used boats-Q's to ask and what to look for

[1fife]

If im going to look at a used boat. What Q's should i ask and what should i look for?

[goosewa]

1fife,

Check out the following website. It should answer all of the questions and more.

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/buyingaboat.htm

If you have any specific questions let them fly, but the website should answer them.

-Goosewa

[Getaway]

If you are buying a fiberglass boat, by far the #1 most important thing to look for is osmonic blistering and stringer rot. Inspect that hull thoroughly! Everything else on a boat can be replaced or rebuilt, but the hull is the foundation. Boats that have sat in the water must have good bottom paint. Fiberglass soaks up water and without good bottom paint and proper maintenance, water will get under the gellcoat and separate the layers.

If you are considering an aluminum boat, then don't worry about this. Aluminum boats are rugged and the only thing that can really go wrong with the hull is a rivet may fall out. This is pretty rare but, it does happen. If the hull has been damaged in any way, you should be able to see where it was welded back together.

A boat that has been well maintained will be clean and organized. This says a lot about a boat owner. People who take care of thier boats take pride in having it clean and tidy.

Good luck.

[Downrod]

I agree with Getaway, I'll add that "minor" blistering is not usually a big deal and can usually be repaired and prevented from reoccuring by the use of a barrier coat. Look at the stringers closely!! Take a ball peen hammer with you and "gently" tap the stringers. They should not feel soft or spongy at all, the hammer should bounce back. If they feel soft, run and don't look back!! The best advice is to have the vessel surveyed by a pro. This will usually cost you between $ 10-15 per running foot. They will use moisture detectors to inspect the stringers. Good Luck


Downrod