What questions to ask when looking to buy?

[got seashells?]

As we are looking at boats next week what are some questions should we make sure to ask? Or what questions did you regret not asking? And what answers should scare the sale out of us? Keeping in mind that the boat will be our full time home and we will be using it mainly coastal and in the carrabean.

[Helbent]

I'm in the process myself now. I don't think you should be asking questions as much as answering them for yourself by thoroughly checking the key components and systems.

[Jimbo485]

"What is the lowest price you will accept?"

"Show me your 'To Do' list" (if they reckon they don't have a list, call BS.)

"What are the negatives of this particular boat?" (If they reckon it has no negatives, call BS and walk away)

If those 3 Qs get reasonable answers, carry on with the inspection and negotiation.

[terminalcitygrl]

Originally Posted by Jimbo485

"What is the lowest price you will accept?"

"Show me your 'To Do' list" (if they reckon they don't have a list, call BS.)

"What are the negatives of this particular boat?" (If they reckon it has no negatives, call BS and walk away)

If those 3 Qs get reasonable answers, carry on with the inspection and negotiation.

Those are great questions. Thanks

[laika]

Full and proper documentation/logging of all major systems onboard is really a huge plus! No matter how well it surveys, if you don't know the age/history of the rigging, it doesn't matter how shiny it is. $$$

And all the little things really add up. For example, was the PO the kind of guy that kept on top of all the tedious little projects onboard, or is your dodger frame ready to rust apart under the canvas?

[StuM]

"Can I see the receipts/ maintenance logs?"

(Don't take any answer as gospel unless you see documentation to back it up).

[Mimsy]

Have you measured the tanks to be certain that the stated capacity is correct?
Seems like everyone likes to over state their capacity. :/

[Paul L]

Has this boat ever had a hard grounding or collision?

[boatman61]

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

[ddsailor25]

When was the last survey done and can you look at it?

[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.

[LakeSuperior]

Does it still float?

[TacomaSailor]

Are you willing to take me motoring and sailing and demonstrate that everything works as it should?

As others have said:

- Show me your To Do list
- Show me your maintenance log

If they do not have those two lists readily available I would be very suspect of the quality of maintenance the boat received.

[Cheechako]

If you've come a long way, try to get the broker to see if the owner will show up on a boat you are heavily interested in.... it's amazing how owners cant keep their mouths shut!
Questions:
Does the boat have any blister history?
If the boat ad says "Recent bottom job and barrier coat" or something like that.. ask directly if it had blisters.
Expensive items to ask about:
Sail condition
Where are the tanks? original?
Rigging.
Keel bolts if it has them, rebedded?
Deck core issues.
If teak decks assume it has core issues unless proven otherwise.

[Neo]

Originally Posted by Jimbo485

"Show me your 'To Do' list" (if they reckon they don't have a list, call BS.)

Good question. I'll try to remember that.