Buying a used boat: checklist

Short answer

Ask for the engine model, serial number, running hours and service receipts before the viewing. On site, look for cracks and osmosis blisters, press the deck to find soft spots and cold start the engine. Check the serial numbers against the paperwork and see with Larmtjänst whether the boat has been reported stolen. Put the contract in writing on paper, and ideally have a surveyor look the boat over before you buy.

Before the viewing

• Ask for the engine model, serial number and running hours.
• Ask for the service history and receipts.
• Check what similar boats and engines sell for.

Is the seller a company you have never heard of? Look it up at Bolagsverket to see how long it has existed and who has signing authority. A company with an established business and a physical shop normally gives you stronger consumer protection.

Hull and deck

• Look for cracks, impact damage and osmosis blisters on the bottom.
• Press on the deck and floorboards. Soft spots can mean moisture in the core.
• Check through-hulls, seacocks and rudder bearings.
• Sailboat: rig, shrouds and keel bolts.

Engine and drive

• Start the engine cold. An engine that is already warm can hide starting problems.
• Look for leaks, rust and milky oil.
• Keep an eye on cooling water flow and temperature during the test run.
• Drive: bellows, propeller and gearcase oil. Milky oil points to water.
• Ask when the impeller, oil and anodes were last changed.
• Check the engine serial number against the papers.

Papers and ownership

• Owner: the seller should be able to show that the boat is theirs. Larmtjänst can tell you if the boat is reported stolen.
• Ship register: leisure boats longer than 15 metres have their ownership registered there. Boats of 5 to 15 metres may be voluntarily registered.
• CE marking: a CE marked boat must have a builder's plate with the CE mark, an identification number (WIN), a declaration of conformity and an owner's manual.
• Imports: fake CE marking does occur. Ask the importer to show complete technical documentation before you buy.
• The hull and engine numbers must match the receipts and insurance documents. Ask whether there is a loan on the boat.

The contract

Write a contract on paper, especially for a private purchase. Transportstyrelsen suggests getting help from a marine surveyor or a lawyer. Svenska Båtunionen has a contract form, and members of Kryssarklubben can get help with the agreement.

If you buy from a boat dealer, the Consumer Sales Act (2022:260) applies. It replaced the 1990 act and covers purchases made from 1 May 2022.

Licensing, safety and sobriety

• If the boat is larger than 12 × 4 metres, a skipper's certificate, coastal skipper's certificate or equivalent is required. See operator certificates and boating licences.
• A personal watercraft requires an operator certificate and a minimum age of 15.
• If life jackets are included in the sale, they must be CE marked, and inflatable ones must be serviced.
• Be sober on the sea trial. For boats capable of at least 15 knots or at least 10 metres long, the limit is 0.2 per mille.

Have a professional take a look

A survey or engine check before buying costs little compared with a hidden engine fault. Ask a yard near the boat for a quote.

Frequently asked questions