How do you know if a boat you're buying on a hard standing will float?

[NingNong247]

I've been offered a cheap boat. It's on a hard standing. The owner knows nothing about it - it came with the property after the guy died, he just wants rid, so that's why the price is so low. It looks good, but what steps can I take to be as sure as possible that the thing floats before going to the considerable hassle and expense of buying it and putting it in the water? I see boats on hard standings all the time for sale, people must buy them. How and why do people do that if they're not absolutely sure that the boat floats? The owner of the one in question has been assured it floats, but ultimately he's not willing to promise it since he hasn't seen it in the water either.

Bonus question: What happens when a boat sinks, legally? Do I get a big bill for the cleanup?

 

[Clancy Moped]

Have it surveyed.

 

[Sandy]

Walk away. If you want a boat there are thousands for sale that will have far more information available.

 

[NingNong247]

Have it surveyed.

How does a surveyor tell if a boat floats without getting it in to water?

 

[AntarcticPilot]

The usual thing is to buy a boat "subject to survey" and get a professional surveyor to check it over! But I guess we're looking at something too low value to warrant that. Basically, if there aren't any holes in the bottom it will float! Check that any deliberate holes have valves on the inside and that those are closed. If there's a propeller shaft, make sure the shaft is secure and fits the gland in the hull properly. Check the rudder fittings, if the rudder post passes through the hull.

In most places where you can keep a boat you will need insurance before being allowed to put your boat in the water. Such insurance normally includes recovery of wreck. Have you arranged a place where you can keep the boat? This is not trivial in most places.

I agree with @Sandy.

 

[Tranona]

Common sense. If there are no holes in it then it will float. Usually on a cruising boat there are holes for water to get in and out for example to the engine or toilet but these are closed with a valve inside so make sure the valves are closed. However buying a boat like this particularly if you have to ask basic questions is not a good idea. If a boat is "cheap" it is because nobody wants it. Even with the most basic boat the purchase price is just the entry ticket to a whole lot of expenditure that will dwarf the initial cost. Much more sensible to buy a fully functioning boat.

Yes to your second question so you insure against it, although you may have difficulty doing that for a boat that has been abandoned ashore.

 

[dunedin]

"Cheap boats" that have been ashore for years often become expensive millstones.

 

[NingNong247]

if there aren't any holes in the bottom it will float!

Is there no real possibility of tiny hairline fractures that let water in? I've never had a fibreglass boat before, don't really know what a leaky one looks like.

 

[WoodyP]

Cheap boats don't warrant a survey which with tell you little more than you can see yourself. Check there are no holes and all cocks present and correct You might mention what it is.
Generally cheap boats can turn into expensive boats very quickly if engines are involved.
Insurance will cover sinking recovery, but you won't get insurance without a survey.
Bit slow replying as others have already covered it.

 

[Tranona]

Is there no real possibility of tiny hairline fractures that let water in? I've never had a fibreglass boat before, don't really know what a leaky one looks like.

Unlikely. If you provide details of the boat and photos you may get more helpful advice, although from bitter experience the response by many here which is essentially don't buy it is probably the best advice you will get.

 

[Refueler]

Have it surveyed.

Honest from a Surveyor ...... don't waste your money as its impossible to say a boat will not leak - without having subjected to water !!

Good friend of mine has just checked out a Dutch Barge which sank .... no obvious holes or broken sea cocks etc. When barge was salvaged ............ water was seen coming out around stern gland bolt .....
You could look at that on hard standing and never know it would leak.

OK .....

What happens when a boat sinks, legally? Do I get a big bill for the cleanup?

If using a Marina - then its normal for Marina contract / agreement to have a Salvage Clause in it ... basically requires YOU to have Insurance that covers salvage of the boat should it sink hindering Marina operations / berth.
Simple way to cover this ..... take out Basic 3rd Party Boat insurance ..... no survey needed ... cheap as chips and you're covered if it goes 't*** up' ......

Personally I would be considering a lift-in point that has only enough depth to JUST float the boat ... so if it does 'sink' it settles out without going too deep ..... of course if a single keel job - then need to be alongside a 'wall' or vertical to hold her. Not forgetting tides of course .....

 

[Refueler]

How does a surveyor tell if a boat floats without getting it in to water?

He cannot ..... QED

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Is there no real possibility of tiny hairline fractures that let water in? I've never had a fibreglass boat before, don't really know what a leaky one looks like.

GRP isn't subject to hairline fractures - if there's a fracture, you'll see it. The "glass" part acts to stop cracks from propagating. If you can see cracks, walk away.

 

[dunedin]

Even if it floats, an old GRP hull is probably worthless unless it comes complete with EVERYTHING to make it sailable (and saleable) - including mast, boom, standing rigging, running rigging, sails, workable engine etc. Anything missing often can be disproportionately expensive to source, making things uneconomic.
Unless an expert, best way is to
(a) buy a boat already in sailing condition; AND
(b) get a survey.
Most cheap boat “bargains” are not, unless the expertise to sift the 100s down to the unrecognised gem.
One exception is sometimes sadly distress sales of well loved and maintained boats previously owned by somebody who has taken ill or worse. Again generally they will be in sailing condition or were within last 12 months.

 

[Refueler]

Common sense. If there are no holes in it then it will float. Usually on a cruising boat there are holes for water to get in and out for example to the engine or toilet but these are closed with a valve inside so make sure the valves are closed. However buying a boat like this particularly if you have to ask basic questions is not a good idea. If a boat is "cheap" it is because nobody wants it. Even with the most basic boat the purchase price is just the entry ticket to a whole lot of expenditure that will dwarf the initial cost. Much more sensible to buy a fully functioning boat.

Yes to your second question so you insure against it, although you may have difficulty doing that for a boat that has been abandoned ashore.

???? Basic Boat will give 3rd party Insurance without any hassle - that also includes Wreck Recovery

 

[Refueler]

Such threads always tend to ignore points raised by OP ....

He says property has recently changed ownership and it appears that this boat sits on the property ... new owner knows nothing about it and wants it off his property.

People make replies based on ????? What info do they have that makes then say 'walk away' ? I cannot find any..

YES I agree that often a 'gift-boat' can be a hole to throw money into .... but until we have more info about this particular example - what about answering the guys question about 'will it float' ????

I know plenty people in UK and other locations that have taken on abandoned boats and made excellent examples of them ..... finding gear to fit .... working and sorting .....

An example I can quote : Seamaster 23 ... abandoned after storm forced her against a concrete wall ... ripped of keel ...
Before salvaged - she was stripped of gear by 'others' ..... sold of at basically cost of salvage. Guy bought - then stuck with it for 2 years ... made good the keel ... found replacement boom / sails etc. The list was extensive ... but he persevered. Finally he had a boat to be proud of and his outlay was significantly less than buying an 'all up together' example.

 

[Blueboatman]

Is there no real possibility of tiny hairline fractures that let water in? I've never had a fibreglass boat before, don't really know what a leaky one looks like.

Then this boat is not for you perhaps ?
End of
Go sail with a knowledgable friend and have some fun and experience, why not ? .
It’s a cart and horse situation being offered a bargin, quick quick hurry hurry don’t think ?
Buy in haste , and repent at leisure (£££)

Can’t think of any more ways to say No! really ??

 

[coopec]

Have it surveyed.

Yes I agree.

My yacht is about to be launched and if I want it insured it will have to be surveyed - not a full survey but just to confirm it will float.

 

[vyv_cox]

Is there no real possibility of tiny hairline fractures that let water in? I've never had a fibreglass boat before, don't really know what a leaky one looks like.

I had a boat that leaked like that, through a very badly made repair. However the leak was very slow indeed and not a big problem. This boat was surveyed but the leaking area was not picked up. It took me a long time to find it but was easily repaired.

 

[Refueler]

Yes I agree.

My yacht is about to be launched and if I want it insured it will have to be surveyed - not a full survey but just to confirm it will float.

Basic Boat is good enough for the OP ... no survey .... 3rd party + Wreck Recovery.

NO survey unless actually afloat will ever confirm a boat will float !!!!! It will say - 'As far as practicable determined' ..........