Boat Search Previews
As you likely already know, I assist many customers find and purchase their yachts. I took Mary with me last week so she could go through first hand how I go about inspecting vessels. I previewed a Monk trawler for an out of state customer. I actually perform a mini-survey looking for anything that might be a red flag for a prospective buyer. He had rather find out sooner than later about a boat.
To start, I gave her hull and decks a good looking over. I utilized a moisture meter to detect any moisture below the gel coat. I performed a thorough inspection of all the decks searching for anything questionable. I did not find any soft spots or anything other than she could use a little fresh paint at the rub rails.
I then began inside the boat, inside the salon to start. I went throughout the salon looking especially for any evidence of window leaks. Again I used my moisture meter to peer beneath the surface. I only found one small place that was not active, just a little staining from a past water leak around a window. I checked the bulkheads, the flooring and the ceiling. All looked fine. I lifted the wall to wall carpet to find beautiful teak & holly flooring with a nice high-gloss finish.
I then moved to the galley which was adjacent to the salon and did the same inspection. I also checked out the appliances to make sure they were in satisfactory condition. The Buyer's wife wants a dishwasher inside her boat but this one did not have one but we did measure to see if one could be installed.
On to the pilothouse where I once again utilized my moisture meter to determine whether there were water leak issues. I also did a cursory inspection of the area to check the overall shape of the woodwork, electronics etc. I did not turn on the electronics but just gave them a once over for any visible signs of corrosion etc.. I did find a problem with an exterior door where moisture was present within the wood and fiberglass door. I continued to the flybridge where I inspected the decking, propane locker, dingy and mounts and searched again at the electronics. You have to look closely at all masts deck-stepped as water can penetrate here.
Back down below in the master stateroom we looked for signs of water damage by the portholes and on the walls. I checked the rudder posts and water tanks under the bunk to see what condition they were in; satisfactory shape actually. A quick inspection of the shower & head were also done. Each of the other 3 staterooms and heads were inspected as well, looking for plain red flags.
Last but not least we found ourselves in the engine room. I searched to see if the engine room itself was immaculate and whether the bilges were clean. I also checked to see what condition the fuel tanks were in and what how the engines and generators searched. All of them seemed to be in good condition. I also searched at the air conditioning systems for the boat and found one raw water pump that was leaking but should be a simple repair.
No equipment or systems were run during the inspection, this happens during the survey. I also checked the shaft stuffing boxes, strainer condition, electrical panels, stabilizer mechanicals, the bonding system and the batteries.
All in all, we looked at a yacht in average to above average condition for her age. She likely requires a few things to get her ship shape but not much. I can now counsel my buyer to proceed with her or go find another trawler.
When we returned home, I prepared a report for my buyer in which I passed along all findings and concerns. We will wait to see whether the buyer wants to personally see this trawler or pass on her.
Questions and Answers
You recently got that new trawler or motor yacht and you are eager to get her underway to move her home. You are running around for what feels like weeks getting everything ready. Food, drinks, clothing, the list goes on and on. What if you forget something? To aid you to recollect everything, here is a simple check list with just about all you will need to get underway.
If you're a first-time yacht buyer the selection of previously used boats available for purchase can be irresistible. How do you make sense of all the different models and styles out there?
The bulk of yachts with inboard engines are built with fresh-water cooling systems. The fresh water systems are designed to function with the raw water systems to cool the engines while running. Fresh water circulates within the engine block and transfers the heat to the raw water when is passes through heat exchangers. This article will explain the step by step approach to servicing your yacht's raw water cooling system.
Trawler and motor yacht owners enjoy the sound of our diesel engines; like music to our ears. The diesel engines are the heart of any boat. But problems can take place with diesel fuel stored in your trawler's fuel tanks, affecting those diesels?
You have been imagining quite a long time about locating a nice used trawler or motor yacht to sail the intracoastal waterway and perhaps the Bahamas; it's been your lifelong aspiration. Only you are brand new to big boats and imagine you want to get a better idea of what it will take to maintain her before proceeding.
Purchasing a used motor yacht can be tricky, but going it alone can be dangerous. See how to make the task a enjoyable and safe venture.
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Since the ancient times, Dubai has been known as a very famous port and so there was frequent visit of many different traders from different parts of the world. So the culture was very varied of this part and it did not take much time for it to become a famous holiday destination.
A sailing holiday is one of the best experiences in the world. The warm sun which welcomes you at the deck is something you will enjoy the most during the entire holiday.
Issues with Oil Learn about possible issues with your marine engine prior to problems arising by getting your oil analyzed! Oil analysis is the easiest, simplest and least expensive method to consistently watch the shape of your vessel's transmissions, generators and engines. As a part of an annual maintenance program, performing an oil analysis allows you to see possible problems before the equipment actually quits.
Food, you may only survive about three weeks without eating. When purchasing food, it takes time to think about which food items you must amass for the future. But stocking up on any food that is not both tasty and nutritious will be a waste of time.
You've received an offer for your yacht; the buyer is now setting up the survey. The survey is an in depth examination of your yacht and can be the make or break aspect of the arrangement. So preparing for the particular survey ought to be a high priority. Marine surveyors look for a spotless, well maintained vessel; it sets the stage for the survey.
Purchasing a used boat can be difficult. Interpreting the listing details is often confusing as to the actual condition and operational state of the boat; a good number of selling yacht brokers would prefer to not convey to you the exact flaws of a yacht. The rationale for this? Most boat sellers don't like it when they hear their broker saying anything negative about their boat; the listing is supposed to appeal to a purchaser, not discourage them.
We Yacht Brokers are very experienced on endorsing the pluses of owning a boat. And those of us Yacht Brokers that truly have a vessel have a distinct advantage. However what we don't care for are the problems associated with selling a boat in a down market; it's brutal to say the least. But it must be done.
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