Figure out what kind of ply they used to construct the skins, bulkheads, beams, decks etc....there may be different grades used in different areas which is normal. Look at the quality of wood used for stringers and framing, straight clear grain? Species? Look at the quality of build, how it was put together. What kind of glue was used. What kind of fastenings/nails were used,
bronze? Galvanised? Check for
rot everywhere.
After that look into the
gear, the first part determines if you have a sound foundation to work with. So look at the
mast, what kind of spar, section (size) etc...?
Rigging, what shape?
Hardware, many custom pieces, n a tristar the chainplates are going through the
deck s look carefully for
leaks and damaged wood. Make sure the fittings were made to spec.
Rudder gear, well made? Condition of running rigging?
Sails?
Engine?
Electrical? These are the things the
safety of you and the boat depend on.
Now we get into the
cushions,
head,
stove,
lighting,
water system etc....The condition of these determine your initial livability.
Never be in a hurry, it should take most of a day to do all this if you know what you're doing and longer if you don't. A rubber hammer can check suspect areas fr sound with practice. Does the wood ring or have a dull mushy thud? John Marples has
survey material available on Outrig.org that could be useful to you. Sleep on it before making any big decisions, and remember you will have as challenging a time selling down the road as these folks so make sure the boat has what you need. Good luck and have fun, see if you can do all this alone with out the sales
pitch, make lists then see what you can clarify with the owner. Buy or not you'll learn a lot for the next time.
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