Re: What do you look for during sea trial?
Here's what I looked for when buying my Carver 374 (my first big boat):
1) Listen to what the professional had to say about the boat. If he is a decent marine surveyor, he will give you all of the pertinant info about the mechanicals (maintenance needs, condition, apparent usage, leaks, compression tests, etc.). Was the boat hauled and the hull/stringers checked? Were the thru-hull fittings inspected? Get his personal "off-the-record" opinion on the boat. They are getting paid regardless, they have loyalty to no one and should give you an honest direction.
2) How does the boat look in general? Are the carpets and upholstery dirty? Do they smell freshly cleaned or Febreezed? Do you smell any bilge odors or holding take odors?
3) Inspect the engine room and bilges. Don't be happy that there's no water in the bilge...that's gonna be the first thing they take care of. Look to see if there is water staining in the bilge where there had been standing water. Check the bilge pumps to see if they're slimy or stained. Then check to see if they operate (should be a tiny lever on the floats).
4) How is the layout? Are you too tall for it? If you have to duck, it's gonna suck real soon. How is the head? Can you actually sit down and can you stand up in the shower?
5) Check the ports and windows for signs of leaks and look under the cabinets for dripping plumbing.
Running engines:
1) How many original hours? Maintenance records? Last tune up? Last fluid changes? Last tranny service or are they outdrive models? Smoke at start up? Do they continue to smoke or is it just valve guide seals? Carbureted or EFI/MPI? Here's the biggie - How do they sound? Check for clicking, clanking, banging, tapping, etc. Smell the oil and tranny fluid. look for leaks of oil, water, tranny fluid, gas, etc.
2) How easily or noisy are the trannys going into gear? Is there a lag? Do the grind or bang?
Running:
1) How does it steer at idle? Do the gauges work? What is the slow cruise speed? How easily does it get on plane? What is the cruising speed? What is the top speed? Does it get to WOT RPM for the engines? Are there vibrations or shudders from the trannys or props? Are the engines so loud you can't talk over them?
2) Fuel consumption? Figure 1-1.5 MPG average. How comfortable are you operating the boat? take it out a few times prior to purchase and you'll get a feel for it before cruising it home.
Biggest question - what does the Mrs. think?
Get as much info as you can. Have the surveyor point out ALL issues to both you and the owner. If any found issues aren't a deal breaker, the price of materials and labor is usually taken off of the purchase price or the seller should fix them.
I'm sure i missed some things and others will help as well.
Best of Luck!
