Visiting boats assessment

We are getting closer to Nico taking his offshore exams on 5 feb. 2025. 

Which means, that after that, we need to start our sailing journey. 

But so far, we don't have a boat. 

We visited some today, southern France. 
Some direct-to-owner contact, some through a broker. 

It was a long day, visiting 4 boats. 

What did we see ?

We visited:

-Oceanis 40CC (2000), this one is recent but not well maintained, so this would need a month or more of refitting. And I'm not sure I am up for the task. 
It only has 2 (spacious) cabins. While I'm looking for 3. 
The galley feels small. But other than that (and the fact it needs a lot of polishing, all the electronics are obsolete) it is a nice boat. 
A central cockpit feels safer, and gives you those spacious rooms and shower. But the set up is strange, with the kitchen in a tight corridor. It's a heavy but therefore steady boat with a shorter draft, 1m 60 or so. Can't remember exactly. Sounds short.

-Bavaria 38 (forgot the year), older, but well maintained, nice set up. But out of budget, if we need to re-equip it for offshore sailing. 

-Bavaria 36 (2003), recent, well maintained, but the beds are so small Nico cannot fit in it. Not that he is a giant, but those triangle boat beds are very very short.

-Moody 375 (1988), old one, so red flag for me. And only 2 cabins, second red flag. But nicer master bedroom, like on all the Moodys. 

End of the day, we still don't know what to go for. 
The one I have my eyes on is in Croatia. But it's harder to handle from France, especially we are in central France, far away from major airports. 

Let's see, we won't settle for any boats, just because we are getting close to the timeline. 

What did Nico assess?

Here's a checklist for assessing a sailboat when considering a visit or potential purchase:

Exterior Inspection:

- Hull Condition:

  - Look for cracks, blisters, or signs of osmosis. That is when the boat is on dry dock. 

  - Check for gel coat or paint condition; peeling or fading?

  - Inspect for any repairs or patches.

- Keel and Rudder: (if dry docked)

  - Look for any signs of damage or repairs.

  - Check if the keel is secure with no signs of movement.

- Deck:

  - Check for soft spots or flexing areas indicating delamination.
   -Check if the teak is well maintained, state of the seals. 

  - Inspect deck hardware (cleats, winches, tracks) for corrosion or wear.

  - Ensure all hatches and portlights seal well against water.

- Rigging:

  - Inspect mast, boom, and standing rigging for corrosion or fatigue. Ask when it was changed. 

  - Check condition of running rigging (sheets, halyards) for fraying or wear.

  - Look at the condition of sails; any tears, condition of the stitches, mildew, or UV damage? Ask the age of the sails.

- Lifelines and Stanchions:

  - Ensure they are tight, not corroded, and meet safety standards.

Systems and Mechanical:

- Engine:

  - Start the engine; listen for unusual noises.

  - Check for oil leaks, water in oil, or rust on the engine.

  -Verify service records if available to check what has been changed/maintained.
  -Verify the engine hours.

- Electrical System:

  - Test lights, navigation equipment, and battery condition.

  - Check for corrosion on connections and terminals.

- Plumbing:

  - Check for leaks in freshwater and bilge systems.

  - Inspect the condition of hoses and fittings.

- Fuel System:

  - Look for signs of leaks or corrosion around the fuel tank and lines.

- Navigation and Electronics:

  - Test all navigation aids, radios, depth sounders, etc.

-Anchor:
   -Check the state of the anchors, how many they have.    

Interior Inspection:

- Living Spaces:

  - Inspect woodwork for signs of water damage or rot.

  - Check upholstery for mildew, wear, or tears.

  - Ensure there's adequate ventilation and no signs of dampness.
  - Windows, check for leaks, check for cracks.

- Galley:

  - Condition of stove, refrigerator, and sink.

  - Check water pressure and drainage.
  - Check hot water.

- Head:

  - Functionality of toilet, sink, and shower if applicable.

  - Look for signs of leaks or mold.

- Sleeping Areas:

  - Comfort and condition of berths.

  - Adequate storage and ventilation.
  - Check surrounding windows for leaks.

 Safety and Documentation:

- Safety Equipment:

  - Life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and safety harnesses. Check when it was last controlled. 

  - Ensure all are in date and good condition.

- Documentation:

  - Check for a clear title, registration, and any liens.

  - Review service and maintenance logs.

  - Verify compliance with local maritime laws or regulations.
  -Check if any proof of VAT being paid (if you live in Europe or intend to register your boat in Europe)

Sailing Experience:

- If possible, take the boat for a sail: (it has to be done if you decide to buy it)

  - Evaluate how it handles, speed, and responsiveness.

  - Check for leaks or unusual noises under sail.

Final Considerations:

During your visit, take photos of everything that needs repair in order to estimate the additional cost. 
This may be used as price negotiation points. 

- Budget for Repairs: Assess what might need immediate attention versus long-term maintenance.

- Survey: Consider hiring a professional surveyor for a more thorough inspection if you think you will make a final offer on the boat.

- Ask Questions: Always ask the owner or broker about any concerns or observations.

This checklist should give you a comprehensive view of the sailboat's condition, helping you make an informed decision.