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Oceandeep · 15-02-2011, 18:58

My offer was just accepted on a Hudson Force 50. The survey is scheduled for next week. She's in pretty good shape but I'd appreciate any input on what I should be looking for during the sea trial and haul-out. The teak decks, rigging, motor and the electrical are all on the list but is there anything else i should be checking out?

Charlie · 15-02-2011, 19:02

Turn on every system and make sure that they work. All lights, all electronics, watermaker, windlass, radar -- everything. Run it for awhile.

**skipmac** · 15-02-2011, 19:13

Yes, what Charlie said.

Some things to check in general, sorry don't know the model so cannot give any specific problem areas but these are good places to start with any boat (beyond what you already said)

You didn't list this but I'm sure you will be checking the hull for blisters, damage, delaminaion, etc. Not saying these boats are known for that, just something that could cost you to fix.

Then standard other stuff, check the rudder for play (aside from any slack or
play in the steering which you should also check), shaft alignment, cutlass bearing, look at the motor mounts.

Fuel tanks. Are they accessible for cleaning or replacement if needed? Some boats the tanks are built in requiring destruction of the interior to get them out. Look at the glass in the water separator to see if there is black gunk, water or anything besides fuel. Try to take the boat out where there will be some wave action, rock and roll, and look at the bowl again when you get back to see if the rolling stirred up anything in the tanks.

Check the mast step, chainplates.

Look inside the lockers, behind cabinets, around the ports and hatches, everywhere that is hard to see, for evidence of leaks or water damage. Not a deal breaker but will tell you what you need to seal or rebed down the road.

Bulkheads. Tabbed in tight, no separation from the hull. Same for the floors.

Shake all the stancions.

Good luck and have fun.

VirtualVagabond · 15-02-2011, 21:21

I'm envious... and welcome to CF.

If you're not already a member of the Force50/Formosa51 owners association you should join. They're a great bunch who know these boats inside out and are enthusiastic and helpful.
www.force50.org should get you there and don't be shy to ask heaps of questions.

Good luck.
Vic

bangkaboat · 15-02-2011, 22:18

Chainplates - don't just visually inspect them, smack them with a good- sized ball peen hammer, where accessible, as well.

Sweet boat!

NotQuiteLost · 15-02-2011, 22:39

I've looked at those quite a bit recently, during my daydreaming of downsizing. Glad to hear you got her at your price

SkiprJohn · 17-02-2011, 11:43

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Congratulations. The best advice I have for you is pay very close attention to what the surveyor says and ask questions if you aren't certain what he/she means. Be prepared to walk away if there are things that need major repairs and you aren't willing to wait to have done by the current owner.
kind regards,