Anyone do or know of someone who will check out a boat and motor that I'm looking to buy off an individual in San Antonio? Of course would want compression, lower unit, etc. checked. I'm new to boats so most people are going to know more than I do.

Another question regarding this. Would it be custom for the current owner to pay for this to be done and once everything checks out and the final price is agreed upon you add this to it? So that the buyer isn't out this money in case not everything checks out. Or would I the buyer need to pay upfront?

It would make a lot more sense for the buyer to pay for the inspection, by the mechanic/shop of his choice.

I've sold a couple of boats and one wanted an inspection, he paid for it. I knew the boat was good to go but he wanted that piece of mind. The way I see it, if buyer wants that inspection before buying then it's on them.

If inspection is ok the buyer pays. If the inspection is bad the seller pays.If seller don't want to go this way break and run.There is a lot of weak outboards out there.

No, no. If YOU ask for an inspection you pay.

If you want an inspection, then you should pay for it. If it doesn't check out then yes you'll have to eat the cost of the inspection but you won't eat the cost of the boat. It is your insurance policy so why shouldn't you pay for it. Also, there would be many variables such as maybe the numbers are borderline, who would pay then? You should do your own inspection first and decide if you want it and only then pay for a mechanic to check it. If you are not familiar with boats, take a knowledgeable person with you if possible. Even after an inspection is it somewhat of a [censored] shoot.

When you are looking at boats away from your area you'll just have to call and find a mechanic in that area.