Sailboat Condition Survey Checklist
Below is a detailed, comprehensive checklist that a potential sailboat buyer can use when surveying a vessel’s condition. This list is designed to guide you through every major system and component—from the hull right through to the onboard systems—ensuring you don’t miss any critical issues. I have structured the checklist into clear sections, added tabular summaries and even an ASCII flowchart of the overall survey process.
1. Hull & Structural Integrity
Hull Material & Construction:
- Verify whether the hull is fiberglass, wood, steel, or aluminum.
- Inspect for cracks, blisters, and signs of delamination or rot (in wood).
Gelcoat & Fairing:
- Check for surface imperfections such as chipping, crazing, or discoloration.
Bulkheads & Structural
- Look for water intrusion, soft spots, or signs of past repair work.
- Inspect internal frames and support structures for corrosion or fatigue.
Keel, Rudder, & Transom:
- Examine for impact damage, pitting, or any visible deterioration.
- Ensure proper alignment and that any repairs have been done to industry standards.
2. Deck, Superstructure & Interior Structure
Deck & Companionway:
- Inspect deck fittings including cleats, winches, hatches, and the companionway for damage or excessive wear.
- Look for signs of water infiltration (damp spots, blistering) and delamination under the deck surface.
Railings & Handholds:
- Check metal components for corrosion, cracks, and secure mounting.
Internal Supports & Bulkheads:
- Verify that interior bulkheads and structural elements are free from rot, leaks, or mold.
3. Rigging & Sails
Standing Rigging:
- Evaluate the mast, shrouds, and stays for corrosion, broken strands, and proper tension.
- Verify that any hardware (turnbuckles, spreaders) is intact.
Running Rigging:
- Check halyards, sheets, and chafe lines for fraying, discoloration, or wear.
Sails:
- Inspect sails for repairs, seam integrity, UV damage, and overall fabric wear.
- Examine battens, grommets, and other fittings for secure attachment and absence of rust or corrosion.
Mast & Boom:
- Look along the mast for any signs of bending, dents, or water spots that might indicate internal damage.
- Confirm that the boom is securely attached and free of corrosion.
4. Engine & Mechanical Systems
Engine Condition:
- Check engine hours and review maintenance records if available.
- Look for oil or fluid leaks, corrosion, and assess the condition of engine mounts.
Ancillary Systems:
- Inspect exhaust systems for proper venting and signs of blockage or leaks.
- Evaluate fuel lines, filters, and tanks for degradation or contamination.
Bilge & Pumping Systems:
- Verify that bilge pumps are operational and the bilge is free from chronic water accumulation or debris.
5. Electrical & Instrumentation Systems
Battery & Charging Systems:
- Assess battery condition, connection quality, and any signs of corrosion.
Wiring & Distribution:
- Check that wiring, circuit breakers, and fuses are intact, correctly rated, and not showing signs of wear.
Navigation & Electronics:
- Test operation of GPS, AIS, radar, radio, and autopilot systems.
- Confirm that instrument displays (e.g., engine monitors, depth sounders) are well-calibrated and functioning.
Lighting & Indicators:
- Ensure all interior/exterior lights and alarm indicators are operational.
6. Plumbing & Freshwater Systems
Water Tanks & Pumps:
- Inspect for leaks, algae build-up, and proper pump operation.
Plumbing Components:
- Evaluate hoses, fittings, and connections for any signs of wear or corrosion.
Sanitation Systems:
- Confirm that the onboard head, holding tanks, and any treatment systems function properly.
7. Safety Equipment & Accessories
Personal Safety Gear:
- Verify that life jackets, harnesses, and other personal equipment are present, in good condition, and not expired.
Emergency Equipment:
- Check fire extinguishers, flares, EPIRB, and first aid kits for current certification/expiration dates.
Anchoring & Mooring Gear:
- Evaluate the condition of the anchor, chain, and windlass as well as dock lines and cleats.
8. Documentation & History
Maintenance Records:
- Request and review service records, pre-purchase survey reports, and any modification history.
Ownership & Insurance:
- Verify that all registration, title, and insurance documents are in order.
Prior Repairs & Upgrades:
- Note any significant repairs or modifications, confirming they were carried out professionally.
9. Sea Trial & Performance Testing
Engine & Mechanical:
- Run the engine to check for smooth acceleration, proper idling, and unusual noises or vibrations.
Rigging & Sails:
- Test sail handling under load and verify that the boat tracks straight during manoeuvrers.
Steering & Handling:
- Assess the responsiveness of the rudder and steering system under different conditions.
Onboard Systems:
- Test electrical systems, navigation equipment, and onboard pumps while underway.
Inspection Summary Table
Component
|
Key Inspection Points
|
Notes/Actions
|
Hull & Structure
|
Cracks, blisters, delamination, rot
|
Use bright light and mirror tools
|
Deck & Superstructure
|
Fittings, water infiltration, secure attachments
|
Check for soft spots and moisture
|
Rigging & Sails
|
Corrosion, wear, tear, repairs, tension
|
Test rigging under load
|
Engine & Mechanics
|
Fluid leaks, engine hours, exhaust integrity, bilge drainage
|
Conduct a test run
|
Electrical Systems
|
Battery condition, wiring, instrument functionality
|
Verify calibration and operability
|
Plumbing
|
Leak checks, water pump operation, tank condition
|
Look for signs of corrosion
|
Safety Equipment
|
Life jackets, flares, EPIRB, fire extinguishers
|
Always note expiration dates
|
Documentation
|
Service history, modifications, ownership records
|
Cross-check with physical inspection
|
The Sailboat Condition Survey Report
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I wrote this article using GPT-4, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model, as a research assistant to gather information, summarize research findings, and provide suggestions for the content and structure of the article.
Dick McClary, creator and owner of sailboat-cruising.com
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