What questions to ask when looking to buy?

[smj]

Originally Posted by Sand crab

And speaking of surveys.... If you do get to that point and pay for your own make it clear to the surveyor, seller and brokers that the new survey is your property. Sometimes people walk away from a deal and the sellers have a brand new survey that they didn't have to pay for. It just ain't right.

You shouldn't have to tell anybody, if you pay for it, it is your property! But if you somehow give the broker a copy......

[got seashells?]

Thank you all so much for the great advise, I will let you know how it goes and if you think of any more keep them coming. I will use all I can get

[Jimbo485]

Bad answers:

That is just surface rust / gel coat damage / non structural / painted 3D bubble effect.

Oh! There is normally no water in the bilge.

I can't hoist you up the mast for a look because I don't trust myself / you / the halyard / weather.

Can't take the boat out because .....



We once had a pastor try to tell us that the worm ridden wooden hull really was ok because God would look after us. He put on a sorrowful face when we walked away.

[Sailorman Ed]

Could you leave me on my own for a couple or four hours to inspect her myself without distractions

I once flew to the Bahamas to look at a boat that on paper was a fantastic deal but after spending 2 nights on it alone, my list of little things became just too many little things for a boat too far away. I was surprised how on the 3rd day I was still finding things.
Make a list (someplace online I have seen a checklist for buying) and work methodically down the list.

Look thru here: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ist-62559.html
And then here:
http://www.boatus.com/buyer/guide/checklist.asp
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/boat-review-purchase-forum/79412-buyers-guide-used-sailboat.html