Types of Motorboats

The term 'motorboat' covers a very wide range of vessels. Understanding what you're looking for before you start will save significant time and money.

RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats)

RIBs combine a rigid GRP or aluminium hull with inflatable collar tubes. They're fast, stable, and popular for watersports, diving, and coastal cruising. The inflatable collar gives excellent buoyancy and makes them very stable platforms.

Used Prices

  • Small open RIB (4 to 5m): £3,000 to £12,000
  • Sports RIB (5 to 6m, 100PS+): £8,000 to £25,000
  • Large RIB (6 to 8m, with console): £15,000 to £60,000

What to Check

Inspect the inflatable tubes carefully for abrasion, UV degradation, and any delamination at seams. Pressing the tube and checking for hardness is a basic test; a more accurate check requires a pressure gauge. Tube replacement or re-tubing costs £1,500 to £4,000 depending on size. Also check the hull for cracks, particularly around the transom where the outboard or sterndrive mounts.

Day Boats

Open or half-decked motorboats designed for day use on sheltered water. Popular for river, lake, and estuary use.

Used Prices

  • Small GRP day boat (3 to 5m): £1,500 to £8,000
  • Larger day boat with inboard: £5,000 to £20,000

What to Check

Check the GRP hull for osmotic blistering - typically found below the waterline and indicating water ingress into the laminate. Minor blistering can be treated; severe cases require expensive hull repair. Check the engine (outboard or sterndrive) for service history and check the fuel system for leaks.

Cabin Cruisers

Motorboats with enclosed accommodation - ranging from small weekender boats to large motor yachts.

Used Prices

  • Small cabin cruiser (5 to 7m): £8,000 to £35,000
  • Medium cabin cruiser (8 to 11m): £25,000 to £100,000
  • Large motor yacht (12m+): £80,000 to £500,000+

Popular Brands

Fairline, Princess, Sealine, and Sunseeker are UK-built brands with good reputations. Bavaria, Bayliner, and Sea Ray represent good value imports.

What to Check

  • GRP hull condition, particularly osmotic blistering below waterline
  • Engine service history - particularly fresh water flushing on saltwater-used boats
  • All through-hull fittings (seacocks) - these must operate freely and be in good condition
  • Electrics - marine electrics are a common source of problems
  • Bilge condition and bilge pump function

Essential Before Any Boat Purchase

Commission a marine survey from a qualified surveyor (YDSA or RYA qualified). Cost: £15 to £25 per foot of boat length. A survey on a 7m cabin cruiser costs £350 to £550. Never buy a motorboat above £5,000 without an independent survey.

What should you check before buying?

Before you travel to see a used motorboats — ribs, cabin cruisers and day boats, build a short checklist and compare the advert against real evidence. Photos and seller claims are useful, but paperwork, condition and price comparisons matter more.

  • MOT history, mileage consistency and outstanding finance
  • service records, warning lights, tyres, brakes and accident markers
  • cold-start behaviour, test-drive feel and whether all equipment works
  • insurance, tax, fuel use, clean-air-zone charges and likely repairs

How much should you budget after purchase?

A fair used vehicle budget includes more than the screen price. Keep money aside for servicing, tyres, brakes, insurance and the first repair after purchase. If the seller cannot answer basic questions or the documents do not match the vehicle, it is usually better to walk away and compare another example.

How do you judge fair value?

Used car prices should be compared against real adverts with similar age, mileage, engine, gearbox, trim and history. The cheapest car is rarely the cheapest to own. For a used motorboats — ribs, cabin cruisers and day boats, look at the full ownership cost rather than only the asking price. A strong example should have evidence that supports the advert: matching documents, sensible mileage, clear condition photos and answers that remain consistent when you ask follow-up questions.

If two examples look similar, choose the one with better history and fewer unknowns. A bargain with missing records, urgent repairs or vague ownership can quickly become more expensive than a tidier vehicle from a straightforward seller.

What are the main red flags?

  • outstanding finance, insurance write-off markers or mileage gaps
  • warning lights hidden by a warm engine or very short test drive
  • seller name or address not matching the V5C
  • fresh MOT with advisories that still need money spending

None of these automatically proves a vehicle is bad, but each one should slow the deal down. Ask for evidence, compare another listing and avoid paying a holding deposit until the basics have been checked.

Questions to ask the seller

When you enquire about a used motorboats — ribs, cabin cruisers and day boats, ask the same questions in writing before you travel. How long has the seller owned it? Why is it being sold? What recent work has been done? Are there faults, warning lights, finance agreements or missing documents? Will it be cold when you arrive for a start-up check?

Clear answers save wasted journeys. If the seller avoids simple questions, changes the story or pushes for quick payment, keep looking.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if this used motorboats — ribs, cabin cruisers and day boats is priced fairly?

Compare similar UK listings by age, mileage, specification, condition and history. A low price is not automatically a bargain if finance, accident history or overdue maintenance is involved.

What checks should I do before viewing?

Check MOT history, ownership details, mileage pattern, outstanding finance, insurance category markers and whether the advert photos match the written description.

When should I walk away?

Walk away if the seller avoids basic questions, the paperwork does not match, the vehicle is warm before a cold start, or the history has unexplained gaps.

Related Mobeo guides

If you are comparing more than one used vehicle, these guides are also worth reading before you arrange a viewing.