SURVEYOR’S REPORT

The Targa 38 is a strong performer with excellent sea-keeping and a good reputation among owners but as with any secondhand boat it pays to check the service history rigorously, and insist on a thorough sea trial with your surveyor.

Heat exchanger cleaning regimes are often forgotten so keep an eye on the temperature gauges during the sea trial or ask your surveyor or engineer to check for restricted water flow.

Outdrives also merit careful inspection particularly if any servicing schedules have been missed. Many boats are simply not used enough so inspect the primary fuel separator/filter looking for sediment or cauliflower-like growths in the bowl.

Many Fairlines are fitted with Seafire remoteoperated fire extinguishing systems. I have found that the open nature of these boats often affects either the operation of the switch panel mounted near to the dashboard, and/or the multi-plug connector sited close to the unit.

The hull mould has been modified over the years to accept different window shapes and many of the boats I have inspected have a slight mould deformity around the hull ports – usually the forward ones. This is not of any structural concern, merely cosmetic.

Boats with blue gelcoats are also prone to blooming with age and ex-mediterranean boats are likely to suffer some UV degradation. Have a close look at the finish – has the boat you are considering been painted, wrapped, repaired or is this still the original gelcoat? This can affect its value and your maintenance plans.

Windscreen and window frames are usually white coated aluminium, and nearly every one I inspect has some coating coming away in places. Ultimately, these will require work to refurbish.

Window seals degrade over time too so check carefully for leaks along the bottom of the windscreen.

Lastly, the Volvo EDC and EVC controls should feel silky smooth when operating correctly. On open boats, these can get stiff with time due to salt in the lever bushes. Stiff controls can play havoc when manoeuvring. Chris Olsen, Olsen Marine Surveying

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