Buying a used boat motor is a lot like buying a used car. You can save quite a bit of money and enjoy reasonable service if you know what to look for. The opposite is also true. You can have a ton of problems and find yourself stranded in the water. Believe me, this is no fun at all. It can also be dangerous if the motor decides to fail when you are a long way from shore or trying to outrun rapidly changing weather.

When buying a used boat motor, there are several important items to pay attention to. If it is currently mounted on a boat, take it for a test ride. Run the motor through all ranges of power. Make sure it idles smooth and comes up to full speed without hesitation. Look at the water pump discharge to see if the pump is working properly to keep things running cool. Watch for any type of fluid leak.

Things get a lot harder if the motor is sitting on a stand. Ask the owner about the age of the motor and if there is a record of maintenance and repairs. Also inquire about actual run hours. Remove the cover (outboard motor) and look for signs of leaks and cracks. Also look for welds that were not made at the factory. Check the prop for any signs of damage and wobble. Don’t forget to ask for the owner’s manual.

You’ll need a compression test to check the cylinders. Compression between cylinders should not vary by more than 10%. Any more than that indicates excessive cylinder and ring wear or possible valve leaks on four stroke engines.

Hire a mechanic to perform the inspection if you are not experienced with used boat motors. A good mechanic could prevent you from making a very costly mistake. The money spent is well worth the price and will make the purchasing decision a little smoother.

RV rentals are quite popular. People rent for a variety of reasons, from “try before you buy” to “I just want to rent an RV for one vacation.” Whatever the reason, RV rentals provide a good way to enjoy a vacation without the hassle of outright ownership. For additional fees, some rental companies will provide a fully stocked RV so that you can just load your personal items and go.

The most common rentals are motor homes. They are easier to drive because they operate similar to an automobile. Of course, you have to take the overall size into consideration. Be careful about height requirements when pulling into camping areas. It’s pretty easy to damage the roof from a low hanging tree limb or some other object. There can also be several blind spots that mirrors don’t show. Watch yourself when changing lanes.

Rental cost depends on the size and age of the RV, the season, length of rental time, additional services like delivery if requested, outfitting with linens, dishes, and food if you don’t want to do this yourself. Look for companies that are running specials. These discounts can be quite large in the offseason.

A valid driver’s license and proof of age are required by all rental companies. You can also ask for basic driving instructions if you are not familiar with the model. Most RVs are not difficult to drive. As stated earlier, getting used to the overall size is the biggest concern.

Be sure to ask about insurance. Some companies require you to purchase protection, while others do not. Either way, you want to be covered for physical damages and liability. Your auto insurance might already provide this. Call your agent to find out.

Another consideration is mileage costs. Sometimes there will be a limit on the miles driven in a day. Going over that limit will incur additional charges. Ask about these before signing the rental form. There might also be a charge if the primary driver is under 25 years old. And some will charge extra if any driver is under the age limit. Check into this to be sure you know the true cost.

You will be required to make a deposit against damage. This charge will be refunded if you return the RV in good condition. The amount varies with different companies, but is usually around $500. You need to account for this when planning your trip.