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What should I look for when buying a used aluminum row boat?

If it’s on dry land, what are some things to look for that might indicate the boat isn’t water tight?

9 Responses to “What should I look for when buying a used aluminum row boat?”

  1. Jeff says:

    one that floats?

  2. Remington Steele says:

    rust is a killer

  3. K.C. says:

    Yes it should float. And no it wont rust. (anyone with a name like Remington Steele should know aluminum doesn’t rust). Look for loose rivets, lots of old caulking, If you live in the USA the boat must have a title. There’s a number on each side of the front of the boat. That is the license number of the boat. If the seller does not have a registration or title with that number, do not buy it.
    KC.

  4. Adam says:

    I agree with KC, it may also be worth looking carefully at the front of the boat, if the front has been grounded heavily you may have a few scratches and possibly cracks. Now scratches aren’t too bad and are to be expected but cracks are a different story and would need repairing.

  5. trunorth says:

    Missing rivets.

    Cracked ribs or keel.

    Transom in less than acceptable condition.

    Additionally, a heavily caulked area, or remnants of such could be a give-away of leaking.

  6. 45 auto says:

    If on land lift off ground and put some water in it and see if it leaks out. Look for ware on the bottom like dragged on rocks. transom if there are cracks as there wood behind the aluminum.

  7. Jessie says:

    never never never buy any kind of boat unless you can take it to water to use it, if the person selling it refuses, move on to the next boat, I would look for loose stringers, deep dents and obvious holes, take it out to the lake before you buy, make sure all the seams are in good condition(not pulled back from the ribs-superstructure of the boat

  8. Steve says:

    aluminum boats are very difficult. but to make sure that what your buying water tight I would suggest you try it in the water. if the seller refuse there’s something wrong with it. second look for scratches if you see one maybe it was miss handle. lastly go to a well known seller or retailer.

  9. Lenny says:

    test it in the water

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