Eiffel 101: Checklist for Buying a Used Push Boat

A push boat is an excellent option for pushing barges in inland waterways and rivers. It has a square bow with large plates mounted to it to allow for efficient pushing. Additionally, it has a shallow draft and usually comes with knees as well. All in all, push boats are engineered to offer the force and stability needed to successfully transport a wide variety of types of barges. If you’re in the market for a push boat, you may have noticed that there are quite a few options out there. Luckily, there are considerations you can make to narrow down your choices and find the right boat for you. Below is a simple checklist to help you do that:

Get the right amount of horsepower. Push boats usually come with two diesel engines that offer between around 800 and 4,000 hp (combined). The more power, the faster the push boat will accelerate and travel on water, and added speed can translate to quicker completion of projects. On the other hand, you don’t want to invest in a boat that has more power than you need because it will probably burn through gas faster than more efficient, lower hp alternatives. Figure out how much hp your projects necessitate, and look for push boats in that range. The average push boat clocks in with around 1,200 to 1,500 hp, which can be the sweet spot for many buyers.

Consider capacities. Things like fuel capacity, lube capacity, and water capacity can all make a difference once you’re on the water with a push boat. And these capacities can differ quite greatly among different models of push boats, even comparable models in other regards. One 1,000 hp push boat may only offer 7,000 gallons of fuel capacity, while another 1,000 hp push boat may offer 10,000, for instance. This may not seem like that big of a difference on paper, but it can be pretty significant in terms of how often you have to refuel. Generally, the higher the capacities, the better.

Make sure all mechanical parts are in good working order. For push boats, this includes things like bearers and rudders, air compressors, electric/hydraulic steering systems, propellers, winches, etc. If a push boat is fairly advanced in age, make sure these parts have been inspected recently. If they’ve been repaired and are relatively new, even if a boat is older, this can be a sign that the push boat is a solid investment.

Get the right amenities for your crew members. Some push boats come with things like sleeping accommodations for crew members, work stations, and pilot houses. If you know you’ll be using the push boat for long haul projects, these accommodations can be a major plus, offering your crew members the extra space they need to rest and comfortably work. Other extras like GPS and communication devices can also be an added advantage that ultimately can increase the overall value the push boat adds to your operations. Some push boats even come with useful equipment like cranes, which can also boost their versatility while on the job and make them more attractive buying options.

Get a good idea of overall quality. Unless you’re willing to make repairs or refurbish a push boat that you purchase for a bargain price, quality should be a priority. In addition to inspecting mechanical parts, look for signs of damage, corrosion, rust, etc. on the interior and exterior of potential boats. If it looks like a push boat hasn’t been taken care of well, exploring another option may be your best bet.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace hosts a wide variety of marine equipment, including used push boats, used tug boats, and much more. Additionally, our construction material inventory ranges from used HDPE pipe, to used crane mats, and everything in between.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.