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5 Essential Checks Before You Buy a Boat - 2017

Table of Content

Foreword

1. Structural integrity check

2. Boat history and finance checks

3. Safety equipment check

4. Mechanical check

5. Suitability assessment

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5 Essential Checks Before You Buy a Boat - 2017

Foreward

So you’re buying a boat? Buying a boat is one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling experiences in your life, however, what happens when it all goes devastatingly pear shaped due to the lack of care and attention to the important details. This book is written to outline the essential details to look out for when buying a boat, which may even save your life.

We will take a look at the signs that will help you identify problems under the shiny surface.

We will make sure all responsibilities of the vendor are taken care of without just taking their word for it.

Check that all legally essential safety precautions of a vessel are in place.

Ensure all the vessel’s mechanical components are maintained and in a reliable condition

Finally we will ensure that the boat is the write boat for you as we all have different needs and expectations depending on what experience we wish to have on the water.

Bonus: We will touch on what is going through the vendors mind when he is selling his boat and why even the vendor may not realise his boat is a death trap.

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5 Essential Checks Before You Buy a Boat - 2017

Chapter One

Structural Integrity Checks

• Structural Rot and water damage: Many fine boats have been built with balsa core or mixed hardwood marine ply and many 30 year old balsa cored hulls are still sound today but many are not and it sometimes takes a very experienced eye to tell the difference.

To see high moisture levels in the core of a vessel is in my opinion inexcusable and certainly does not suggest a long healthy life for this boat. The exposed core at both throughulls and the crack at one of them will certainly shorten life of a core.

US MIL-spec MIL-S-7998A belsa core and marine grade ply calls to be kiln dried to not more than 15% nor less than 5% moisture with an average of not more than 12% in any one batch and to be maintained in that condition up to the point of construction so ... your balsa had moisture in it right from day one. These percentages were determined in a lab because as we already know from Moisture Meter Mythology, moisture meters cannot give percentages when reading through Fiberglass Reinforcement…

A wooden core is qualified by "if " . If the core is properly fitted and properly sealed (inside and out) and if there are no penetrations by fasteners, throughulls or fittings. they may be right. Unfortunately few boats are built the way core makers would like. What do look out for if the vessel I plan to buy has a wooden core in its bulkheads, floor, stringers or transom?

If water is getting into the core so is oxygen, that's why it's called H2O. It gets there not only by permeation at a molecular level but through improperly fitted throughulls, Trim tab mounting screws, transom mounted transducers, screws through the inner Fiberglass reinforcement in the bilges from the many items fastened to the inner hull and often right through resin starved, poorly applied chopped Fiberglass reinforcement on the hull interior. Look out for any stains either on the outer or inner side of a component with a timber core

Look out for any cracks in fiberglass reinforcements.

If there are no clear signs of rot, you can generally identify the cores condition by looking or feeling for any moisture in the exposed timber behind the bungholes or by removing a bolt from a fitting and checking to see if there is any signs of moisture.

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5 Essential Checks Before You Buy a Boat - 2017

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Damage to fiberglass reinforcement: Damage to the bottom of the hull such as deep scratches that penetrate the gel coat, impact damage, damage caused from improper launching of the boat from a trailer are all signs of trouble. Fiberglass reinforcement in Polyester based resin is generally more water resistant then water proof, it is the finishing coat generally gel coat that provides the antiquate protection and waterproofing. Once the gel coat is interrupted, the boat can leak and loose its structural integrity especially from impact damage.

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5 Essential Checks Before You Buy a Boat - 2017

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From behind the Iron Curtain, there are signs that tyranny is in trouble and reminders that its structure is as brittle as its surface is hard. Dwight D. Eisenhower

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5 Essential Checks Before You Buy a Boat - 2017

Chapter 2

Boat history and finance checks

• History and finance checks Obtaining a History Report is a crucial step before purchasing a used boat. A boat's history report brings to light information that may not have been acknowledged previously by the seller. For example, if a boat had any finance or money owing on it, as the new owner, this could affect your credit history and leave you in debt. In the past for a basic boat history report, Australians had to rely on a REVS or VSR check. REVS, which stands for the Register of Encumbered Vehicles, is no longer available and has been replaced by the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR).PPSR allows Australians to check whether the goods they are buying have a security interest over them - such as cars, bikes, boats or machinery - almost anything except real estate. However, when making a significant purchasing decision such as buying a boat, it pays to do more research than less. Don't risk buying a used boat with potentially costly, hidden problems - know your next boat with a History Report.

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Before anything else, preparation is the key to success. Alexander Graham Bell

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5 Essential Checks Before You Buy a Boat - 2017

Chapter 3

Safety Equipment Check

Symbol ItemEnclosed watersQuantity

Open watersQuantity

Lifejacket Level 100 or greater

  1 per person*

Lifejacket Level 50S or greater.

1 per person*  

Anchor and chain/line (to suit vessel size/weight and sea floor)

1 1

Bailer/bucket/fire bucket with lanyard.

1 1

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5 Essential Checks Before You Buy a Boat - 2017

Bilge pump - Manual or power operated (vessel with covered bilge(s) or closed under-floor compartments other than airtight void spaces and must be capable of draining each compartment).

1** 1**

Compass (fluid filled magnetic)

  1

Distress flare (orange smoke hand-held, in date)

  2

Distress flare (red hand-held, in date)

  2

Fire extinguisher (vessels with electric start, electric motors, battery, gas or fuel stoves)

1** 1**

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5 Essential Checks Before You Buy a Boat - 2017

Map/chart for area of operation (paper or electronic)

  1

Paddles or oars and rowlocks (in vessels under 6 m unless a second means of propulsion is fitted)

1 1

Safety label (appropriate to vessel type)

1 1

Sound signal (air horn/whistle/bell)

1 1

V sheet (dimensions 1.8 x 1.2 m minimum)

  1

Water (suitable for drinking)

  2L per person

Waterproof torch (floating and operational)

1 1

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5 Essential Checks Before You Buy a Boat - 2017

I always check my harness before I do a stunt; I test-drive the cars I have to race or explode; I'm present at all pyrotechnical rehearsals; and I walk through everything step-by-step. No man should put their life in someone else's hands unless they have covered their own safety from all angles. Akshay Kumar

EPIRB – 406 MHz (required if 2 nautical miles or more offshore). Must be in date (according to the manufacturers expiry date) and properly registered with AMSA.

  1

Marine radio (required if 2 nautical miles or more offshore)

  1�

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5 Essential Checks Before You Buy a Boat - 2017

Chapter 4

Mechanical check

1: Carry out a sea trial on the boat, during the trial, run the motor at cruise speed for at least 10 minutes and listen to the smooth idle sound of the motor afterwards. Observe how the motor responds to the throttle as it goes through the different RPM ranges.

2: In a situation where a sea trial is not possible always ask the vendor to provide a written document of warranty.

3: If it is possible to hear the motor run on a stand, this is an indication that it will reliably start each time. However, on a multiple cylinder 2 stroke motor, it is difficult to determine that all cylinders are functioning correctly or functioning at all.

a. Compression: Remove all spark plugs and take a compression reading in each cylinder. Readings should generally show equal compression in all cylinders or around 10 psi of each other.

b. Spark test. Remove all spark plugs, and connect a spark tester. All sparks should be able to jump a 3/8 gap at start motor RPM.

c. Lower unit check. Remove lower unit drain plug, and check that oil is clear from water and metal deposits above “metallic” grain size. Check shift operation without any binding. Milky white oil is an evidence of water intrusion.

d. If Trim and Tilt, Operate it up/down.

e. Look for any broken metal parts.

f. Inspect the engine, and notice any peeling of paint. If the paint is peeling or has peeled off around the head of the engine, this is a clear sign that it has been run hot and is unsuitable to purchase.

g. Ask for service bills.

h. Ask the seller to crank the engine with the muffs on, if they choose to crank it without water do not buy it.

All very good advice. If an outboard passes all those tests, it should give good service. I'd stress the on the water test, especially for late model outboards, where the price is likely to be quite high. You don't want to buy a boat for five-six figures without actually seeing it perform on a boat in the water.

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5 Essential Checks Before You Buy a Boat - 2017

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In much of society, research means to investigate something you do not know or understand. Neil Armstrong

Chapter 5 Suitability assessment

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOAT Whether you’re into fishing, water sports, cruising, sailing or entertaining it isn't always easy to know exactly what boat to choose. It's easy to be overwhelmed by the enormous range of boat types, models, sizes and more. Not to worry, the following list of things to consider before buying a boat should provide you with some clarity so you can buy your new boat in confidence.

Type of boat

What will you be using the boat for?… This is the first and most important question to ask yourself before choosing and purchasing a boat. Usually, boats are designed to tailor to a specific activity. Whether it be sailing, fishing, skiing, cruising, voyaging or entertaining. Choosing the right boat for you will ensure you get the comfort, safety and pleasure you are looking for. We strongly suggest you begin by creating a list of the top 3 activities you intend to use the boat for and put your number one preference at the top of the list. This will give you a great indication as to which type of boat matches your desires and is right for you. You may also discover that you need to compromise on an item in order to choose a boat that makes your activities out on the water fun and comfortable. To assist you, we have listed below the most common water activities and the boats that suit them.

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5 Essential Checks Before You Buy a Boat - 2017

Fishing : Inboard Cruisers, Sedan Bridge, Sportsfishing Boats, Center Console, Fish and Ski, Flat Boats, Bass Boats, Fishing Boats, Multi-Hull Cruiser, Multi-Hull Power Boat, Closed Bow Runabouts, Walkaround, Bowriders, Cuddy Cabins.

Water Sports: Fishing Boats, Fish and Ski Boats, Bass Boats, Stern Drive Cruisers, Bowriders, Closed Bow Runabouts, Cuddy Cabins, Deck boats, Inboard Ski Boats, Inboard Wakeboard Boats, Jet Boats.

Entertainment: Pontoon, Deck Boats, Motor Yachts, Inboard Cruiser.

Cruising/Voyage: Cuddy Cabins, Motor Yachts, Sedan Bridge, Inboard Cruiser, Sportfishing Boats, Stern Drive Cruisers, Trawlers, Cruising Sailboats, Multi-Hull Cruising Sailboats.

Your budget Most likely, your budget will govern the type, size and extra features of your boat, so it is necessary to know your financial limits early on. As with buying a car, finance is an option when buying a boat and both new and pre-owned boats can be financed so you can take advantage of monthly payments. Also, you can arrange boat finance approval in advance so you know the amount you have to spend and are prepared when the right boat comes your way. Like cars, used boats typically cost less than a newer, model and may also be fitted with additional features that have been added over time.

Size of boat When deciding on the size of your boat, it is important to consider how many people you expect to take on the water, where you intend on boating and your budget. Every boat has a maximum carrying capacity, which informs you of the number of passengers you can have aboard and this should be a vital determining factor in your decision. you’ll also need to take into consideration the amenities on board such as sleeping, cooking and bathroom facilities. While a bigger boat may seem ideal, ensure you have the boat handling skills and experience to captain it.

Where to boat

Will you be taking your boat on the river, lake, harbour, ocean or estuary? It is important to consider where you will be taking your boat and you may want to refer back to your list of the top 3 activities you wish to use your boat for. For example, a sail boat may be perfect for the open waters, however, you may find it difficult navigating your way down a river or channel. And while a small runabout boat may be ideal for fishing in a river or lake, it could be dangerous out at sea. Boats have different measurements, hulls and equipment suited to where you will be taking your boat.

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5 Essential Checks Before You Buy a Boat - 2017

Engine capacity

The amount of power your boat needs, will again depend on how you will be using your boat. For example, fishing boats and cruisers may require less engine power, water skiers will require maximum power. Your engine will have a minimum and maximum capacity for you to operate within. Engines can come in inboard, outboard or jet and can be fuelled with either diesel or petrol. More recently, buyers can also select new tech engines that are more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.

Storing & transporting your boat

Where will you be storing your boat? If you’re going to be towing your boat home, you’ll need to consider the size of your boat and storage facility as well as the towing capability of your car. Alternatively, you could moor your boat at a local marina, Australia has an expansive coastline and secure moorings are accessible at many marinas with nearby access to launching facilities.

Make of boat

The factors listed above guide you to what your boat will be made out of. i.e.: the type of hull will generally be determined by where you will be using your boat and where it will be stored. Also, weight and ride characteristics are important features for hull material. the hull can be made from aluminium, fibreglass, steel, timber/ply, composite, ferro, inflatable or plastic. You may also want to consider if you prefer single or multi hulled boats.

Talking to an expert

After carefully considering all of the above factors, you are now ready to begin searching for your new boat. You can search online websites/social media/gumtree, on trading posts, boating magazines and newspapers. We also highly recommend speaking to a boat broker / boat dealer who will be able to show you boats that meet your requirements. By dealing with a professional, you can be confident, you are receiving adequate advice and guidance to buy the perfect boat for you.

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5 Essential Checks Before You Buy a Boat - 2017

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I think you've got to take your time and make sure you're making choices that are smart for you. Matthew Fox

Did you find this ebook helpful? Visit us at www.vesscorp.com.au or call Kacper on 0424163391 to find out more.

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