| Buying a used sailboat can go one of two ways - it | | | | you are willing to spend on maintenance. |
| can either be a great bargain or it can turn out to be | | | | The most reliable engine test is the "Smoke Test." |
| an enormous money pit. Of course, everyone wants | | | | Well-maintained diesel engines will blow small amounts |
| to find that great bargain they can brag about to all | | | | of black smoke with some white - especially if |
| their sailing friends. This article will help you | | | | started cold. However, steer clear of diesels that |
| understand the important things you need to | | | | blow blue smoke or a steady stream of white |
| consider when purchasing a used sailboat. If you are | | | | smoke. While diesels are generally very reliable, they |
| new to sailing and wouldn't know a well crafted boat | | | | do require regular maintenance. Ask for maintenance |
| from an inflatable dinghy, consider bringing an | | | | records for oil changes, etc. Gasoline engines should |
| experienced professional to help you inspect the | | | | be leak-free and have a bilge blower that operates |
| boat. It will be worth the investment, and you'll | | | | correctly. Again, ask for maintenance records. |
| probably get an education in the process. | | | | Sails and Rigging |
| Construction Material | | | | The only way to make sure the sails are in good |
| The most important thing to remember with sailboat | | | | repair is to remove them from their bags and spread |
| materials is to avoid wood. It is difficult and costly to | | | | them out on a flat surface. Look for mildew, |
| maintain, in addition to hiding flaws that could be | | | | previously made repairs, worn spots, pulled stitches, |
| impossible to detect without tearing it apart. | | | | and broken slides. Check that the winch operates |
| Fiberglass would be the best choice. While some claim | | | | smoothly. Inspect for worn pins and shackles, worn |
| that a fiberglass sailboat is "maintenance-free," this is | | | | lines, broken blocks, and fraying wire. Hoist the sails, if |
| hardly true. Plan on spending a few days per year on | | | | possible, to ensure everything works properly. |
| maintenance which could include applying antifouling | | | | Miscellaneous |
| paint to the bottom (to prevent the growth of | | | | Look for any leaks around hatches or portholes. |
| barnacles and algae), regular waxing of the topsides | | | | These can be costly repairs to have to fix later on. |
| with a good marine wax to prevent oxidation of the | | | | Have someone who really knows electrical check the |
| gelcoat, varnishing any teak trim annually, regular | | | | wiring. Again, this can be expensive to fix later, or |
| inspections of the mast and rigging (about as | | | | even dangerous if a fire breaks out while on the |
| regularly as you have your car tuned up), annual | | | | water. Check to see if there are any wires banging |
| inspection of your sails by your sailmaker to repair | | | | around inside the mast - as this could certainly keep |
| any small rips or tears, and regular engine | | | | you up at night if you're a light sleeper. |
| maintenance. | | | | Conclusion |
| If you're not a fan of fiberglass, you can also | | | | Just remember when you're buying a used sailboat |
| consider steel. However, be careful to inspect for | | | | that you're really in the driver's seat. Most sellers are |
| rust. This is one problem you don't want to have. | | | | typically in either one of two scenarios: They are |
| There are also boats constructed from a material | | | | either upgrading to a bigger boat or they're getting |
| called ferro-cement. Ferro-cement is the least | | | | out of sailing altogether. Either way, they will be |
| expensive construction for boats over 25 feet. This | | | | pretty motivated to sell. Don't pay more than you |
| construction methods uses steel wires covered with | | | | need to. Start with a low offer and see if they |
| a sand and cement plaster. But, unless you build this | | | | counter. If buying through an auction website, don't |
| boat yourself, steer clear of these as they are | | | | get caught up the passion of bidding. There are |
| typically built by amateurs. | | | | plenty of boats for sale, so if you don't win the first |
| Engine | | | | auction, don't give up. |
| Only consider sailboats with newer engines, as older | | | | Use a reliable sailboat transporter, to ensure your |
| or vintage engines will be difficult to find replacement | | | | new purchase arrives in the same condition you |
| parts for. While it might be enticing to own a vintage | | | | bought it in. And, above all, enjoy your new boat. |
| model, really evaluate how much time and money | | | | There's nothing like a day on the water! |