Viewing a First time boat

[mhatherall]

Hello there, I will be going to view my first boat in SouthHampton possibly on Thursday, can anybody give me any advise of what I should look out for, and if there is anybody in the area I would love to offer you a meal and a pint for your help. The viewing is in SouthHampton, on the itchen.

Many thanks

Mike

 

[Searush]

First impressions - do you like it? Could you live with it for a long period? Will it do what you want? Can you afford it? Does it smell OK? Has it been carefully aired before you get there?

Then, start working out what is wrong with it (NO BOAT IS PERFECT!). Have a test drive, ask to see a recent survey, have a look in every locker & under every cushion. How much are other similar boats? It is generally not a good idea to buy the first one you see, have some price comparisons before you start & try to understand why there are differences between the prices.

Oh, I almost, forgot, enjoy the experience, & don't commit unless you are SURE!!

 

[mhatherall]

Good advice thanks, can I show you a link and ask you to comment.

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F156974/

thanks

 

[Lakesailor]

Have you sorted a mooring? Is the mooring with the boat transferable? If that's your plan check with the mooring owner, there may be a waiting list. Are you moving it? Is a trailer available or will you have to get it shifted professionally?
Check on the price of a trim/tilt motor and fitting cost if you can't do it yourself. If there is no trailer it may be a lift-out job which will cost more. You won't be able to lift the motor off the boat manually, especially not on the water. It may not need one, but you can't assume that.
Trim/tilt motors

 

[jimg]

The advice above is good, check that all the equipment is working OK and really check out the engine as that is probably the most expensive part of the boat. Ask ( in advance ) to see the service history when you are there.
If it is still in the water then ask for a trip and run it for at least 15 minutes at cruising speed and a reasonable time flat out.
If there is a forumite around locally to help you then that would be good.
Good Luck and I was not trying to wind you up on the other post, but it did look like a troll posting at first!

 

[jimg]

Have you checked out the costs of trailers yet? You may be in for a shock!
To start with you can use it in local waters, but part of the fun of a boat this size is being able to travel further afield and sample new areas.
Look forward to seeing you launch here in Dartmouth. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[mhatherall]

I will get a trailer in a year or so, but to begin with I want to get used to using the boat around here, I have plenty of places to go two so will see you in Dartmouth in approx a year from now, I'll be expecting a cuppa

 

[Its_Only_Money]

Looks nice and should be fairly straightforward in that you should be able to see directly into most areas of the hull and the fitted equipment is probably fairly low in both quantity and complexity - just like our first 18-footer! Am around Soton Wed but not Thursday - PM if this is any use!

Make sure you see both engines running and try them both from a cold as well as warm start....

 

[mhatherall]

Thanks Simon, Thursday is my only hope, but Ill give it a good looking over .

Mike

 

[landlockedpirate]

Boat looks nice and tidy, but dont go and look with rose tinted glasses. The owner has obviously made an effort to sell the boat which is a good sign.

Check for leaks inside the cabin from the deck and windows (you will see evidence of water runs or rust streaks). Check the condition of the canopy. The most important part of the boat is the engine, remember it could easily be up to 20 years old. Make sure it runs at idle easily and accelerates smoothly.( We had a similar engine in the eighties that had a cracked cylinder head, this was a common problem)

Make sure you agree exactly what equipment comes with the boat.

 

[Searush]

[ QUOTE ]
Good advice thanks, can I show you a link and ask you to comment.

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F156974/

thanks

[/ QUOTE ]

Disclaimer: I am not an expert or a surveyor!!

Comments, I suspect she has mostly been used as a river boat under the 4hp O/B - because she appears to have almost no sea going gear. No charts, gps, depth sounder or anchor & chain are mentioned - plus he talks about a TV!

If you wish to use her in the Solent you would be wise to acquire most of the above missing items plus flares, lifejackets & VHF. As a suspicious & cynical old git I would suggest you give that 60hp a very careful check over. Do you have a "mate" that knows engines? The comments about the 60hp are worrying, he may have bought the 4hp engine as a cheap alternative to getting the big one fixed!

Try beating him down on the basis of the lack of seagoing & safety eqt. Price up the above list to get a bargaining value. Add the cost of a new 60hp to your "What-if" contingency fund.

And don't forget to price up a few similar boats to see if the price is right!

Ohh, nearly forgot. There are no curtains, it doesn't seem to have been lived aboard, so may not have a cooker/ pots/ plates etc - more expense!

 

[mhatherall]

Searush , there are some good things for mne to think about there, but there are some thnings tat you MAY have missed ,

2006 -

New Canopy

Cushions & Carpet- Although I dont see them either.
She is competent as a Offshore or river cruiser. I have been using her in the solent to date.
There are 2 Adult life jackets that he has not added to the list and a spare set of flares.
I understand what you mean about the engines, but dont have any ody who knows anything about them, but If I where to get a 2nd engine just for saftey I would get something cheap on the just in case ?>

Appreciate your comments


I am assuing that the solent is a Sea based location ?

 

[Sneds]

Have a look at a road atlas, check out Southampton and you will sea(!) the area.
Don't be afraid to make a cheeky offer, but quantify it by saying the things you will need to make her usuable ie; VHF radio and GPS, you can allways up your offer.
Good luck.

 

[Lakesailor]

If you bought a cheap outboard you'd then have three you couldn't rely on. No such thing as a cheap, reliable outboard.

 

[RogerRat]

[ QUOTE ]
If you bought a cheap outboard you'd then have three you couldn't rely on. No such thing as a cheap, reliable outboard.

[/ QUOTE ]

Couldn't agree more. If you have to buy one get a good one!!!

 

[nyx2k]

the last line in his advert says" need to sell as moving abroad"
test his price at £3500 as its possible you'll need another 1k for a reliable engine just in case