ELECTRICS, ELECTRONICS,
INSTRUMENTS
Ask to see all electrical components
switched on and working. You may not be
an electrical genius, but untidy wiring is a
sure sign of amateur electrics or additions.
Are the electronics current? I recently
inspected a boat that still had an
operational Magnavox satellite navigation
unit, which was of course completely useless
since the transit satellite system was
phased out sometime around the 1980s.
A more likely discovery is the
chartplotter with out of date chart card.
These can easily be replaced, but at a cost.
Are the batteries secured and
ventilated? How old are they? Battery
banks on modern yachts are an expensive
item to replace.
TOILET AND SHOWER
Look for evidence of leakage at the base
of the toilet and around its hoses. Does it
smell when f lushed? Lingering odour may
indicate the hoses need replacement, or
simply that it has been sitting unused with
seawater in the hoses.
The first f lush could be inconclusive,
but keep trying. If it still stinks, suspect
the hoses. Leaks could indicate that some
of the gaskets may be failing.
It is sometimes cheaper and definitely
more pleasant to replace the entire toilet
rather than take it apart for overdue
maintenance. If the toilet is leaking, check
the base it sits on for rot or delamination.
Check for the same in the shower sump
and surrounding bulkheads.ANCHOR WINCH AND
GROUND TACKLE
Look for rusty chain, the worst part will
be at the bottom of the pile, plus anchors,
corrosion where stainless shackles and
swivels have been attached to galvanised
chain and the condition of the winch itself.
Ask for a demonstration.
Check the motor under the winch. These
are often badly rusted and/or corroded,
however some dreadful looking winch
motors perform perfectly so do not be
too concerned if the rest of it looks okay.
How much fall is there for the chain as it
enters the chain locker? It is preferable not to
need someone below stacking the chain as
the anchor is raised. A locker with insufficient
fall will result in a chain pile that will fall over
and tangle when the boat heels over.
Poor chain storage is not necessarily a
deal breaker. Some otherwise excellent
boats suffer from this problem. However,
you need to be aware of the need to knock
the pile down before it falls over.DINGHY AND DAVITS
Is the dinghy suitable for your intended
usage and the size of the boat?
Are the davits secure and adequate for
the weight of the dinghy? Is the hoisting
arrangement practical for the strength
of you and your crew?
If the dinghy is inf latable, look at
the condition of the sponsons and the
transom/sponson or hull/sponson joint.
Are the lifting handles, d-rings, and
seat holders secure? Does it have chaps
protecting the sponsons? Does the
outboard start easily?SAFETY GEAR
Flares and EPIRB in date?
Check the age and service status of
the liferaft, if there is one, plus the fire
extinguishers.AUXILIARY ITEMS
Things like fenders and mooring lines
are more than handy, but expensive to
add. Check they are suitable and in
reasonable condition.
Other extras that are expensive or
time consuming to add include awnings,
biminis, dodgers, hatch wind socks,
boarding ladders, insect screens, side
screens or clears for the bimini, a cover37
http://www.mysailing.com.au