boats and personal watercraft to luxury yachts, boat and marine auctions are great ways to pick up deals on water toys! Separating the good buys from the proverbial "holes in the water" takes a lot more than just luck. Potential buyers of auction vessels can improve their odds by using some common sense.

"Whether you're buying a boat at salvage, on the Internet or from an ad in the paper, always hire a marine surveyor to inspect it," advises Carroll Robertson, vice president of BoatU.S. Marine Insurance Claims, who put up for auction at least 500 of the thousands of vessels totaled by hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne in 2004.

"For the couple of hundred dollars that you spend, even as much as $1,000, a thorough survey inspection is worth its weight in gold," warns Robertson.

Although sellers are required to reveal defects or conditions that adversely affect a boat's use, value or safety, there are no databases or resources for consumers to independently research a vessel's history.

Auction boats are also a good source for parts needed for boat restoration projects. However, most online auction houses do not sell individual parts or engines. So, if you need a special bow rail or window frame, you might just have to buy the whole boat.

If you are considering buying or selling boats at auction, a professional auctioneer can offer valuable advice. Auctionservices.com has created an Auction Community that is free and open to the public. Members include professional auctioneers who can answer your questions.