The first impression is often the right one. The care taken by the seller in the presentation gives a good idea of the attention he has paid to his boat. When entering the boat, don't overlook the smell of bilge or mold, which speak volumes.
Watch your head!
Pay attention to ergonomics. If you stumble or bump into something, it's a bad sign! It will probably not be the last time and maybe the boat is not adapted to your morphology or to your way of moving. Don't be shy and look for places where you feel comfortable by sitting or lying down wherever you think it is useful.
An updated interior
Once this is done, you can look at the interior in more detail. We will be particularly attentive to the functioning of the openings and the possible traces of leaks. Is the equipment and woodwork in good condition and up to date? Are the household appliances and faucets functional? Can the fabrics and cushions be preserved? This may seem trivial, but it is a prerequisite for a more thorough inspection.
A first technical idea
Even if you are not a specialist, you can get an impression of the appearance of the wiring behind the electrical panel, the condition of the battery terminals and the cleanliness of the technical areas. Do the pumps and water heaters show any signs of leakage, does the installation look clear and serious? We will not neglect the heating, which we will not fail to test, like everything else that can be tested.
Insulation and odors of the boat
The bilge and engine compartment should be clean, with no apparent leaks and no offensive odors. When starting the engine, watch for smoke. Think about the comfort of use by taking care of the soundproofing and the filtering of the vibrations. Watch for jerks and transmission vibrations when clutching gently. Make sure that you have a good balance between forward and reverse, and that the controls and tiller are working smoothly. Ask to see the maintenance history.
Hull inspection
On the outside, look at the structure as well as the presence of any repairs. If the boat is dry, check for osmosis blisters or corrosion, and the condition of the anodes. Shake the rudder and propeller shaft to detect any abnormal play. If the boat is afloat, it's prudent to ask to have it hauled out, but don't overdo it. Only ask to see the boat out of the water for confirmation and if you are serious about buying the boat.
One on one with the boat
If the first impression is positive, ask the seller to let you go alone for a second visit. This is an opportunity to project yourself, to discuss the positive and negative points, to distinguish between what can reasonably be improved and what is not. Open all the hatches and closets and take the time to see the boat as a whole.
If you are enthusiastic about this first visit, if you have taken measurements and photos, this is a good sign. However, you still have to compare this good impression with a technical opinion independent of the seller's. If you don't have sufficient skills, the time has come to contact the "friend who knows" or an expert so that he can confirm or not your choice during a second visit.
