How do I confirm the condition of a boat I want to purchase?

1. Ask the seller for the boat’s history and whether it has ever been run aground or taken on water. You can also request to see copies of the repair and maintenance records.

2. Do a visual inspection. Walk around and through the boat, looking for any signs of wear or damage. On the exterior, look for things like blisters or peeling of the gel coat, soft spots, cracks in the fiberglass, rotting wood, corrosion, missing screws, damaged cushions, etc. On the interior, look at the overall condition of flooring, walls and ceilings, and make sure to look for signs of water intrusion. You may also want to take a look at the engine room to check for signs of leaks or corrosion.

3. Hire certified Marine Surveyor(s). Most specialize in either Mechanical or Hull surveys, but some do both. For a mechanical survey, they will do a full inspection of all systems on the boat to make sure the engines and other equipment are operating properly. A hull surveyor will check for signs of damage to the hull and structures of the boat, which usually requires a haul out at a marina/ship yard. The buyer is responsible for all costs associated with the surveys.

4. Make arrangements to Sea Trial (water test) the boat with the surveyors to confirm that everything operates to good marine standards. The seller should cover the cost of the captain (if necessary) and fuel for the sea trial.

Contact Us / 954.980.8121 / Rick Obey Yacht Sales