Buying · 8 min read · 30 July 2026
Buying a Used Fishing Boat: What to Check Before You Commit
Whether it is a small inshore potter or a larger trawler, a fishing boat is a working asset — and the checks go beyond those for a leisure craft. Here is what to look at before you buy.
Hull, structure and machinery
Fishing boats work hard, so condition is everything. Inspect the hull for damage, corrosion (on steel and alloy hulls) or osmosis (on GRP), and check the keel, rudder and shafts. On the machinery side, assess the main engine’s hours and service history, gearbox, cooling, fuel system, hydraulics for haulers and winches, and the steering. A survey by a surveyor experienced with working boats is well worth it.
Coding and commercial use
If you intend to use the boat commercially, it will generally need to meet the MCA’s coding requirements for the area of operation (the workboat / small commercial vessel codes and category of water). Check whether the boat is currently coded, to what category, and when certification expires — recoding an uncoded boat can be costly and time-consuming.
Always confirm what commercial certification a boat currently holds and what it would cost to bring it up to the standard you need. This can materially change the value.
Safety equipment and electronics
- Life-saving appliances: liferaft (and its service date), lifejackets, EPIRB, flares.
- Firefighting equipment and its inspection dates.
- Navigation and comms: radar, chartplotter, AIS, VHF/DSC radio and the radio licence/MMSI.
- Bilge pumps and alarms, and the general state of the electrical system.
Gear, tonnage and registration
Establish exactly what fishing gear, deck equipment and electronics are included in the sale, and their condition. Check the vessel’s registration and tonnage details, and that the paperwork matches the boat. As with any purchase, verify ownership, VAT status and that there is no outstanding finance.
Running the numbers
Beyond the purchase price, budget for fuel, insurance, mooring or harbour dues, maintenance, certification and any recoding or upgrades. A cheaper boat that needs significant work to certify and operate can end up costing more than a well-kept, ready-to-work vessel.
Frequently asked questions
Does a fishing boat need to be coded?+
If it is used commercially, it generally needs to meet the MCA’s small commercial vessel / workboat coding for its category of operation. Always check the current coding and expiry before buying, as recoding an uncoded boat can be expensive.
What should a survey cover on a fishing boat?+
Hull and structure, main engine and gearbox, hydraulics and winches, steering, electrical and fuel systems, safety equipment and certification. Use a surveyor experienced with working boats, not just leisure craft.
What paperwork should I check when buying a fishing boat?+
Proof of ownership and Bill of Sale, registration and tonnage details, VAT status, any commercial coding certificates, radio licence/MMSI, and confirmation there is no outstanding finance.
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