SURVEYOR’S REPORT

These big Fairline hulls tend to have a long, lazy motion at sea, which inspires a feeling of security. I have found the construction and quality consistently good, with very few latent issues. Points to note when considering buying include:

Ensure the flybridge layout, and the route to and from the flybridge, suits your requirements. Many clients restrict themselves in their use of the boat, because one or the other simply does not like, or cannot manage the physical challenges of climbing to the flybridge.

■ A handful of Fairlines I have inspected show some longitudinal stress cracking along the inner radius of the deck and superstructure, either alongside the helm position, and/or along the forward coachroof sections.

■ Those boats finished in dark blue can suffer from UV degradation of the gelcoat. The product used by Fairline was of good quality, but all blue gels tend to bloom over the years. It can be brought back with a professional compounding and polish, but check the boat has not been overpainted, which could depreciate it.

■ Minor deck leaks can be a problem on some Fairline models, usually due to a leaking window seal or loose rail base on deck. This can affect the interior trims.

■ Check the integrity of the overhead skylight and opening hatch in the coachroof sections. I have seen an example where the unit has begun to come away due to the coachroof flexing in a heavy seaway.

■ A sound example of this vessel, especially once you have found that sweet-spot combining speed, revs and movement in the water, will provide you with a sea-kindly and luxurious ‘Water Carriage’ for many years to come. Chris Olsen, Olsen Marine Surveying

Tel: +44 (0)7971 250105; www.olsenmarine.co.uk