Buying a used boat – checklist

Before the viewing

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

If you're buying from a company you don't know, check with Bolagsverket (Swedish Companies Registration Office) how long it has existed and who is authorised to sign for it. With an established company that has a physical shop, consumer protection is usually stronger.

Hull and deck

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

Engine and drive

• Cold-start the engine – an engine that is already warm can hide starting problems.
• Look for leaks, rust and milky oil.
• Check the cooling water flow and temperature during the test run.
• Drive: bellows, propeller and gear oil – milky oil indicates water.
• Ask when the impeller, oil and anodes were last replaced.
• Compare the engine serial number with the paperwork.

Papers and ownership

• Owner: make sure the seller actually owns the boat. You can check with Larmtjänst that the boat hasn't been reported stolen.
• Fartygsregistret (Swedish ship register): ownership of pleasure boats longer than 15 metres is registered there. Boats of 5–15 metres may be voluntarily registered.
• CE marking: a CE-marked boat should have a builder's plate with the CE mark, a watercraft identification number (WIN), a declaration of conformity and an owner's manual.
• Imports: watch out for fake CE marking. Ask the importer to show complete technical documentation before you buy.
• Check that the hull and engine numbers match receipts and insurance documents, and ask whether there is a loan on the boat.

The contract

Always draw up a written contract, especially in a private sale. Transportstyrelsen suggests getting help from a marine surveyor or a lawyer. Svenska Båtunionen has a contract form, and Kryssarklubben members can get help with the agreement.

If you buy from a boat dealer, the Consumer Sales Act (konsumentköplagen) applies.

Licensing, safety and sobriety

• If the boat is larger than 12 × 4 metres, a skepparexamen (Yachtmaster), kustskepparexamen (Coastal Skipper) or equivalent is required. See boating licences and certificates.
• Personal watercraft require a licence and a minimum age of 15.
• If life jackets are included in the sale: check that they are CE marked and that inflatable jackets have been serviced.
• Stay sober on the sea trial. For boats that can do at least 15 knots or are 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 boatyard near the boat for a quote.

Frequently asked questions