Checklist for Inspection

[AudreyK]

Hello again people

Im about to start inspecting boats, and I was wondering if anyone has a checklist of things to check. Ive been reading a lot on this forum so have some idea, but an actual checklist would be a great help.

Thanks in advance

[David M]

Audrey,
I am not sure I understand. You are going to start inspecting boats?..more than one boat? Are you looking for a boat? Are you looking to make up a maintenance checklist for your existing boat? Are you looking for someone like a marine surveyor who can assist you in determining the condition of an existing boat?

[Ex-Calif]

I have a survey checklist that outlines what to look at - PM me with an email address and I can send it to you.

[AudreyK]

Originally Posted by David M

Audrey,
I am not sure I understand. You are going to start inspecting boats?..more than one boat? Are you looking for a boat? Are you looking to make up a maintenance checklist for your existing boat? Are you looking for someone like a marine surveyor who can assist you in determining the condition of an existing boat?

Yes I am about to start looking at boats with a view to buying one, and would like a ckecklist so I dont forgett to check something important - this is before deciding on a particular boat, at which point I will get a surveyor.

hopefully I can eliminate unsuitable boats before paying for a surveyor

[David M]

Audrey,
I'm assuming you already have a good amount of experience around boats? Therefore you know what type of boat suits your needs and better yet, what type of boat would never work for you. Is this correct? If not, its probably better to get out on a number of different boats before you decide on a boat for yourself. Just curious, what type of boat interests you and how much are you willing to spend?

There are lots of people in this forum with experience on many many different types of boats, so if you can provide a general idea what type of boat you are looking for then I think the forum members could better help you. Knowing things like length, how you plan on using the boat, how many people are to be onboard, power or sail, where you are taking the boat...are all helpful things to know.

The list you are looking for will varie with the boat you choose. All boats have their unique strengths and weaknesses. So it is hard to make up a list without knowing what kind of boat, although a very general list could be made.

[AudreyK]

Originally Posted by David M

I'm assuming you already have a good amount of experience around boats? Therefore you know what type of boat suits your needs and better yet, what type of boat would never work for you. Is this correct? If not, its probably better to get out on a number of different boats before you decide on a boat for yourself. Just curious, what type of boat interests you and how much are you willing to spend?

There are lots of people in this forum with experience on many many different types of boats, so if you can nail down what type of boat you are looking for then I think the forum members could better help you.

well I know what I want to be able to do in it. Ive also had quite a few lessons in several types of boats, so I do have an idea of what kind of boat, What I am after is more along the lines of what to look at like is the cockpit self draining, are there soft spots on the deck, are the chainplates rusted or cracked etc etc

So I dont miss bits that I could check before the survey

[AudreyK]

I must say, Ive just down loaded Ex-califs checklist, and it has every thing I wanted and more, the brokers are sure going to know I'm serious.

[David M]

I think that getting underway on the boat is one of the absolute best things you can do.

The list of potential problems with boats is so enormous that one could write for days on all the things to look for. I just Googled "Boat Buying Checklist" and came across at least a hundred different lists. That might be something to consider doing for creating your own customized list.

I'm sure others in here will have ideas as well.

[AudreyK]

Originally Posted by David M

I think that getting underway on the boat is one of the absolute best things you can do.

The list of potential problems with boats is so enormous that one could write for days on all the things to look for. I just Googled "Boat Buying Checklist" and came across at least a hundred different lists. That might be something to consider doing for creating your own customized list.

I'm sure others in here will have ideas as well.

Yeah I know what you mean about the list of potential problems, reading this forum can be a little intimidating some times. Sometimes I think I'll never know enough, then I realise that you have to start or you'll never learn anything at all.

Plenty of other people have done it, and so can I.

[Ex-Calif]

Audrey - I am glad you found the checklist useful. David raises a good point.

This list could help you organize the questions you want to ask the broker and help you do a preliminary look at the vessel. Know one can pay for a full survey on 50 boats. You have to shortlist somehow.

Each vessel, though, will have unique issues. When you get a specific boat in mind past round one, make sure you ask around here and teh type clubs for specific issues.

[oxygenforlife]

Hi, I was just wondering if could help me me out with your "buy a boat checklist" please? My email is oxygenforlife et gmail dot com

[Unicorn Dreams]

Welcome Aboard CF AudreyK, have fun and enjoy life..

[Charlie]

If you are planning on buying a FG boat I recommend DonCasey's book "Inspecting the Aging Sailboat." Amazon.com: Inspecting the Aging Sailboat (9780070133945): Don Casey: Books It has saved me a ton of money on surveys.

[avb3]

I saved this copy of a survey that someone had posted for comments.

I think if you go through the items that were surveyed, you probably get a pretty good idea of what you should be looking at. It will at the very least give you a great start, and something you can discuss with your surveyor if you get interested in a particular boat.
Sample_Marine_Survey_Report.pdf

[oxygenforlife]

Thank you very much