Used Boat Checklist

[HMC49]

Hello everyone.

I usually post the in the Force section as that's the outboard on my 92 Maxum 1800XR. But the urge to get something bigger has kind of bitten me. I have plenty of time to look as I'm not in a hurry and don't want to make the mistakes I made when I bought my first boat. Basically I'm looking at something in Cruise/Cuddy 25-26 feet single i/o board. The boat will be used mainly on fresh water, with the occasional trip to the Jersey shore. I was wondering if anyone had a good list of things to go over on a used boat. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[G-Daddy]

Re: Used Boat Checklist

Here's a start:
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, gel coat, bottom paint
4 On land: Full camper canvas, snaps, studs, isinglass, zippers, stitching in good condition both deployed and stowed. Boots for storage position.
5 On land: Seating surfaces, cushions, carpets, vinyl, headliner, wall coverings 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, navigation \ 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 with\without 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, skating\planing\plowing\back down issues?
25 Sea trial: Trim tab operation, fluid level, hoses & fittings

 

[goboating]

Re: Used Boat Checklist

Thats a nice check list!!!!!! Something to save.

 

[HMC49]

Re: Used Boat Checklist

Can't thank you enough G-Daddy. Gonna save that list and keep it for when I start looking.

 

[BF]

Re: Used Boat Checklist

high on my list is getting a good idea of maintenance & repair history. Maintenance logs? Who winterizes? When was the last time the out drive was pulled to service the U-joints? Gimble bearing been greased regularly, or replaced? When I bought my I/O (3.0 mercruiser) the owner was very upfront that he did his own oil changes (both drive and engine) but the boat had nothing else done to it as long as he owned it. There was some out drive noise to it, so I knew before I bought it that it needed pulling and inspection.. I replaced the gimble bearing (was rough) but the U-joints were good but needed greasing badly. I replaced the impeller too. A couple hundred $$$ later, and all was good. (but it would've cost much more to have a shop do the work).

Oh, and first on my checklist would be: OMC drivetrain? if yes, pass. Mercruisers are everywhere and parts are plentiful. Volvo I/O's have a good reputation, but I've never had one.