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AZBW NEWS SERVICE — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is warning consumers about hurricane-damaged boats and personal watercraft in the nation’s used-watercraft market.

"Thousands of boats were damaged this past hurricane season, so it is important that consumers thoroughly inspect each vehicle and it s title," said Arizona’s Boating Law Administrator Kevin Bergersen. "Be patient when you’re buying used watercraft. Carefully checking out the watercraft can eliminate problems later."

The department warns that Hurricanes Katrina and Rita resulted in thousands of watercraft experiencing flood damage, and some individuals are attempting to sell them to unsuspecting buyers.

The department said that the National Insurance Crime Bureau has compiled a database of watercraft affected by the hurricanes. The information in the database came from insurance companies, salvage yards, and state and local authorities. Additional watercraft affected by the hurricanes may not yet be included in the database.

The NICB has established a Web site, nicb.org, which allows buyers to check Hull Identification Numbers free of charge to help determine whether a specific watercraft may have been involved in either hurricane. Flood damage can result in severe hull damage, electrical, engine and numerous other problems that may not be immediately noticeable.

The Boat Owners Association of the United States estimated that damage to recreational vessels as a result of Hurricane Katrina ranges from $650 to $750 million. Of that amount, only about half, or $300 to $400 million in damage, was covered by insurance.

Although there is no foolproof way to detect flood damage, the department offers the following tips for potential buyers:

● check for mold or a musty odor,

● examine the interior and engine compartment for water, grit, mud, rust,

stains or color fading;

● look for rust on screws in areas not typically exposed to water and

watch for corrosion in the electrical system,

● check all gauges on the dashboard to make sure they are accurate and

look for signs of water damage. Turn on the ignition key to make sure all

the warning lights and gauges work, and

● have any watercraft purchased from the affected area thoroughly inspected

by a competent mechanic prior to purchase.