Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 03-04-2013, 16:39   #1
Registered User

Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 29
Boat buying checklist

Has anyone every created or come across a good spreadsheet/checklist to use while used boat shopping? Something that lists the main features/equipment/refits etc to look for when buying so as to keep track of what you've seen...pros/cons...and make good comparisons.
sarahjh22 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2013, 16:57   #2
Registered User
 
Crimea Cruiser's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Crimea
Boat: Colin Archer 36', steel
Posts: 358
Re: Boat buying checklist

Should be simple enough to do yourself. First you must decide what features are important to you. Fin Keel? Full keel? Centerboard? Fixed keel? You can categorize by components or areas of boat. Electrical. plumbing. standing rigging. engine, etc. It can be as simple or complex as you want. Anyway you get idea. Simply check off each boat as pro or con for each item. At end of first round you should be able to narrow to short list of candidates. Then you can browse owner group sites and forums for weaknesses and positives of short list candidates to further weight list. Until you have found the one that gives you best value based on your needs and price point. There is always going to be something compromised, unless you have bucks to custom build your dream vessel. Good luck with your hunt.
__________________
If it floats it's a boat, or perhaps it's f#cal matter!
Crimea Cruiser is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2013, 17:03   #3
Registered User
 
Cotemar's Avatar

Community Sponsor

Join Date: Dec 2007
Boat: Mahe 36, Helia 44 Evo, MY 37
Posts: 5,731
Re: Boat buying checklist

Maybe start here

Boat Buyer's Guide:
Checklist for Buyers and Sellers

BoatUS - Boat Buyer Services - Boat Evaluation Checklist
Cotemar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2013, 19:10   #4
Marine Service Provider
 
benjiwoodboat's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Nomad (often in Maine)
Boat: Norseman 447
Posts: 223
Images: 15
Re: Boat buying checklist

We've got a spreadsheet we use to compare boats. But I don't think that's exactly what your looking for. I did post this up today along the same lines... but only touches on a few of the basics.

http://sailingsimplicity.com/best-fe...r-boat-part-i/
__________________
Ben Carey
One Simple Question
Morse Alpha Sail Training
benjiwoodboat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2013, 05:53   #5
Registered User

Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Living aboard and cruising
Boat: Island Packet 40
Posts: 276
Images: 1
Re: Boat buying checklist

If you are planning to cruise on the boat, I suggest getting a copy of Beth Leonard's book "The Voyager's Handbook". It is a great resource for determining what to look for and what is important, and helps you think through the evaluation and decision-making process.

If you are new to cruising I would suggest you read this, as I believe that there are more things to think through than a generic checklist would provide.
CaptainBW is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2013, 09:33   #6
Registered User

Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 29
Re: Boat buying checklist

Quote:
Originally Posted by benjiwoodboat View Post
We've got a spreadsheet we use to compare boats. But I don't think that's exactly what your looking for. I did post this up today along the same lines... but only touches on a few of the basics.

Best Features of an offshore blue water boat - Things we loved about our boats | Sailing, Simplicity, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Thanks! You guys are super inspirational but make me feel a bit lacking in comparison to all that you've done and are doing. I'll be sure to keep following you!
sarahjh22 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2013, 09:48   #7
cat herder, extreme blacksheep

Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: furycame alley , tropics, mexico for now
Boat: 1976 FORMOSA yankee clipper 41
Posts: 18,967
Images: 56
Re: Boat buying checklist

i first moved on board a project boat in 1990. i tried prior to that to make a listing of what i wanted for my ready to go boat....worked great until i saw the lines of my fist one--an olympian 34, pre-yorktown 1966 hank mckune product. bulletproof and sweeeeeeet with a lovely clipper bow-not the ugly newer ones...(i had been seeking a 1989 peterson designed morgan 44....and i was going to ciircumnavigate with a now ex-spouse)
as i continued thru life with lists for what to look for, since 1990, those lists have been ditched by something i LIKED.....
keep your lists and keep to them ...UNTIL you see that special one you fall over yourself to have. that is your perfect boat. fix, upgrade, and enjoy.
zeehag is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2013, 09:54   #8
Marine Service Provider
 
Azul's Avatar

Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: near Lake Erie
Boat: 1984 Catalina 22, 2005 Carolina Skiff 24, 1989 BW Outrage 19, BW SS 15
Posts: 546
Images: 2
Re: Boat buying checklist

Boat Owner:

Contact info:

Boat location and storage: moored, on the hard, docked, trailered, fresh or salt water history

Boat Type, Name, Designer

Year built

Price, how arrived, why selling, bottom line

Overall summary and condition:

Last survey:

Modifications:


Recent updates:

Work needed*:



Spares:

Sailing characteristics: to windward? wet? comfort? motion? stability? speed? light wind?

Hull: blisters, damage, epoxy, bottom paint, through hulls

Deck: condition, coring, soft spots, paint, nonskid, leaks, screwed in teak?

Deck/hull joint updated, leaking, repaired?

Cruising equipment: windvane, autopilot, SSB, chart plotter, spinnaker, storm jib, drogue, parachute, bimini, dodger, diesel, cockpit drains enlarged, last refit, radar, solar, battery bank, whisker pole, inverter

Engine room: access, halon, fuel tank access, corrosion, engine mounts, ventilation, blower, shaft, packing gland drip rate/repack, cutlass bearing

Electronics: depth, speed, GPS, chartplotter, VHF/AIS, antenna, portable VHF, wind, water temperature, radar

Standing rigging: age, how examined, salt water or fresh, forestay mods

Mast and boom corrosion? Change in rigging last date? Mast step reinforced?

Chainplates

Running rigging: age, condition, traveler, sheeting, lines to cockpit, single hand?

Winches: last rebuild, maintained?, single or dual speed, size, mounting, handles

Deck fittings- leaks, butyl or otherwise installed

Ground tackle: anchors, chain length and guage, rode length, rollers aft and bow, windlass, gaskets on chain locker or smells transmitted to Vberth?

Sails: inventory, age, type: storm jib, spinnaker, pole for genoa, sailcover condition, reef points, storm tactics

Reefing system

Roller furler

Cockpit: dodger, bimini, drains, lazarettes/storage, coamings, how wet under way

Brightwork and teak condition

Storm deck need raising or cockpit volume need reducing for offshore/pooping?

Tiller: spare, age

Rudder condition and age, linkage

Propulsion: diesel: shaft, prop, stuffing box, cutlass bearing, fuel age and stabilizer, engine mounts, cruise and top speed, maintenance, oil change record, compartment access/cleanliness/paint, cooling, filters age

Dinghy/storage/motor- oars, davits

Fuel tank need cleaning, replacement? Access

Storage and use history? Fresh or salt water?

Water tank size and condition

Sink: fresh, salt, pump, condition, odors?

Galley: stove, double sink, location, mods, electric or manual pumps

Table, dinette

Refrig, icebox

Head: compost or lavac? age, pump, privacy

Holding tank, how plumbed

Shower

Seacocks: age, type, color, condition,

Bookcase/storage

Interior: cushions, bulwarks, counter surface, leaks, leecloths, stains, hanging locker for clothes, storage for provisions

Floor

Bilges: dry, pumps manual and automatic, oil

V berth, leaks, smells, ventilation, lighting, cushions, comfort, noise

Ventilation

Hatches, dorade boxes, security, screens

Portlights- open, fixed, leaks, type, age, installation

Electrical system:breakers or fuse, age, rats nest, lighting, shore power cord, battery charging system, ac/dc, batteries, solar, inverter, wiring of sufficient guage

Batteries

Solar- location, charge controller, age, shading

Interior lighting

Running lights

Ballast, leveled at mooring, tender?

Rails, rub rails, stainless, fittings- checked for water infiltration

Pushpit, stanchions, lifelines

Safety gear: Coast Guard inspection, flares, life vests, throwing ring,

Cradle

Trailer

*No list is complete, and probably the "work needed" section should be an entire blank page or two.
Azul is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2013, 10:10   #9
Registered User

Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Living aboard and cruising
Boat: Island Packet 40
Posts: 276
Images: 1
Re: Boat buying checklist

This link is good resource: Mahina Expedition - Selecting A Boat for Offshore Cruising

It is written by John Neal of the Mahina Expeditions.
CaptainBW is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2013, 10:16   #10
Registered User
 
Cheechako's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Skagit City, WA
Posts: 25,477
Re: Boat buying checklist

I have an Excel spreadsheet similar to what Azul shows above, but I think the OP is talking about boat features more than boat condition.............?
__________________
"I spent most of my money on Booze, Broads and Boats. The rest I wasted" - Elmore Leonard











Cheechako is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2013, 10:49   #11
Armchair Bucketeer
 
David_Old_Jersey's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,012
Images: 4
Re: Boat buying checklist

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheechako View Post
I have an Excel spreadsheet similar to what Azul shows above, but I think the OP is talking about boat features more than boat condition.............?
I read the OP the other way around . for which the currently ongoing thread might be of help (albeit no spreadsheet has appeared - yet!):-

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...-101146-4.html

but if simply features and / or equipment then perhaps the spreadsheet in my sig below (cruising equipment list) is worth a look, at least as own starting point.
David_Old_Jersey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2013, 10:53   #12
Registered User

Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,492
Re: Boat buying checklist

Quote:
Originally Posted by sarahjh22 View Post
Has anyone every created or come across a good spreadsheet/checklist to use while used boat shopping? Something that lists the main features/equipment/refits etc to look for when buying so as to keep track of what you've seen...pros/cons...and make good comparisons.
Looks nice... check
Lots of teak... check
Quite sleak looking and nice and pointy at the front... check

OK, maybe not the best list but it's the one I used.
MarkSF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2013, 11:24   #13
Registered User
 
Cheechako's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Skagit City, WA
Posts: 25,477
Re: Boat buying checklist

you forgot "chick magnet?"... check....
__________________
"I spent most of my money on Booze, Broads and Boats. The rest I wasted" - Elmore Leonard











Cheechako is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2013, 11:28   #14
Registered User

Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,492
Re: Boat buying checklist

I've been trying to find a chick magnet, so I can install one. So far, I can't find any at Defender or West Marine. Where do they sell them?
MarkSF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2013, 11:33   #15
Registered User
 
Cheechako's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Skagit City, WA
Posts: 25,477
Re: Boat buying checklist

You need the new neodymium style, far better I hear. Maybe check with an Oyster or Swan dealer......or better yet, more likely Donzi or Cigarrette!
__________________
"I spent most of my money on Booze, Broads and Boats. The rest I wasted" - Elmore Leonard











Cheechako is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
buying

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 02:01.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.