A second-hand Seabob stands or falls on one component: the battery. The lithium battery is the most valuable part of the machine, and its condition - charge cycles, storage habits, cell health - decides whether a used Seabob is a bargain or a liability. Everything else is checkable in an hour at an official service centre.

Why the battery decides everything

A Seabob's battery is engineered for a specific duty: full-power thrust underwater, then careful charging and storage. Treated well, it lasts; left flat over a winter, stored hot, or charged carelessly, it degrades - and degraded capacity means shorter sessions and, eventually, replacement of the machine's costliest component. New Seabob money is real (the current F9 is 11.125€ IVA inc and the F9 S from 15.375€), so a used price only makes sense once you know the battery's true state.

The problem for a private buyer: you cannot judge battery health by eye. A used Seabob that "turns on fine" can still have a tired battery. The seller may not even know - degradation is gradual.

What an official-centre check covers

As the official Seabob sales and service partner for the Balearics, our service centre at Son Bugadelles can assess a used Seabob properly:

  • Battery diagnostics - actual health versus rated capacity, and charging behaviour on a genuine charger.
  • Electronics and controls - power delivery through the gears, safety cut-offs, display function.
  • Drive unit - jet condition, seals and water ingress signs.
  • Body and stabilisers - impact damage, deep scratches, fin condition.
  • Charger and accessories - the right charger matters; aftermarket charging is how batteries get ruined.

If you're eyeing a private-sale Seabob anywhere on the island, have it checked before you pay. The inspection costs a fraction of a battery, and we collect and deliver island-wide - crane pickup from yachts included.

Buying from us instead

Used Seabobs come to us mainly through trade-ins against new machines, which means we know their service life - often because we serviced them ourselves. When a checked pre-owned unit is available it's sold with the battery honestly assessed and the machine gone through by factory-trained hands. Stock is occasional rather than constant, so tell us what you're after via contact and we'll flag the next one.

And if you own a Seabob now: we take trade-ins. Upgrading from an older F5-line machine to a lighter F9 or F9 S is the most common jump, and a trade-in usually beats the private-sale hassle.

Not sure Seabob ownership is for you yet? Rent one first - no licence needed - and see how much use the family really gets from it.

Beyond the battery: the smaller checks

Once the battery passes, work through the rest. Confirm the machine's servicing was done by an official centre - Seabob internals are not a DIY platform, and non-genuine repairs void support. Check the colour finish for deep gouges (cosmetic refinishing is possible but not cheap), test every power level in the water rather than on land, and make sure the seller includes the original charger, keys and any accessories like the cover or bag - replacing them separately adds up quickly.

What a fair used price looks like

We won't quote numbers a private market sets, but the logic is simple: start from the new price of the equivalent current model, subtract meaningfully for age and cosmetic wear, then subtract hard for any battery uncertainty. A used Seabob priced close to new money without a documented battery check isn't a deal - it's a gamble with the discount priced as certainty.

Common questions

What should I check when buying a used Seabob?

Battery health first, always - via proper diagnostics, not a quick switch-on. Then electronics, drive unit, body condition and that the original charger is included.

How do I know if a Seabob battery is worn out?

You can't reliably tell by eye or a short demo. Official-centre diagnostics read the battery's actual condition - that's the check to insist on before buying.

Does Nauti Parts sell second-hand Seabobs?

Occasionally, via trade-ins - checked and honestly described. Ask us to note your interest and we'll contact you when one lands.

Can I trade in my old Seabob?

Yes. Trade-ins against a new F9 or F9 S are common and we'll value your machine - battery condition assessed fairly, in your favour when it's been looked after.