On the hard for a long time

[dougieji]

Looking at a boat to purchase that has been on the hard for a long time. Are then any issues i should check that could cause problems once the boat is back in the water. Grateful for any advise

[Pete7]

Go on, how long?

You could spend a month going through stuff to see if it work properly. Thing like sea cocks seized, engine needing a good service, antifoul paint needing replacing.

Suggest you buy one of Nigel Calders books on boat maintenance.

Pete

[dougieji]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Go on, how long?

You could spend a month going through stuff to see if it work properly. Thing like sea cocks seized, engine needing a good service, antifoul paint needing replacing.

Suggest you buy one of Nigel Calders books on boat maintenance.

Pete

Not sure will know next week when i inspect. But i get your drift and its kind of what i had in mind. i'll check the book

i have got the experience to check most of the obvious things

[Kenomac]

Expect anything that pumps water to need immediate replacement, even if it appears to be working... it won't be for long. Seals and diaphrams tend to dry out.

How was the engine serviced prior to the lay up? Could be a big issue. Winterized? Raw water Impellers will most likely fail upon start up.

Window seals.

Refrigeration and air conditioning systems will probably be in need of service and repairs.

Anything with grease will be dried out.

[thomm225]

Mine was on the hard for 5 years pretty much unattended.

The engine was about shot before the boat was put on the hard and only lasted about a month after the boat went back into the water.

It was a 1974 Bristol 27 with original engine.

Most everything else, except the manual bilge pump, was okay and has been for the last 6 years.

I have replaced the automatic bilge pump though and completed two bottom jobs and also completely sanded and painted the topside hull.

Pictures are as the boat was found after being on the hard from 2006 - 2011. And one from 2015.

[bletso]

Boats really are made to be on the hard for extended periods. As explained already seals, etc. Don't be surprised to see some joinery problems below, some of which should resolve their problems when put back in the water. (Doors don't seem to close right, etc)

[Mithril Bham]

Depends on what went on. Have a boat on the hard. Start engine and bring up to heat every couple of weeks. Run all systems including head and plumbing. Run fridge. Makes a difference.

[Cadence]

What type of boat make and model would help. Give it a going over and if it lights your fire make an offer pending a survey acceptable to you.

[taxwizz]

Originally Posted by magellanyachts

Depends on what went on. Have a boat on the hard. Start engine and bring up to heat every couple of weeks. Run all systems including head and plumbing. Run fridge. Makes a difference.

In Canada, and I suspect in Washington, boats are customarily on the hard for 8 or 9 months EVERY year with no ill effects.

Fear not unless the boat was not prepared properly on hallout.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Thinking of buying an older boat that has been unused or out of the water for a long time?

Here are some resources and links with tips to get you started on evaluating whether an older, used boat, is in good condition or to do a "self survey" prior to purchase, especially if the boat has been laid up unused or on the hard for a long time.
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Diesel Engine Startup from Long Term Disuse

If you are concerned about starting a Diesel engine that has not been run in possibly years, here is a thread with many good suggestions to consider prior to starting the engine.

Here is a link to a thread with suggestions for starting an engine that had been laid up for nine years. It was successfully started. Many tips in the thread.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post2374282
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Here is a short checklist for a Self Survey.

BoatUS (Insurance company)

http://www.boatus-insurance.com/document/selfsurvey.pdf
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Boatpoker's Self Survey Tips

Boatpoker is a CF member and a professional yacht surveyor. He has produced an outstanding website with many illustrations of things to look for when doing a survey of a boat. This is worth spending a few hours reading, and carefully examine the photos to see what he sees in his professional work. Very helpful and valuable if you are unfamiliar with boat systems or are considering purchasing a sailboat or power boat, especially a used one.

He has done an outstanding job of providing helpful photo illustrations to common problems seen on boats he has inspected. I suggest spending a few hours reading his pages prior to buying a boat. I did and will do so again.

Marine Survey 101
http://www.pcmarinesurveys.com/Marin...rvey%20101.htm

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Maine Sail's (Compass Marine) How To pages:

There are numerous articles with many very good photo illustrations of things to look out for while viewing older boats and projects you can do to upgrade or repair your older boat. The author of this site (Maine Sail) is a member of CF (and other sailing forums) and marine service professional. He has done an outstanding job of providing helpful photo illustrations to common problems seen on boats he has inspected. I suggest spending a few hours reading his pages prior to buying a boat. I did and will do so again.

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/boat_projects
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Self Survey Checklist

Here is a short article that lists some common problems and a checklist for a Self Survey.

https://www.practical-sailor.com/iss...g_10814-1.html

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Diesel Engine Troubleshooting

Here is a book that is considered a "must read" classic for Diesel engine troubleshooting and maintenance.

Marine Diesel Engines
Nigel Calder

Kindle Version = $15
https://www.amazon.com/Marine-Diesel...Z0EC3ZXZF00WR3

Publisher Description:
"Marine Diesel Engines*has been the bible for do-it-yourself boat owners for more than 15 years. Now updated with information on fuel injection systems, electronic engine controls, and other new diesel technologies, Nigel Calder's bestseller has everything you need to keep your diesel engine running cleanly and efficiently.*Marine Diesel Engines*explains how to…"
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Don Casey Book Collection

This book compilation contains the contents of SIX acclaimed books in one volume (or Kindle download ebook). If looking to purchase an older boat, you will find the first book "Inspecting the Aging Sailboat" of special interest.

Don Casey's Complete Illustrated Sailboat Maintenance Manual: Including Inspecting the Aging Sailboat, Sailboat Hull and Deck Repair, Sailboat Refinishing, Sailbo (International Marine-RMP)

Kindle Edition = $34 instant download
https://www.amazon.com/Caseys-Comple...tenance+manual

Description from Publisher:
"The definitive guide from the world's best-known sailboat maintenance expert
Don Casey’s Complete Illustrated Sailboat Maintenance Manual combines six core volumes into a single, utterly dependable resource that answers every frequent question, explains every major system, and helps you keep your boat and its components shipshape.
More than 2,500 clear and detailed illustrations guide you step by step through every procedure. Casey’s technical virtuosity, his user-friendly explanations, and Peter Compton's diesel engine expertise make even the more complicated repairs and improvements easy to understand. This must-have guide saves you time, money, and grief as you learn the fastest, easiest, most effective ways to:
• Evaluate the condition of your boat or one you’re about to purchase
• Repair structural damage to your fiberglass sailboat
• Improve or repair your sailboat’s electrical system
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair your boat’s diesel engine
• Put a professional-looking finish on your boat’s hull, deck, spars, wood, and trim
• Make and repair sails, sail covers, dodgers, awnings, sailbags, and bimini tops"
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Hope that helps you and others.

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by taxwizz

In Canada, and I suspect in Washington, boats are customarily on the hard for 8 or 9 months EVERY year with no ill effects.

Fear not unless the boat was not prepared properly on hallout.

On the west coast of Canada and in Washington we don't have to haul except to paint. Sail all year round. Eastern Canada is a different story.

[dougieji]

Originally Posted by Cadence

What type of boat make and model would help. Give it a going over and if it lights your fire make an offer pending a survey acceptable to you.

Bavaria 50. currently in Thailand where i am now. think its been on the hard for some time as owner is not local. I was actually after a Buizen 48 but they are very expensive. The Bavaria 44 is also on the list

[taxwizz]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

On the west coast of Canada and in Washington we don't have to haul except to paint. Sail all year round. Eastern Canada is a different story.

Hey....It's the land of Ice and Snow.
Why do you think we all head to the Caribbean in winter?

[UNCIVILIZED]

Some lightly built, & lightlly built cored boats change shape more than other types when on the hard for a while. Thus it can take a while for the hull to fully return to shape, especially when it comes to things like engine to shaft alignment. And you can get minor internal dimensional changes, due to the keel now hanging down instead of being pushed upwards. So some doors & bulkheads may shift a bit.

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by taxwizz

Hey....It's the land of Ice and Snow.

Not here.