|
|
16-01-2018, 04:52
|
#2
|
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: W Carib
Boat: Wildcat 35, Hobie 33
Posts: 13,479
|
Re: Sea Trials..???
A related suggestion for those hiring a captain for a sea trial: bring your own, or at least bring a knowledgeable friend/pro along who has no affiliation w broker/seller.
Ive been put in the uncomfortable situation a few times of running a sea trial for brokers/sellers I know...this creates a disincentive for the sea trial captain to point out issues.
So my addition to the list:
"Knowledgeble independent party aboard to evaluate vessel during sea trial."
That could be a knowledgeable buyer, Ive run my own sea trials for example, but even then its good to have another set of knowledgeable eyes aboard to catch things you might have missed.
|
|
|
16-01-2018, 05:04
|
#4
|
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: W Carib
Boat: Wildcat 35, Hobie 33
Posts: 13,479
|
Re: Sea Trials..???
Quote:
Originally Posted by boatman61
Nicely sidestepped.. [emoji3]
|
Hey, I added an item to the list! 😆
And I think its an important one. If a less knowledgeable buyer relies on the broker/seller supplied captain (who may indeed be the broker/seller) then odds are good they wont get a lot of objective feedback.
|
|
|
16-01-2018, 05:40
|
#6
|
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Bay of Fundy,Grand Manan,N.B.,Canada N44.40 W66.50
Boat: Mascot 28 pilothouse motorsailer 28ft
Posts: 3,197
|
Re: Sea Trials..???
__________________
My personal experience & humble opinions-feel free to ignore both
.
|
|
|
16-01-2018, 05:47
|
#7
|
Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Solent, England
Boat: Moody 31
Posts: 18,398
|
Re: Sea Trials..???
I insisted on a sea trial before buying and paying for a survey.
You know the route, from Moodys on the Hamble out and around the Bramble Bank in a pleasant F4 so about three hours in total. Test was to see the sails up and drawing on a variety of different tacks to check condition and to see how inmast reefing worked. Also checked rigging tension under sail etc.
Test also needed to show engine was capable of running at speed for at least 30 minutes without over heating or producing black smoke etc. Engine also observed whilst running under load.
On the day the previous owner hired a yachtmaster because his health was suffering although he came on board. This was a great move because it allowed me to walk around the yacht quizzing the owner and not have either of us needing to concentrate on steering the boat.
Pete
|
|
|
16-01-2018, 05:52
|
#8
|
Senior Cruiser
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: 29° 49.16’ N 82° 25.82’ W
Boat: Pearson 422
Posts: 16,306
|
Re: Sea Trials..???
I think a sea trial can take on very different roles depending on the situation.
As a yacht broker a sea trial was standard on the sale of a used boat. In that context the sea trial was to:
- run the engine and make sure it doesn't overheat, no vibrations, etc.
- hoist the sails and verify their condition, check all the running rigging,4
- test other systems like AP, plotter, bilge pump, air con, etc.
Other situations might demand a more serious sea trial. Preparing a new or unfamiliar vessel for a long voyage a sea trial might be longer and more like a shake down cruise.
__________________
The water is always bluer on the other side of the ocean.
Sometimes it's necessary to state the obvious for the benefit of the oblivious.
Rust is the poor man's Loctite.
|
|
|
16-01-2018, 06:09
|
#9
|
Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Solent, England
Boat: Moody 31
Posts: 18,398
|
Re: Sea Trials..???
Oh, the most important test is of course to make tea mid morning, with water from the tanks. That proves the cooker works and the water quality is drinkable. Not being able to make tea on board would give strong cause for rejection in the UK.
Pete
|
|
|
16-01-2018, 06:16
|
#10
|
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Bumping around the Caribbean
Boat: Valiant 40
Posts: 4,625
|
Re: Sea Trials..???
Pretty much every system and function that you can't check when on the hard or at the dock.
You run the engine, check heat, charging, max RPM underway, cooling, etc. Pretty much whatever observable data you can collect.
Hoist the main and the jib. Trim the sails, thrown in a tack or two.
Check functioning of the electronics.
That's it for the sea trials I've been on. I suppose you could check other equipment, like windvanes etc that require the boat to be underway for proper testing, if the surveyor has the time and is in agreement.
|
|
|
16-01-2018, 06:28
|
#11
|
Senior Cruiser
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: PORTUGAL
Posts: 30,561
|
Re: Sea Trials..???
Quote:
Originally Posted by skipmac
I think a sea trial can take on very different roles depending on the situation.
As a yacht broker a sea trial was standard on the sale of a used boat. In that context the sea trial was to:
- run the engine and make sure it doesn't overheat, no vibrations, etc.
- hoist the sails and verify their condition, check all the running rigging,4
- test other systems like AP, plotter, bilge pump, air con, etc.
Other situations might demand a more serious sea trial. Preparing a new or unfamiliar vessel for a long voyage a sea trial might be longer and more like a shake down cruise.
|
And how long would you say is an adequate 'Shakedown Cruise'..
__________________
It was a dark and stormy night and the captain of the ship said.. "Hey Jim, spin us a yarn." and the yarn began like this.. "It was a dark and stormy night.."
|
|
|
16-01-2018, 06:34
|
#12
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Irish Sea
Posts: 1,321
|
Re: Sea Trials..???
I would obviously want to see the sails, running rigging, winches in action, but I think is much more about the engine: does it sound nice, does it stay cool if run at higher rpm for an hour? You can't get this in the marina.
The rest is for those who haven't sailed the specific model and simply want to know if they feel comfortable with its motion?
__________________
Useful as a fireproof bottom paint...
|
|
|
16-01-2018, 06:43
|
#13
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Seville London Eastbourne
Posts: 13,406
|
Re: Sea Trials..???
I just done one. Well, My version.
I like to go in bad weather. Put everything up that goes up and switch everything on that has a switch. I see what breaks or looks like its going to. See what stops working and see what bends. I check the rigging meticulously and all the lines. See if the radio and radar and other flashing things still makes noises.
I check all the seacocks and for leaks anywhere. If its raining, I like to test in the rain, I look for water ingress. I try to open and close everything at least once.
I check the water and fuel systems in a rough sea.
The engine is fired up and run at different speeds. I try and feel odd vibrations.
My trial took a few hours.
What is the conclusion? On this trip nothing went wrong... but next time...
__________________
- Never test how deep the water is with both feet -
10% of conflicts are due to different opinions. 90% by the tone of voice.
Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.
|
|
|
16-01-2018, 06:55
|
#14
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Irish Sea
Posts: 1,321
|
Re: Sea Trials..???
Quote:
Originally Posted by weavis
I like to go in bad weather.
...
I check the water and fuel systems in a rough sea.
|
Good idea, best indicator should be the face of the seller: if shivering and keeps looking at the direction of the life raft, don't buy the boat - or try to find which part was he afraid of.
__________________
Useful as a fireproof bottom paint...
|
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Rate This Thread |
Linear Mode
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Advertise Here
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vendor Spotlight |
|
|
|