There has never been a better time in history to by a buy a boat: at least from the perspective of the potential used boat buyer. The reason for this is that there are simply so many used boats available to choose from today. This is because of the advent of fiberglass boat construction in the 1960’s which resulted in mass production of every type of power boat and sailboat, from small, open day boats to cruising yachts. Before fiberglass, boats were built of wood and if not meticulously maintained, did not survive to be passed down to several generations of second-hand owners. Having a wooden boat hand built was an expensive proposition, and consequently not many people could afford to buy pleasure boats. Fiberglass construction changed all that and made boat ownership possible for a lot more people of modest means, and the durability of fiberglass means that the used boat market is now flooded with cheap old fiberglass boats anywhere from 10 to 40 years old. Even large yachts can be found at bargain basement prices, if the new buyer is willing to invest some elbow grease in restoration.
As a guide to what to look for in a used fiberglass boat, as well as what to avoid, we will use a typical 25-foot family-cruising sailboat as an example. Such a boat has a wide array of systems in addition to the hull and deck, including sails, auxiliary engine, and electrical system and cabin accommodations. These general comments could also apply to smaller or larger fiberglass boats.
Such a sailboat, which might cost upwards of $30,000 dollars new at today’s prices, can be had for as little as $2,000 to $10,000 dollars used, depending on condition and the model. Here’s a list of what to inspect before making an offer on a boat like this:
Hull: If the boat is kept in the water, don’t buy it without first having it hauled out at a boatyard or on a trailer so you can inspect the condition of the hull below the waterline. Old fiberglass boats sometimes develop blisters in the hull skin and if the boat shows signs of blistering, it is best avoided as this can be difficult and expensive to repair.
Deck: Walk all over the decks of the boat to check for soft spots or flexible areas. This may be a sign of poor quality or lightweight construction, or it could mean the deck has absorbed water through the deck fittings and the inner core, which is usually of wood, is rotten. Lightweight construction can be reinforced, but a rotten core is another problem that is expensive and difficult to fix.
Sails: Sails should be inspected for rips and tears, as well as signs of patching. The stitches should be checked carefully, as they often break down in U.V. light, requiring the services of a sail maker to re-stitch them. The sails should be at least in usable condition, even if they might need replacing a few years down the road. If you buy a sailboat without good sails, there’s no way to take a “test drive” to see if you even like the way the boat handles.
Mast and Rigging: Check the condition of the mast, boom and the standing wire rigging that holds the mast up. The wires should not have broken strands and should be free of rust; otherwise, you’ll be facing an expensive job of replacing them.
Engine: If the boat has an auxiliary outboard or inboard gas or diesel engine, it should start easily and run smoothly. Engines are a necessity on all but the smallest sailboats, even if they are only used for getting the boat in and out of marinas and under drawbridges.
Electrical System: Check the batteries for ability to hold a charge, look for improper wiring and make sure all electrical circuits have the protection of a fuse or breaker. Faulty 12-volt wiring has been the cause of many boat fires.
The above items are the most important areas to inspect. If you are spending more than a few thousand dollars on an old boat, it is worth your money to pay a qualified marine surveyor a few hundred dollars to evaluate the true worth and condition of the boat. A surveyor will give you a detailed written report outlining all deficiencies in the vessel that need to be addressed for seaworthiness and safety.
