Make sure the boat you want to buy passes this checklist.
Take a notebook, pen, flashlight, inspection mirror and camera.
Check for wear, cracks, corrosion, damage, and dampness.
Once you think this might be the one hire a qualified surveyor to find the things you missed before you make an offer.
Exterior:
- Check hull for evidence of damage or repairs
- Check boat for a "list" (in-water test)
- Check fibreglass bottom for large "blisters"
- Test fibreglass moisture levels (requires special tool)
- Check propeller
- Check propeller shaft for wobble or rattle (cutless bearing)
- Check navigation lights for safety requirements
- Check operation of included accessories (compass, electronics)
- Check other included gear (fenders, lines)
Deck:
- Check deck for cracks, damage, 'sponginess'
- Check hatches and ports condition, sign of leaking
- Check lifelines and railings
- Check anchors, rode, rollers, fittings
- Check condition of canvas, bimini, dodger, hardware
Engine:
- Test bilge blower, vents
- Check external condition of engine (corrosion, leaks)
- Request maintenance log (oil change frequency)
- Check fuel tank condition
- Check exhaust system for leaks
- Check condition of steering system
Sailboat:
- Check mast, step, shrouds, stays, terminal fittings
- Check running rigging
- Check number, weight, condition of sails
- Check operation of winches
Interior:
- Check for odors, stains, general cleanliness
- Check operation of engine seacock
- Check other seacocks, valves, emergency plugs
- Check inboard engine stuffing box for leaks
- Check bilge for oil, excess water
- Check bilge pumps (electric, manual)
- Check ventilation vents, plugs
- Check seals on opening ports and hatches
- Check under deck hardware for signs of leaks
- Check condition of upholstery, furniture
- Check plumbing and water tanks (leaks)
- Check mandatory equipment (holding tank)
- Check electrical panel, battery terminals, wiring (neat, labels)
- Check shorepower plug, cords
- Check stove/heater, tanks, fittings, shutoffs, detectors
- Check other appliances
- heater, air conditioner
Safety equipment required for 30-ft. boat with fuel-stove:
- Navigation lights
- Compass
- Anchor, 30m of rode
- Boarding device (ladder)
- Horn
- Lifebuoy, 15m floating line
- Radar reflector
- Bilge pump
- Fire extinghishers 10BC (2)
- Flares 12
- Waterproof flashlight
- Lifejackets, PFDs
Once you have done your own checks, ask your boat insurer for a list of qualified marine surveyors in your area. It's money well-spent to
have a professional check the condition of a boat, engine and equipment
before you make an offer! Marine surveyors are accredited by these organizations:
