Sail Boat - Look Before You Leap!

Whenever you opt for buying a used item youWhat are the other options to make a
will come across some words that give the sellerexamination of the boat
the options for a better price by proving that hisYou could always ask the previous owners about
wares are not harshly and roughly handled by thethe condition of the boat. A definite indication
previous owner. You should not fall for certainwould be a scrutiny of the boats log book where
terms when you are looking at the option ofyou could ask relevant questions regarding the
buying a second hand sail boat. Some of theuse of the boat and the repairs that have been
terms to beware of are "Gently worn,"undertaken. Another thing that would give you
"previously owned," "recycled," and "reconditioned".some idea of the condition of the boat, is to
So even when the item to be purchased is aweigh it against other boats in its class and of the
second hand sail boat you should view it with thesame age. Once you jot down the points and go
same options.over them you will be able to have a fair idea of
Some plus points of a second hand sail boatthe general condition of the boat.
There are some beneficial points to think about inMake a meticulous inspection of the boat at the
buying a second hand sailboat. First and foremosttime that you go to see it. Examine in detail
it will cost you much less than if you were to goevery bit and piece of it. Begin with the hull, as
in for a new one. It is definitely a cheaper way tothe rest of the boat will depend on this as this is
get caught up in the sailing business. You may findthe most vital part of the craft. Examine the hull
that the boat in question has additional features,to see if it is smooth and regular and flowing
without your having to pay for it, which you mayaccording to the design.
not have found in a brand new boat. The boatExamine it for other factors like weeping,
that you are thinking of buying may be a uniquedelamination and various gel coat problems. In
one that is not found in the market any morecase there is substantial gel coat cracking or large
and maybe just one of its kind that will not beamount of leaking all the way through the
manufactured here after.hull-to-deck joint, think about your choices for this
Make a thorough check before you buy itused sail boat. Some other problems to look out
Do not go in for the sail boat unless you check itfor are erosion of the electric system.
out thoroughly and are absolutely sure of itsIn case this is green, it is corroded. In case the hull
condition. In case you are not capable of findingis of iron check for rusting. Check to see whether
out the problems that may exist in the sail boatthe sails are stained and dirty, the inboard engine
that is second hand, it is better to get someoneslow to start and rusty, the paint on the interior
who knows about how to check things about andpeeling or chipping and the plumbing smelly, it may
find out the true picture. You would needbe a better bet to avoid going in for this sail boat.
someone who can look out for any faults in theYou will have to give a lot of time and energy
design, or an effort to conceal some severeand money for a sailboat. Though repairs are
problems with a poor patch up job.essential for all boats it should not be so, right in
You could hire a surveyor who would be able tothe beginning of your sailing experience. A prudent
tell you the pros and cons of the choice of boat.thing to keep in mind would be to estimate
This is suggested only when the price of the boatwhether the cost of doing up and repairing the
or insurance calls for it. Of course you need notboat would be more than the resale value of the
go in for a surveyor if you just want to decideboat. If this is so then you should not plan to buy
which option would be a better buy. Surveyorsthe boat.
are specialists and their services are not cheap.