LESSONS LEARNED

1

Don’t just go aboard a boat for a look around, taking the owner’s word on everything you see. Insist on a sea trial.

2

During the sea trial, try out everything; ask to take the wheel or tiller and see how she answers to the helm, the engine controls, exhaust smoke, or lack of it. Listen for engine and gearbox noises. Go below listen, and listen again. Ask lots of questions.

3

Try the domestics: toilets, taps, fresh water, beds, seating etc. Remember that most boats spend more than 99% of their lives on the end of a piece of rope tied to a pontoon, or some other mooring.

4

I know of beautiful boats that have everything – except a comfortable place to sit! So try everything out while realising there will be days when you may be ‘rained in’ and have to spend hours below, when comfort becomes essential. [See Andrew Simpson’s column on page 18 for some excellent advice on comfortable cockpit cushions – Ed]

5

Then if you are completely satisfied with everything, arrange a full survey yourself and have it carried out by a surveyor who is a member of a recognised body of marine surveyors. Base your decision to purchase, or not, on his or her recommendation – not on a ‘survey’ handed to you by the vendor. The fee will be the best money you ever spend on that boat.

6

Bear in mind the old adage: ‘The two best days of owning a boat are the day you buy her and the day you sell her!’ But of course, there are many wonderful days in between – providing you get your initial purchase right.