trying out a new boat

[phoneyisland]

We are in the process of buying our first motor cruiser and are looking for some tips for when we take the boat out for a trail on the water.
We have checked her out in the dry dock, run the motor etc but the final handshake will be when we have tried her out on the water.
Are there some standard manoeuvres to make?
If you are an experienced boat person what would you look for? Pikmeer 12m steel. Direct prop drive .rudder Bow thruster. 10 tons. 1m draft

[rbk]

I like to back up around a buoy (without thruster) or something to see how maneuverable it is should your thruster ever fail and just to get a good idea. Try and spin in place (within the boats length) as well is another good one. If at all possible try and get into a bit of weather or swell to see how it handles bigger seas, even quartering a good wake will help you see how it rolls and handles.

[phoneyisland]

Thanks for that.

[boatpoker]

SEA TRIAL .... It ain't just another boat ride.

Marine Survey 101

[Snore]

I am not crazy about running WOT.

Research the engine and determine her max recommended RPM. Many engines at WOT will exceed max recommended RPM. The engine should be able to run at that max recommended RPM for 5-10 minutes without smoke or overheating.

If there is in mast furling it should roll in and out easily- deep wrinkles or creases are likely signs of a blown-out main.

These AND MORE are all things a good surveyor should be checking.