MAINTENANCE!!!!!!!!!
I'm very surprised nobody has mentioned this on a Tip thread. It's the number one cause of problems with all hard used equipment, especially boats because of the environment and rough conditions we use them in. Pumps, screws, bearings, axles, batteries, connections, electronics, hoses, and all accessories need to be checked and MAINTAINED annually regardless of whether you buy a new, used, demo, or ANY boat.

I work on lots of boats each year, and MOST of the problems result from Poor or NO Maintenance. It's your responsibility to maintain your rig.

CORROSION
This one item plays havoc on a boat because of the wet environment we use them in. Moisture causes corrosion to build up on connectors. I've seen fuses not function properly because of the corrosion that builds up on the ends or legs of fuses. You need to put dialectic grease on those to ensure a more water proof connection. All boat manufactures use some sort of terminal on their switches, connectors, and ring terminals, but none of the manufacturers use dialectic grease on them. It's mostly up to You to do it.

CHAFFING
No boat is without risk of wire chaffing. It causes shorts in the electrical system. As careful as most manufacturers are on this subject, it only takes a small burr on the boat to cause chaffing over time. The pounding a boat takes in rough water causes most chaffing, and without proper maintenance, can go unnoticed until it's to late.

These tips are JUST A FEW of the things I've seen in the 15+ years I've been in the boat business. I could literally write a book on the things I've seen happen.

If you have a problem with your rig, it's usually wise to seek PROFESSIONAL help. There are many things the DIY guys just don't have the experience to help you with.

Thx for the emails and responses I've had from you guys. As ALWAYS, give me a shout if I can be of any further help to ya. I've been doing this for awhile now, and I've bought more than one or two boats in my day. Boat maintenance