What to look for in a sea trial

[Seevee]

All,

I'm doing a sea trial on a twin IO 31ft cruiser this week and would like to get opinions on what to look for. This will be with myself and another experienced boater. After this, I will have a mechanical inspection.

For now, some of the stuff I'll include:
A check of everything that works, gen, lights, radios, windlass, trim, tilt, head, shower, etc.
A high speed run and check of engine heating.
Low speed maneuvering and steering.

Anymore important stuff.

 

[shrew]

Re: What to look for in a sea trial

What I would look for in the seatrial of a 31 ft. cruiser is an experienced and licensed marine surveyor to perform the survey and seatrial with you. You've hit about 10% of the survey and sea trial. It is doubtful there are many on this site specifically knowledgable to perform an actual survey.

 

[Seevee]

Re: What to look for in a sea trial

What I would look for in the seatrial of a 31 ft. cruiser is an experienced and licensed marine surveyor to perform the survey and seatrial with you. You've hit about 10% of the survey and sea trial. It is doubtful there are many on this site specifically knowledgable to perform an actual survey.

Shrew,

Yes, I've hit a very few items. I've got mixed value of the surveyor being on the sea trial, and have good and bad luck over the years. The purpose of the sea trial, is to be sure the boat performs to "my" satisfaction, not the surveyors. Between my friend and myself we've owned about 15 boats in the 27 to 45ft range, so we have a "reasonable" expectation of how it should perform. My last surveyor inspection missed a major heating problem that I could have easily found, if I hadn't relied on him. The previous was fair... but the ground items were worth paying for.

Always looking for more ideas, however.

I've had MUCH better luck with the surveyor/mechanic on the ground items, mechanical, compression, leaks, cracks, hull, etc., etc.

Thoughts?

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: What to look for in a sea trial

All,

twin IO 31ft cruiser...

Check the drives closely for corrosion. Especially if they are Bravo 3s. And the most crucial place to check is actually the rear bearing carrier, but you have to remove the props for that. Also check the tightness of the steering at the drives. Bravos will wear out the steering shaft if not properly maintained.

Check the hull for blisters if the boat has been wet slipped.

 

[Seevee]

Re: What to look for in a sea trial

Well,

Did the sea trial on the 310 Chaparral, and posted another thread about it... overall, not very impressed with the 5.0 Volvo, duo props.