New hobby drones quickly cost €1,500 and more. No wonder many people look at the second-hand market first. It can pay off, because some units have only been in the water a handful of times. But water, sand and salt leave their marks, so you should look more closely than you would with a used phone.
- Proof of purchase: Ask for the original invoice and match the serial number. Chasing refuses warranty claims without proof of purchase.
- Inspect: Look closely at the housing, seals, tether, propellers, motors and battery.
- Test: A trial dive is part of the deal. A seller who refuses one often has a reason.
- Price: If you save less than 20 to 25 per cent, a new unit with a warranty is usually better.
Where to look
The main platforms in the German-speaking region are willhaben.at in Austria, Kleinanzeigen in Germany, ricardo.ch in Switzerland and eBay. Pilots can also offer their units on our forum marketplace (in German), where you can often find out how the unit was used.
Invoice and warranty
Always ask for the original invoice. Chasing refuses warranty claims without proof of purchase. With QYSEA, the warranty starts 45 days after the manufacturing date if you have no receipt, so on an older unit it has long since expired. Neither manufacturer expressly says whether the warranty passes to a new owner. If in doubt, ask support before you buy, and also ask whether the unit is tied to the previous owner's app account.
What you need to check
- Serial number: Does it match on the unit and the invoice? Are the rating plates and seals undamaged? With Chasing, tampered seals void the warranty.
- Housing and seals: Cracks, scratches on sealing surfaces or fogged camera windows can point to water ingress. Water damage is excluded from the warranty by both manufacturers.
- Tether: Unroll it completely and check for kinks, crushed sections and damaged connectors. QYSEA gives no warranty on the tether, and a new 200-metre tether for the V-EVO costs US$679 in the official shop.
- Propellers and motors: Do they turn freely, with no sand and no broken corners?
- Battery: Ask about its age and the number of charge cycles. QYSEA limits the battery warranty to 6 months or 200 cycles, so on used units it has usually run out.
- Accessories: Charger, remote control, tether reel, case: missing parts quickly cost a few hundred euros.
The trial dive
A trustworthy seller has nothing against a short test. A pool, a large tub or a nearby lake is ideal. Check that all the motors run evenly, the live picture is stable, the lights work and the drone stays dry inside after the test. A seller who refuses a test often has a reason.
Paying safely
The safest option is cash on handover after the test. If it is shipped, use the platform's buyer protection and never pay in advance by bank transfer to strangers, especially for offers well below the market price.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find used underwater drones?
The main platforms in the German-speaking region are willhaben.at in Austria, Kleinanzeigen in Germany, ricardo.ch in Switzerland and eBay. Pilots can also offer their units on the Unterwasserpilot forum marketplace.
What should I look out for when buying second-hand?
Check the serial number and seals, the housing and seals (cracks or fogged camera windows can point to water ingress), the tether for kinks, the propellers and motors, the age and charge cycles of the battery, and the accessories.
Does the warranty also apply to used drones?
Chasing refuses warranty claims without proof of purchase. With QYSEA, the warranty starts 45 days after the manufacturing date if you have no receipt. Neither manufacturer expressly says whether the warranty passes to a new owner. Ask support before you buy, and also ask whether the unit is tied to the previous owner's app account.
When is a used unit worth it compared with a new one?
Compare the used price with the current new price from a dealer who offers a warranty. If you save less than 20 to 25 per cent, a new unit with a full warranty is usually the better choice.
How do I pay safely when buying second-hand?
The safest option is cash on handover after the test. If it is shipped, use the platform's buyer protection. Never pay in advance by bank transfer to strangers, especially for offers well below the market price.
Always compare the used price with the current new price from a dealer who offers a warranty. If you save less than 20 to 25 per cent, a new unit with a full warranty is usually the better choice.
You can find reactions and comments on this article in the Unterwasserpilot forum (in German, English posts welcome).
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