Boat Inspection – Pre-Purchase Guide
Buying a boat is an exciting feeling. It opens the doors for countless marine adventures on the water. However, a suitable vessel with the required amenities is crucial for memorable trips. That’s why you should thoroughly inspect the boat before finalizing the deal.
In this blog post, we’ve gathered a checklist to help you buy new or used boats in BC for an enjoyable boating experience.
Boat Inspection Checklist
1. Exterior
A visual inspection will help you analyze the boat’s condition, space, and layout.
Walk around the boat and pay attention to the below things.
Hull
Begin with the boat hull. Look for any damage, cracks, discolored areas, or anything unusual. Analyze the chines, stem, strakes, etc. properly.
Inspect the decks, bilge pump area, transom, fuel tank, and other spaces. The transom is the area where the marine technician mounts the outboard. Check for an oil leak, water logging, or any signs of warping or corrosion.
Hull Stringers
You may know that stringers are essential to provide structural strength to the hull. You can quickly inspect the vessel’s stringers. They are connected with the hull from the boat’s bow to the back of the transom. Check if the stringers are well attached to the hull or if there is any damage or separation.
2. Engine and Marine Electronics
Once you complete the exterior inspection, look through the other essential components of the boat.
A motor is an essential part of any vessel. Whether it is an inboard or outboard engine, you should connect with a marine professional to inspect the working condition.
How to Inspect a Boat Engine?
1. Remove the cowling and look for salt built-up, rust, or water markings.
2. Inspect the boat propeller for markings, dings, or cracks. Ask the dealer for anything unusual.
3. Look at the belts, hoses, and electrical connections like spark plugs to see if they work well. Take the help of a marine specialist in BC to perform a spark test and compression test on the engine.
4. Turn on the engine and listen to its sound. If possible, take a sea trial. It may need repair if the motor makes excessive noise or vibrations.
5. Check the gearcase of the engine. Pull off the prop and check the seal of the lower unit prop shaft. If you find a fishing line stuck or signs of burning, ask the technician for a replacement. Also, check the lubrication of the gearcase.
6. If you are buying a used vessel or want to repower your boat, check the engine history for how many hours it has been used and at what RPMs.
Test Boat Electronics
Electrical systems and devices are an integral part of a vessel. Proper boat wiring is crucial to ensure everything works well, especially while you are on the trip. One way to check the electronic items is to turn them on and off simultaneously.
Remember, bare wires or terminations tied together or sealed using an electrical tap must be replaced immediately. Test all the lights and switches.
Check the working of marine electronics like fish finders, GPS, VHF radio, chart plotters, radar, and whatever is installed on the vessel. The replacement can be costlier if the digital screens or other components malfunction.
3. Boat Interior
The vessel’s interior can give you an idea about how well it is maintained.
Evaluate the condition of cushions, seats, and upholstery. Check the head, plumbing, and sanitation system if there is one.
Look at the floorboards, carpets, and other surfaces to check for wear or tear. Asses the galley, storage area, and sleeping amenities. Inspect the boat deck for soft spots, cracks, or delamination.
Familiarize yourself with the boat layout, style, decor, and functionality. Check the validity of the boat registration certificate and other documentation.
Take the help of an experienced boat dealer in Port Alberni, BC, to make an informed decision on the vessel purchase. Their technical knowledge and expertise can save you from making a wrong deal, especially if you are buying a boat for the first time.
Why Is Inspection of Boats Important?
A pre-purchase boat inspection is crucial. Knowing the condition, especially for pre-owned vessels, is a good start. It also lets you know the features and specifications you are getting for the price tag.
How Can a Boat Dealership in BC Help in the Inspection?
A trusted, experienced boat trader like Alberni Power & Marine can help throughout your vessel purchase. We have highly trained marine technicians at our boat service center in British Columbia.
From understanding different brands and models to choosing the right horsepower engine, boat components, certification, finance, and more, we ensure the dependable service you can count on.
Conclusion
A thorough boat inspection helps get a detailed evaluation of its condition. It enables you to make an informed decision for the right purchase. Suppose you want to buy a new or used vessel in BC or want trusted boat maintenance services on Vancouver Island. In that case, connect with us today.