The Best Places to Find Hurricane-Damaged Boats for Sale in Florida

 Hurricane season is one of preparedness and recovery in Florida. While these natural disasters destroy properties, including boats, this maybe an opportunity for keen buyers. The hurricane-damaged boats are often resold at a fraction of their price so that a potential boat owner can invest in vessels that can be brought back to their former glory. However, this calls for thorough research and planning to find the best deals on such hurricane-damaged boats.

With this blog, we go through everything you need to know about where and how to find the best deals on hurricane-damaged boats for sale in Florida, why it is a good idea to buy a salvage boat, and what to do to make sure you get the right deal.

Why Buy Hurricane-Damaged Boats?

Buying a hurricane-damaged boat does indeed sound a little risky, but for anyone up for the challenge, it may prove to be greatly rewarding. Why one should consider these boats to be great investments is explained below. 

Significant Savings in Cost

One of the major reasons people purchase hurricane-damaged boats is the price factor. Since these vessels were damaged, they are sold at prices way lower than the prevailing market value. You may even end up getting a boat that has only minor repairs at a highly reduced price because of the varied extent of damage there.

High Return on Investment (ROI)

For experienced DYI'ers, or for those able to find inexpensive repair services, buying and restoring hurricane damaged boats can be a high-ROI investment. In many instances, repaired boats can sell for significantly higher or end up being fairly low cost personal vessels.

How Salvage Boats for Sale Are Available

Shortly after a category three, four or five hurricane hits, there is usually a spike in the number of salvage boats for sale. Most insurance companies write off the boats as total losses even if the damage is minor. This increases the supply of such boats in the market, thereby giving buyers a wide variety to choose from.

Opportunities to Customize

The good thing about purchasing a damaged boat is the fact that it gives one an opportunity to rebuild and customize it to their specifications. You get to turn it into your ideal craft to suit your personal needs, whether for fishing, cruising, or to spend fun-filled moments at watersports.

Where to Find Hurricane Damaged Boats for Sale in Florida

Floridan offers a pretty active market for hurricane-damaged and salvage boats. Below are some key places where one can seek the best deals.

1. Salvage Boat Auctions

Arguably the most regular places that host hurricane-damaged boats are salvage auctions. These usually comprise boats that have already been written off by insurance and normally are sold as-is. Most of these take place online, so you can easily view a wide selection of boats right in the comfort of your home.

The best websites to find salvage boats for sale in Florida include the following:.

• Copart: Mainly deals in the auctioning of vehicles damaged by hurricanes, including boats.

• Salvage Boats Auction: This online auction website gives the best varieties of damaged boats, including those damaged by hurricanes.

• BoatBid: Offers a great inventory of salvage and repossessed boats via auction.

2. Local Marinas and Salvage Yards

Another fine place to locate hurricane-damaged boats for sale is around local marinas and boat salvage yards. Many boat owners, immediately following a storm, would sell their damaged vessels directly to salvage yards where those are either repaired or sold as-is. The advantage of visiting these in person is that you have the opportunity to inspect the vessels yourself, hence being able to assess the damage better.

Amongst the best known and popular boat salvage yards in Florida are:

• Marine Connection Liquidators in Fort Pierce is among the largest boat salvage operations in Florida.

• Don's Marine Salvage in Clearwater sells both parts and boats.

• Gulf Coast Marine Salvage in Tarpon Springs deals in damaged boats and marine equipment.

3. Online Classifieds and Dealer Websites

Websites like Craigslist, Boat Trader, and even Facebook Marketplace carry postings of hurricane-damaged boats in Florida. Most boat dealers also post listings of available salvage boats that they have for sale on their websites. Because this market is so competitive, you will be able to find a deal through regular checking of these sites for newly posted listings.

4. Networking with Boat Dealers and Repair Shops

The best salvage boats for sale sometimes aren't offered online. Networking with regional boat dealers and marine repair shops you know, can get you an inside track to an impending deal. Many acquire damaged boats simply to repair and resell. Networking can get you a head start on purchasing a boat prior to it being listed for public sale.

How to Assess a Hurricane Damaged Boat

Not every hurricane-damaged boat is worth an investment. Before investing, the boat needs to be carefully checked for any possible damage and what such repairs would cost. Here is what to look for:

1. Hull Integrity

The hull is the foundation of the boat, and damage to this part could turn out to be expensive to repair. Look for cracks, holes, or any indication that water might have invaded the boat. If it's severely compromised, then it may not be worth the effort in trying to restore the boat.

2. Condition of the Engine

Saltwater can be devastating to an engine. Look to see if the engine has been submerged and if there is corrosion or water within the engine compartment. This is one of the most expensive things to repair-as it may need a new engine-so just keep that in mind when making your decision.

3. Electrical System

Flooding could mean electrical destruction, including wiring, switches, and the battery. Check the electrical component whether it incurred some damage due to water or debris. Replacement of a full electrical system may be expensive.

4. Interior Damage

Interior wind and water exposure damage can also be severe in hurricanes. Check the condition of the upholstery, inside flooring and any inside electronic equipment. Interior molding and mildew may be issues you will be dealing with; so, also price interior restoration, if needed.

How to Get the Best Deal

1. Do Your Research

Before you make a purchase, educate yourself on the value of similar boats that are intact. This will give you an idea of how much money you might be saving by buying a damaged boat and how much it might be worth once fixed.

2. Hire a Marine Surveyor

If you aren't confident in your assessment abilities, consider hiring a marine surveyor. They can provide an in-depth evaluation of the potential buy and advise on whether it is a good investment.

3. Negotiate Wisely

The sellers of hurricane-damaged boats are usually desperate to get rid of their vessels; hence, you have enough room for negotiation. Drive the price by using the estimated repair costs.

4. Set a Budget for Repairs

When you're buying a damaged boat, it's very easy to underestimate what the repairs would cost. Be realistic as to what you can afford, and set a budget before you make an offer.

Conclusion

Buying a hurricane-damaged boat in Florida can be one of the best cost-effective ways to get a great deal on a vessel; however, caution and knowledge will come into play. Knowing where to find these 'salvage boats' for sale, appraising the boat to know what, how much, and what type of damage occurred, and knowing a reasonable price or budget will provide an affordable boat that could be restorable. Keep your eyes open, do your research, and with a little bit of luck, you will soon be sailing the waters of Florida in your newly restored boat.