boat on the hard

[jon and michie]

Hi - Hope everyone is good.
It has been a while since I last posted but in my quest to find the right boat I am back with a question on one which I have found.

The Boat is 10mtrs LOA and of GRP construction

basically the boat has been stored in a yard for approximately 18 months and the broker has said that it has had its engines started regularly.


I know that if I do get the boat antifouling is a must and Apart from getting a pre purchase survey and sea trial done - is there anything else I should be aware of ?

All opinions welcomed.
many thanks in advance

Jon and Michie

 

[Aardee]

You've already said it, but a survey and sea trial are a must - Ideally I'd want the boat to in the water for a week or two before committing just in case any seacocks, seals etc. have dried out or perished while ashore (18 months isn't THAT long, but far longer than the usual winter lay-up). I'd probably also have the engines properly analysed by an engineer as they've been sitting idle.

 

[jon and michie]

Thanks aardee for the advice - the boat is located in France so should there be any concerns over uv rays from the sun on the hull ?

Jon

 

[longjohnsilver]

I'd get someone to check the engines, what the broker says sounds suspicious, most yards will not allow engines to be run when on the hard for fear of chocks shaking loose.

And the batteries might well be shot, and I'd check all the electrical systems.

 

[Aardee]

Thanks aardee for the advice - the boat is located in France so should there be any concerns over uv rays from the sun on the hull ?

Jon

The hull should be OK, but check canopies & upholstery for uv damage.

 

[KINGFISHER 9]

Anything else you should be aware of? ..... yes, brokers don't always tell the truth.

 

[jon and michie]

Thank you for the good advice so far - this is much appreciated

Jon

 

[TQA]

Make sure that any necessary zinc anodes are in place.

On a GRP boat that usually means on the prop shafts but some props and outdrives have special requirements.

Keep your eye on them if you are keeping the boat in a marina as some marinas have electrical issues that can speed galvanic corrosion.

 

[jrudge]

Just bear in mind that on the hard or in the water boats ( much like anything mechanical) thrive on use.

The only real problems I have had with a boat was a low use (100% immaculate) boat that had only done 200 hours over 6 years ( I have done 120 in 8 months!). Nothing serious went wrong, but the ancillaries caused all sorts of grief. Batteries, shower sumps, water pumps, etc. etc. It does not mean don't buy it but do bear in mind that you will (in my view) have a series of niggles that will need resolving.

Get a decent surveyor and see what he says. I would also be sceptical that engine have been run regularly if on the hard!

 

[jon and michie]

Thank you for your opinions this really helps me and on the plus side helps with negotiating if I do go ahead with the purchase.

thanks again
Jon

 

[Momac]

Our present boat had been ashore a while - probably over a year but could easily have been two. Almost a copy of the experience mentioned above .
There was no mould on the interior fabrics but a number of minor electrical faults all due to damp/lack of use. All have been an easy fix.
All but one of the batteries had to be replaced.
The macerator pump for the holding tank had rotted through .
Almost all the faults found by the surveyor were due to lack of use.
On the plus side the hull was very dry !

 

[jon and michie]

Thank you Martyn - this has put my mind at peace. But I will still be vigilant
Thanks again
Jon