Making the SUPERYACHT OPERATING SYSTEMS Complex Simple HAS GONE DIGITAL! By continuing to use our website, you’re agreeing to our cookie policy.© 2020 Boat Owners Association of The United States. Our Buying a Used Boat Checklist. Make sure all the lights work. This will appear as an insurance issue if it is not ameliorated.If the boat is still in the travel lift slings, push on the keel from side to side. Cracks (especially at keel hull joint) 4. In this case, it's probably best for both you and your boat if you leave the mechanical details to the pros. Do you like the color? We have found it works best if the owner isn’t breathing on our necks the whole time, but that can also present the opportunity to ask a lot of questions. They can appear as small wet spots (usually about the size of a dime or quarter) or areas where paint has chipped off. The thru-hull hose connection should have two gear clamps. 4. When was the bearing last replaced? The same goes for a keel stepped mast. If the boat is already on stanchions, stand at the front of the bow and visually line up the keel with the centre line of the boat. In some boats this may appear as a ‘smile.’  Check the bottom paint for cracking as it may not be obvious. The sounds can be difficult to interpret as anything bonded to the hull, like bulkheads or water tanks, will make the tap sound sharper. But due to the cost of a professional survey, which is usually north of $500, we reserve this service for when we are really serious about buying the boat, which is why our own survey is so important.The following is a breakdown of items to check, how to check them and our experience. After studying environmental science and engineering he moved to Vancouver aboard a 35’ sailboat with his partner, Fiona, with the idea to fix up the boat and sail around the world. His first memory of travel on water was by dogsled across a frozen lake. If in doubt always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your particular boat, engine, and trailer.John Tiger is a freelance boating writer and frequent contributor to many magazines. We have been burned a couple of times by dishonest owners so we take their answers with a grain of salt and check everything no matter what they say.Check from multiple angles and in different conditions. Is there a functioning wind speed indicator?Ask about some important additional items, namely; dinghy, barbecue, anchors, fenders, dodger/bimini, winch covers, additional sails, solar panels, wind generator, life vests, engine spares.Here’s a quick boat survey checklist worksheet to take with you on your next boat inspection: Good Old Boat is offering a special deal to Waterborne readers: Buy, gift, or renew a one-year subscription and get a FREE digital article collection on everything to do with sailsThe 36 article (138 page) collection offers advice on: buying and making sails, roller furling versus hanked-on sails, riding sails, staysails, club-footed jibs, Code Zero sails, light-weight mainsails, dihedral twin headsails, rollaway square sails, junk rigs, and spinnakers. Look at the front and bottom of the keel for scrapes or damage which may indicate grounding. The turnbuckle might have a hairline crack in it, or you’ll see a broken strand or two of wire.Check the condition of the running gear. It may not be possible to go through everything in this list, but it is worth trying. LED lights can be pricey, figure $10 per bulb. You can, however, perform all the tasks that don't require technical expertise. 4. Try each light and make sure you can see it working. Are the bolts thru-bolted or are they cast in place. 4. They indicate degradation of the core material and should be carefully investigated. Is there spare line onboard?Check the binnacle compass. How old are the batteries? Check the joint between the keel and the hull for any cracking or signs of water intrusion. Listen for the sound it makes. Rewiring a mast is a big pain.It’s scary but it’s a good idea to go up the mast and check the shrouds and stays for any signs of damage. Refer to the chart to check maintenance items before every outing and at every 20, 50, and 100 hours of use. Do individual breakers have multiple connections to them?Check the type of lights. They can be very expensive and require additional fuel lines, not to mention an exhaust port or chimney. Boat Maintenance Checklist Larsen Marine has been servicing sailboats and powerboats like yours for more than 85 years. Get somebody to lightly bounce in different areas of the deck and take note of any deflection.Walk the deck and check for signs of cracking.