Used Boat Life Expectancy: What You Need to Know

When you're looking for a used boat, it can be difficult to know how long your purchase is likely to last. While you can't see into the future, you can make a data-informed estimate about a given model's life expectancy.

Here at Thayer's Marine, we strive to make your used boat buying process as easy as possible. We've put together this guide so that you'll have the information to estimate the life expectancy of any used boat you plan on buying.

Factors That Impact Your Boat's Life Expectancy

In order to determine a used boat's life expectancy, there are several factors that come into play. These include size, age and maintenance levels, as well as any renovations or repairs done by the previous owner.

Generally speaking, for example, smaller boats won't last as long due to wear-and-tear, while older boats tend to last for a longer period of time.

Estimating Your Used Boat's Life Expectancy

To get an idea of how long your used boat may last, you should always ask for a copy of its maintenance records. This will give you some insight into how well it was cared for in the past and if regular oil changes were properly done.

Generally speaking, smaller boats have a life expectancy of approximately 15 years while larger boats can last up to 25 years - minus their current age.

Assuming the used boat was well-maintained, you can simply subtract its current age from the expected age for its size (either 15 or 25 years). This will give you an estimation of how many more years the boat likely has left to deliver exciting adventures on the water.

Want to shop used boats that have been professionally inspected? Check out the selection at Thayer's Marine. Our dealership is located in Norwich, Connecticut, and we also serve those in Springfield, Massachusetts.