SigSaurP229
Commander
- Joined
- Oct 1, 2008
- Messages
- 2,123
All of the Iboaters know that we frequently have new members checking in and asking about wether or not to purchase this that or the other boat. After speaking to a Mod (Thanks BobVT) I have decided to use a previous post to create a check list of things to check when purchasing a new boat.
Please feel free to add or make suggestions as neccessary but please keep the rabble to a minimum.
I am going to probably split this into three posts as it is extremely long, and really needs to be broken up.
A Good Buyers check list.
The absolute FIRST and MOST important question you should ask the seller is this.
DO YOU HAVE THE PROPER PAPERWORK.
The boat is a useless paperweight without it.
Absolutely positively DO NOT believe that obtaining a title is easy because in most cases it isn't. As a matter of fact offer the seller an extra $100.00 to get the proper paperwork, I bet you 95% of the time the seller will say no at that point walk away no matter how pretty and shiny the boat is WALK AWAY.
We are going to Start with the hull.
The hull.
Start at the bow outside and work your way back.
Go over it from bow to stern with a fine tooth comb Are there any major knicks or gashes.
Are there any splits in the fiberglass.
Look for gel coat spidering or stress cracks.
Is the gel coat or paint faded or is bright as if it has been cared for?
Is the hull straight no major dents in especially on the bottom side. I.e. an obviously visible hook in the hull.
Is there barnacle build up on it anywhere?
How does the rub rail look is it mashed in anywhere? (signs that a boat was owned by an inexperienced owner).
Look for brown water staining visible around the transom motor mount bolts streaking down from them (for an outboard).
Look for brown water staining streaking down from the splashwell plug (again an outboard).
Look at the trim i.e. (lights, rubrail trim, horns, anything metal) does it look pitted and corroded or well maintained?
Move to the inside of the hull.
Start from bow to stern
How is the general condition of the upholstery does it look well cared for?
How solid is the floor in ALL spots if it is spongy squishy or weak in any spots walk away (unless you are looking for a project). Don't believe that it is going to be a simple fix boats tend to rot from the bottom up.
Lift all the hatches and look underneath are there any signs of dampness or rot?
Poke prod and feel everything especially all of the hidden areas.
Look in the ski locker if equipped how does it look any signs of dampness or rot?
Look at the seat bases for signs of dampness and rot.
Look at the carpet is moldy and mildewed, or does it have normal wear.
If the floor is Plywood encased in fiberglass which is painted look for signs of delamination (fiberglass pulling up).
Test all of the electronics.
Make sure the bow and stern light are functioning properly.
Make sure the horn is working properly.
Make sure the bilge pump and blower are working properly.
Follow the wires do they look like they are properly connected and running through proper USCG approved fuse boxes? Does the wiring look like proper marine grade wire.
Test the radio and speakers make sure they are connected and working properly.
Test the steering to make sure it functions properly and easily.
Move to the stern.
Lift all of the hatches and motor cover.
Inspect the motor mounts do they look dry and clean inspect for dampness and rot.
How does the bilge look is it clean or has someone been draining the oil into the bilge?
Are there signs of brown water stains in the bilge area?
Inspect the transom from the inside look for signs of rot.
Tap on the inside of the transom with a rubber mallet how does it sound does it sound rock solid or kind of hollow does it feel solid or does it feel like mush.
Please feel free to add or make suggestions as neccessary but please keep the rabble to a minimum.
I am going to probably split this into three posts as it is extremely long, and really needs to be broken up.
A Good Buyers check list.
The absolute FIRST and MOST important question you should ask the seller is this.
DO YOU HAVE THE PROPER PAPERWORK.
The boat is a useless paperweight without it.
Absolutely positively DO NOT believe that obtaining a title is easy because in most cases it isn't. As a matter of fact offer the seller an extra $100.00 to get the proper paperwork, I bet you 95% of the time the seller will say no at that point walk away no matter how pretty and shiny the boat is WALK AWAY.
We are going to Start with the hull.
The hull.
Start at the bow outside and work your way back.
Go over it from bow to stern with a fine tooth comb Are there any major knicks or gashes.
Are there any splits in the fiberglass.
Look for gel coat spidering or stress cracks.
Is the gel coat or paint faded or is bright as if it has been cared for?
Is the hull straight no major dents in especially on the bottom side. I.e. an obviously visible hook in the hull.
Is there barnacle build up on it anywhere?
How does the rub rail look is it mashed in anywhere? (signs that a boat was owned by an inexperienced owner).
Look for brown water staining visible around the transom motor mount bolts streaking down from them (for an outboard).
Look for brown water staining streaking down from the splashwell plug (again an outboard).
Look at the trim i.e. (lights, rubrail trim, horns, anything metal) does it look pitted and corroded or well maintained?
Move to the inside of the hull.
Start from bow to stern
How is the general condition of the upholstery does it look well cared for?
How solid is the floor in ALL spots if it is spongy squishy or weak in any spots walk away (unless you are looking for a project). Don't believe that it is going to be a simple fix boats tend to rot from the bottom up.
Lift all the hatches and look underneath are there any signs of dampness or rot?
Poke prod and feel everything especially all of the hidden areas.
Look in the ski locker if equipped how does it look any signs of dampness or rot?
Look at the seat bases for signs of dampness and rot.
Look at the carpet is moldy and mildewed, or does it have normal wear.
If the floor is Plywood encased in fiberglass which is painted look for signs of delamination (fiberglass pulling up).
Test all of the electronics.
Make sure the bow and stern light are functioning properly.
Make sure the horn is working properly.
Make sure the bilge pump and blower are working properly.
Follow the wires do they look like they are properly connected and running through proper USCG approved fuse boxes? Does the wiring look like proper marine grade wire.
Test the radio and speakers make sure they are connected and working properly.
Test the steering to make sure it functions properly and easily.
Move to the stern.
Lift all of the hatches and motor cover.
Inspect the motor mounts do they look dry and clean inspect for dampness and rot.
How does the bilge look is it clean or has someone been draining the oil into the bilge?
Are there signs of brown water stains in the bilge area?
Inspect the transom from the inside look for signs of rot.
Tap on the inside of the transom with a rubber mallet how does it sound does it sound rock solid or kind of hollow does it feel solid or does it feel like mush.
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