Buying a used boat: Checklists for the test drive and inspection

When a used boat is viewed by potential buyers, the excitement can be great. You have thought long and hard about the ideal type of boat, browsed through the relevant used boat exchanges and finally found what you were looking for. You know the pictures and text of the advert almost by heart and after a possibly long journey, the anticipation is great: is this our new dream boat? At the same time, you might have a salesperson breathing down your neck. We have put together checklists for all the important areas so that you don't overlook any details that could later turn the boat from a dream into a nightmare!

The checklist contains a list of the most important assessment points for a used boat. Important tips are given for each item that you should pay attention to. Pay attention to the paint and gelcoat on the deck and superstructure, as both age due to environmental influences. UV rays dull surfaces or even chalk gelcoat. These are blemishes that you can correct yourself. Deep scratches, cracks and chipped corners and edges, on the other hand, are not so easy to repair. In the case of major damage, a complete paint job is sometimes even necessary.

Fittings are another important point. Here, attention must be paid to corrosion and fastening. Screws must belong to the through-bolt category, be tight and must not rust. The same applies to the fastening of doors, hatches and flaps. In the living and sleeping areas, moisture and poor ventilation - including the under-ventilation of the mattresses, which was often criticised in our tests and almost as often ridiculed by the dealers (because it doesn't exist) - are the biggest enemies. Both make the boat musty and, in the long term, promote the formation of mould that is harmful to health.

• Tip: If you have points of criticism, investigate the causes immediately in order to be able to assess the damage

Deck and superstructure checklist

• Is the boat free of hairline cracks/splits around stress zones on fittings?
• Are all nuts and fastening screws on the fittings tightened?
• Are these fittings mounted on a suitable back plate?
• Are the handrails safe?
• Is the cabin roof in order?
• Is the scouring pad intact?
• Are the scuppers open and has no water collected on deck?
• Are the bends and corners of the hull mould free of cracks?
• Is the (wooden) deck intact?

Steel hull checklist

• Is the outer skin rustproof?
• Is the hull rust-free on the inside?
• Are there rust dents on the hull?
• What type of corrosion is present?
• How deep is the rust?
• Are there any signs of dents or a collision on the hull?
• Has the surface ship been painted?
• Is the construction method of high quality?
• Is the paint of high quality?

Aluminium hull checklist

• Is the hull (inside and outside) corrosion-free?
• Are there any signs of electrolysis?
• Are the sacrificial anodes in good condition?
• What do the joints between different metals look like?
• Are there any signs of dents or a collision on the hull?
• Is the construction method of high quality?
• Is the paint of high quality?

Checklist plastic hull

• Is the keel shoe OK?
• Can you see the fibreglass mats from the outside?
• Are there blisters on the torso?
• Is there chipping on the gelcoat?
• Are there scratches on the gelcoat?
• Are there spider-shaped impact cracks on the gelcoat?
• Has the surface ship been painted?
• Is there chipping at the corners?
• Is there wear and tear on the surfaces?
• Is there any chipping on the chine and the splash guard edges?

Wooden hull checklist

• Is the keel shoe intact?
• Can joints be seen in the panelling?
• Is the joint sealant intact?
• Is the exterior paint intact?
• Is the coating free of cracks along the grain?
• Are the stem and the converted woodwork free of slits?
• Is the transom intact?
• Are the ends of the planks securely fastened to the transom?
• Have you looked for signs of soft wood (wet rot)?
• Does it smell musty or like dry rot in the boat?
• Are there any discolourations on the fastenings of the planks?

Motor checklist

• Is the outside of the machine clean and free of oil stains?
• Are there any signs of corrosion?
• Does the motor suspension/mounting have play?
• Are there leaks in the fuel system?
• Are the cooling water pipes in good condition?
• Are the hose clamps in good condition?
• Does the exhaust system look intact and does not have a leak?
• Are the electrical connections in good condition?
• Does the power trim/trim tabs work?

Drive checklist

• Are the screws and fuses on the propeller in order?
• Are the shaft bearings OK?
• Are the water lubrication holes clear?
• Can the shaft be moved slightly forwards and aft?
• Are the anodes on the shaft in good condition?
• Is the pitting on the propeller blades due to electrolysis?
• Are the propeller blade tips damaged?
• Are the bellows (Z-drive) in order?
• Does the housing (Z-drive) have pitting?
• Is the transmission oil milky?

Checklist tax systems

• Does the system have any play?
• Are the hydraulics working properly and not leaking?
• Are the steel cables/steering cables intact?
• Are the fittings and connections tightened?

Checklist for seacocks

• Can the operating levers or the handwheel be reached and moved freely?
• Are the shaft bearings OK?
• Do the valves and pipework show signs of leaks?
• Are the fixing clamps in good condition?
• Is the fitting on the fuselage in order and rust-free?
• Is the intake grille blocked?

Interior checklist

• Are there signs of leaks in windows and hatches?
• Are upholstery and carpets damp?
• Are there delamination or wavy surfaces in the veneer?
• Are there scratches on the fixtures?
• Can doors, cupboards and hatches be moved freely?
• Are areas that are not freely accessible visible?
• Is there enough storage space?
• Do the cooker, hob, fridge and water system work?
• Do the shower, washbasin and toilet work?

Safety equipment checklist

• Is the liferaft in the maintenance cycle?
• Is the life raft stowed properly?
• Are lifejackets in working order and in the maintenance cycle?
• Are the gas cartridges in the lifejackets filled?
• Have the emergency rockets not expired?
• Are the fire extinguishers tested and serviced regularly?
• Have you checked lifebuoys and other equipment?

Dinghy checklist

• Is air escaping from the air hoses?
• Do adhesive tapes or patches stand out from the air hose?
• Is there any damage to the hull?
• Is the davit suspension system in order?
• Is the suspension device on the dinghy in order?
• Are the outboard motor and belts in order?
• Is all the equipment on board working?

This article is part of the Used boat purchase special. All contents:

• Buying a used boat: The key to success - How to do it right!
• The advantages and disadvantages of used boats
• How to find the right boat
• Typology - The most important types of motorboat
• Boat exchanges: Your guide through the online jungle
• You should look out for these weak points
• Checklists for the test drive and inspection
• How to avoid traps in the purchase agreement
• What new owners need to know
• You need these insurances for your boat