NOT same as proper survey, but a good list...

[Grand Larsony]

Thought this may be interesting to some folks. I made this up to help me through a PRE-SURVEY REVEIW. This is not the same as a proper survey, but it can help you get comfortable enough with a boat to move ahead towards purchase.

I was lucky enough to be able to have a brief boat ride early in the process and the boat passed my inspection, using this list, so now I'm comfortable with paying for a survey and moving ahead. You could do most of it if the boat is in the water and cover the rest during a proper survey sea trial.

The two most important things (per my surveyor) are 1) Ability to hit WOT recommendation (easy if you can get a boat ride) and 2) proper check for hull moisture (which not many boaters can do without help).

Feel free to add to, or comment on, the items below:

1 On land: Sea strainers, through-hulls, anodes
2 On land: Outdrives exterior condition, transom assemblies, hydraulics, props, skegs
3 On land: Hull & transom soundings, swim platform, hull-deck joint, gelcoat, bottom paint
4 On land: Full camper canvas, snaps, studs, eisenglass, zippers, stitching in good condition both deployed and stowed. Boots for storage postiion.
5 On land: Seating surfaces, cushions, carpets, vinyl, headliner, wallcoverings in cockpit and cabin
6 On land: Stanchions, anchor locker, bow pulpit, exterior hatches, windshields, ports, side vent windows, bright work, teak, ladders, companionways, storage lockers, etc.
7 On land: Full engine room & locker inspection: engine mounts, wiring, tanks, hoses, bilge areas, water leaks, scuppers & drainage, etc.
8 Negotiable: Compression test & leak-down testing both engines
9 Sea trial: Battery fluid and voltage levels, mounting & wiring, proper operation of alternator and charger on shore power
10 Sea trial: Gas, waste, & water tanks - mounts, fills, vents, pump out fittings, hoses, clamps
11 Sea trial: Galley microwave (shore power), fridge (dual voltage), sink, and stove (shore power) operation, galley cabinets & surfaces, doors & drawer operation
12 Sea trial: Stereo operation
13 Sea trial: Air conditioning & heat operation, water flow, cold air, noise level, odors
14 Sea trial: Head toilet, sink, shower operation & drainage
15 Sea trial: All cabin panel switches, fuses & wiring, etc. Pull panel to inspect.
16 Sea trial: All 12v cabin, cockpit, navigatoin hull lights, switches, and AC plugs (on shore power). Verify GFCI operation.
17 Sea trial: Electronics operation (depth, radar, compass, spotlight, synch, sniffer, VHF, etc)
18 Sea trial: Blowers (2) & bilge pumps (2)
19 Sea trial: Start up both motors (cold and hot), check gauge operation and readings, check for leaks & noises
20 Sea trial: Acceleration and performance. Check planing speed withwithout trim tabs and drive trim.
21 Sea trial: I/O operation, trim & trailer switch operation
22 Sea trial: Steering & throttle operation
23 Sea trial: Top speed & max RPM
24 Sea trial: Hull stability, turning radius, skatingplaningplowingbackdown issues?
25 Sea trial: Trim tab operation, fluid level, hoses & fittings

 

[king5899]

Good timing. I'll take this list with me this weekend for a second look at a boat I am in the process of buying.

MJK

 

[mandm1200]

quote:

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Originally posted by Grand Larsony

2) proper check for hull moisture (which not many boaters can do without help).

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Suppose the boat has been blocked up since winter, can hull moisture still be detected?

 

[Al_Prisco]

It can be checked with a thermal imager or moisture meter.

 

[RWS]

here's some additions

stringers and bulkheads condition & moisture

limber holes same

struts & shafts

engine mounts & vibration checks

 

[Grand Larsony]

Also check for cracked exhaust manifolds on the starboard side which aren't leaking yet but will this season... which is what my surveyor found ust yesterday. That's why you hire a professional. He saved me over a thousand bucks on that issue alone, plus a bunch of other small stuff that I can now negotiate with the seller, minus his fee of about $450, so $550+ net in my favor. Good investement to hire the surveyor. Sean Bartnett in upstate New York. This is my second time around with him (as a buyer) and he's a great guy, and I can confidently recommend him. Saved me a bunch last time too.

 

[Al_Prisco]

Where any fluid samples taken? Was the riser temperature checked? If its a late model vessel, live data from the ecm should have also been checked.

 

[Grand Larsony]

We'll be doing that stuff later this week during sea trial... well, to be honest I was gonna skip the fluid analysis but was going to bring a temp gun and do that myself. It's a 1989 so no ECM data. The surveyor said if we hit WOT and run cleanly, and if seller agrees to fix exhaust manifolds (which he has already) then we're a "go" to purchase. I've started another thread on this topic in the Engines forum.

 

[Al_Prisco]

Fluid analysis,is a very good way to deter man whats going on in an engine. The table of elements received back from the lab will indercate possible problems with containments such as excessive fuel, coolant or sea-water, also if there is excessive wear to cylinders, rings or bearings. Its great on checking drives and generators as well. With no ecm, the engine can be checked with a scope or compression testing. You only get one chance to find these problems before the deal is done. I like to think my clients have the best advantage when i perform a pre-purchase for them.