Questions to ask when buying a sailboat

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

"Questions to ask yourself when buying a sailboat"

Should I have my head examined?

Answer: don't bother. it won't do any good

[NevisDog]

Okay, in this lighthearted manner - to the broker: Are you a complete d*ck, or just the usual dishonest a**h**e? (We found two we felt we could trust, the rest were unbelievable!)

[SailingFan]

You know, we did manage to find a single broker (who was also a surveyor) in Green Cove Springs (well, WE were in that area, the broker was offshore doing a sea trial at the time of my call), Florida, who we really felt pretty good about.
He was direct, he did not attempt to lead us any particular direction to or away from a vessel we were considering, and he was willing to immediately come to us when he returned from the sea trial he was on to discuss a vessel we wanted to examine in person and that he had not seen lately.
At that time we were looking for 30-40 foot vessels that were in long term storage and for sale, and while he said there were some deals to be had, there were also some he would definitely have some comments about that may "inform" us as new buyers. I have his card someplace, and if I find it, I will be happy to send pm to anyone that needs a broker in this part of Florida. At worst, he may be able to get you to a deal or steer a newbie away from something that, though he did not arrange, he would be available to investigate for you.
I am sure his surveys had a cost, but when shelling out repair coin, that is possibly the best money you spend, maybe more important than the cost of the vessel itself even! The repairs seem to cost more than the purchase price on those sorts of boats anyway.

[cookingguy]

Great post thanks!!!! Im looking at buying a boat this year and i wanted to make sure i knew what to ask since this would be my first sail boat that i would be buying.

Thanks again for the time put in to this and for all those that added to the post.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by SailingFan

You know, we did manage to find a single broker (who was also a surveyor) in Green Cove Springs

A shocking conflict of interest!

I guarantee you this surveyor/broker is neither SAMS Accredited nor NAMS Certified as this conflict is prohibited by both organizations.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by cookingguy

Great post thanks!!!! Im looking at buying a boat this year and i wanted to make sure i knew what to ask since this would be my first sail boat that i would be buying.

Thanks again for the time put in to this and for all those that added to the post.

You may wish to educate yourself as to how to inspect the boat yourself before hiring a SAMS Accredited or NAMS Certified surveyor. May I suggest Marine Survey 101

[surf_sail]

Originally Posted by jamesdavis

I would make any offer or down payment, contingent upon a reputable, licensed sea trial.

This way you can focus on the very important, "auxiliary power". The engine and drive train.

Help me understand this please. Personally I'm more worried about hull integrity (hull to deck joint, chainplates, moisture readings) and rudder and stock integrity versus motor/drive train. One could also argue inspecting the standing rigging is crucial, but if it's older than 10yrs likely I'll just replace it anyways because there is no way to tell if it's good.

My logic is in the worst case I can repower for about 10k. But if the hull is unsound it's a fatal flaw. Also if the engine fails I can still get back to port (it's sailboat after all) the other issues are more fatal.

Granted it may depend on the total boat value, (for low value boats you're mostly just paying for the auxiliary power).

Am I wrong here?

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by surf_sail

Help me understand this please. Personally I'm more worried about hull integrity (hull to deck joint, chainplates, moisture readings) and rudder and stock integrity versus motor/drive train. One could also argue inspecting the standing rigging is crucial, but if it's older than 10yrs likely I'll just replace it anyways because there is no way to tell if it's good.

My logic is in the worst case I can repower for about 10k. But if the hull is unsound it's a fatal flaw. Also if the engine fails I can still get back to port (it's sailboat after all) the other issues are more fatal.

Granted it may depend on the total boat value, (for low value boats you're mostly just paying for the auxiliary power).

Am I wrong here?

No such thing as a licensed sea trial. You may wish to review
Sea Trial - it ain't just boat ride

[StellaTLEO]

Originally Posted by CaptJamesCook

This may be of interest to alot of newbies and maybe even some old salts.

What were the questions you asked the broker or owner when you bought your boat?

Then after you had bought your boat what questions do you wish you had asked?

I have 3 pages of questions but here are a few;

Tanks
water qty
how many gal
how old
material
fuel
how many gal
how old
material
holding
how many gal
how old
material
Batteries
how many
how old
type/size
charger model
Inverter
age/model
Solar Panels
How old/type
controller
age/model
Wind power
How old/model
controller age/model
Motor
last overhaul date
rebuild date
last oil change
what has been replaced within the last 8 years
what has been replaced in the last 1 year
Sails
make
inventory age of each sail
when last serviced
Rigging Standing
has it been replaced/when/by who
when was chain plates last replaced or inspected
ever a major rigging failure/when/how
has it ever been rolled over 360 degrees
Winches
when last maintenanced
Bilge pumps
age
has there ever been water above the sole
Stove/Oven
how old are the propane hoses
how old are the propane tanks
Fridge/Freezer
age last maintenance
brand
Hot Water Tank
age/fuel
Cabin Heater
age/fuel
Toilet
model/age
last maintenanced
hoses replaced
Wiring
how old
has it been rewired/by who
what type of wire used
Windlass
age/last maintenanced
Hull
ever any blistering how corrected if so
what hull maintenance has been done in the last 4 years
what anti fouling paint used
Deck
has it been repainted or new gel coat/if so when
Slip
is there a slip available
is it transferable
Misc.
anchors type/qty
rode
will the last owner agree to do several shake down cruises before/after sale completed
Ship Log
where has it been docked/sailed mostly
can I read the ships logs
can I see repair/equipment reciepts

These are just some of the questions I thought of.
Do you think it is over done?
What questions would you ask?

Hey now!
you said you had three pages of questions, do you happen to have that handy for sharing?

Thanks

[slug]

Originally Posted by CaptJamesCook

This may be of interest to alot of newbies and maybe even some old salts.

What were the questions you asked the broker or owner when you bought your boat?

Then after you had bought your boat what questions do you wish you had asked?

I have 3 pages of questions but here are a few;

Tanks
water qty
how many gal
how old
material
fuel
how many gal
how old
material
holding
how many gal
how old
material
Batteries
how many
how old
type/size
charger model
Inverter
age/model
Solar Panels
How old/type
controller
age/model
Wind power
How old/model
controller age/model
Motor
last overhaul date
rebuild date
last oil change
what has been replaced within the last 8 years
what has been replaced in the last 1 year
Sails
make
inventory age of each sail
when last serviced
Rigging Standing
has it been replaced/when/by who
when was chain plates last replaced or inspected
ever a major rigging failure/when/how
has it ever been rolled over 360 degrees
Winches
when last maintenanced
Bilge pumps
age
has there ever been water above the sole
Stove/Oven
how old are the propane hoses
how old are the propane tanks
Fridge/Freezer
age last maintenance
brand
Hot Water Tank
age/fuel
Cabin Heater
age/fuel
Toilet
model/age
last maintenanced
hoses replaced
Wiring
how old
has it been rewired/by who
what type of wire used
Windlass
age/last maintenanced
Hull
ever any blistering how corrected if so
what hull maintenance has been done in the last 4 years
what anti fouling paint used
Deck
has it been repainted or new gel coat/if so when
Slip
is there a slip available
is it transferable
Misc.
anchors type/qty
rode
will the last owner agree to do several shake down cruises before/after sale completed
Ship Log
where has it been docked/sailed mostly
can I read the ships logs
can I see repair/equipment reciepts

These are just some of the questions I thought of.
Do you think it is over done?
What questions would you ask?

Rudder stock and lower rudder bearing are always trouble spots on older sail boats .., 10 years

Ask for the steering system past maintenance schedule

Or drop the rudder and inspect

[capt_TE]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

Both rather important:
Will it float?

How much is it?

I would add: Is it currently above water?

I would add: Does the boat have a hull?