A Guide To Testing Boats
Test a boat before you buy
Okay, so you’ve found the boat of your dreams. What’s the first thing you should do? Test it! Testing a boat involves a lot more than a quick cruise around the harbour! You should inspect the boat like a professional boat inspector.
A boat is a huge purchase. You need to know as much about a boat as you would need to know about a car. Indeed, buying a boat might require even more interrogation.
It’s hard to tell a quality boat from one that may cause you problems. To the average Joe, both could look good on the surface. But when you start to delve deeper, you might just uncover the truth.
Here’s what you should do:
Open all doors to get the best view of the structure of the boat
Look into the anchor locker to view the hull to deck joint to see if there is light coming through
When you are test driving the boat, put it through its paces in open water
Try out several boats before making your final choice
And remember, a battered boat is not going to be a good deal regardless of price. If it wasn’t maintained externally by its owner, chances are it probably wasn’t maintained mechanically either.
Before you buy a used boat you should carry out some security checks
Look for the Builders’ CE plate that shows that the boat complies with the EU Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) regulations.
Make a note of the Hull or Craft Identification Number (HIN or CIN). It will be a reference like this – GB-XYZ A3456 G4 04.
GB – country where the boat was built XYZ – the manufacturer’s identification A3456 – the boat’s serial number G – the month of manufacture (A = January) 4 – the year of manufacture 04 – the model year
Ask to see the Declaration of Conformity to confirm that the boat complies with all requirements.
Ask for the original sales invoice that shows that VAT has been paid on the boat.
Sounds simple, but check the boat isn’t registered as stolen and that it doesn’t have any outstanding mortgages on it. There are many companies that will do this for you.
If you are buying a canal boat, ask to see the boat’s Safety Certificate – all canal boats are required to have one.
Finally, use your judgement. You may not be a professional boat inspector, but you should be able to tell how the boat feels. Stand on the side of the boat and see how much the side dips – it’s best to carry out this test in calm conditions. A boat that is stiff in the water will provide a comfortable cruise.
If in doubt, get your new boat inspected professionally. A good marine inspection will provide great peace of mind. Checks will include; rot under the floor, an engine test and bilge pump testing and anything that will require you to spend money.
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Attwood Sahara Automatic Bilge Pump S1100 Series – 12V – 1100 GPH $79 Sahara Automatic Bilge Pump S1100 SeriesPart #: 4511-7An automatic-switch bilge pump is a requirement for any vessels 20′ and over with sleeping accommodations, but is a great convenience for any size boat. The Sahara has everything contained in one compact yet durable package – pump, wire seals, strainer, and mercury-free switch – and installs quickly and easily in tight spaces. Pumps include 36 lengths of 16-gauge caulked and tinned copper wire.S1100 is Attwood’s most powerful and efficient automatic pump. High capacity for larger boats and yachts. 1100 GPH at open flow, 973 GPH* at 3.3′ head. 1-1/8 hose outlet.Features:12VHose Size – 1-1/8 I.D.36 Wire3-Year WarrantySpecifications:Gallons Per Hour: 1100 GPHVolts: 12V |
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Attwood Sahara Automatic Bilge Pump S750 Series – 12V – 750 GPH $67.47 Sahara Automatic Bilge Pump S750 SeriesPart #: 4507-7An automatic-switch bilge pump is a requirement for any vessels 20′ and over with sleeping accommodations, but is a great convenience for any size boat. The Sahara has everything contained in one compact yet durable package – pump, wire seals, strainer, and mercury-free switch – and installs quickly and easily in tight spaces. Pumps include 36 lengths of 16-gauge caulked and tinned copper wire.S750 is sized for larger recreational boats. Our most powerful 3/4 -outlet automatic pump. 750 GPH* at open flow, 625 GPH* at 3.3′ head. 3/4 hose outlet.Features:12V3/4 I.D.36 Wire3-Year WarrantySpecifications:Gallons Per Hour: 750 GPHVolts: 12V |
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Attwood Tsunami Bilge Pump T1200 – 12V – 1100 GPH $33.94 Tsunami Bilge Pump T1200Part #: 4612-7With their innovative engineering and compact design, Tsunami pumps deliver high output from a small package. We use the advanced material available, including the best quality bearings and state-of-the-art brushes, alloys and magnets. Our patented shaft seal prevents leaks caused by misalignment and out caulked and tinned wiring eliminates wicking, prevents water damage and resists corrosion.Boaters, boat-builders, and dealers all want one thing from their bilge pumps – more power! And that’s what the Tsunami Series delivers… with high-capacity, high-efficiency output Tsunami Cartridge pumps have replaceable / interchangeable motor cores. Makes servicing simple and quick.Features:Outlet Style – Barbed – 1-1/8 12V29 Wire3-Year WarrantySpecifications:Gallons Per Hour: 1100 GPHOutlet Size: Barbed – 1-1/8′Volts: 12V |
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Attwood Tsunami T800 Bilge Pump – 12V – 760 GPH $26.2 Tsunami T800 GPH Bilge PumpPart #: 4608-7With their innovative engineering and compact design, Tsunami pumps deliver high output from a small package. We use the advanced material available, including the best quality bearings and state-of-the-art brushes, alloys and magnets. Our patented shaft seal prevents leaks caused by misalignment and out caulked and tinned wiring eliminates wicking, prevents water damage and resists corrosion.Boaters, boat-builders and dealers all want one thing from their bilge pumps – more power! And that’s what the Tsunamir Series delivers… with high-capacity, high-efficiency output. Tsunami Cartridge pumps have replaceable/interchangeable motor cores. Makes servicing simple and quick.Features:Outlet Syle – Barbed – 3/4 12V29 Wire3-Year WarrantySpecifications:Gallons Per Hour: 760 GPHVolts: 12V |
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Bennett DVD Boating’s Top 60 Tips – Maintenance $34.57 Boat Maintenance: Powerboats & SailboatsThis program deals with the basics that any boatowner can deal with and avoid the usually high cost involved with the hiring of a local boat repair person.Starting right at the bottom, you are shown proper care of Thru-Hull Fittings and then on to Electrolysis, The Marine Head(problems, the "Y" valve, lubrication, flapper and joker valves, antisiphon loops and re-building), Marine batteries, Bilge, Engine Maintenance(diesel or gas), brightwork(varnishing), winch maintenance, and many misc. areas like Lifelines, Stanchions, Regulators, Hose Clamps, Filters, Strainers & Emerg. Bilge Pumps.This DVD Pays for itself the first time you use it! |
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Boat Mechanical Systems Handbook $39.95 Get the full story on your boat”s mechanical system The first book to cover the design, selection, installation and evaluation of mechanical systems on boats, Boat Mechanical Systems Handbook will be an invaluable guide for boat designers, builders, owners, buyers, mechanics, surveyors and insurers. Dave Gerr recommends design guidelines and components for drive trains, engine fuel and exhaust systems, bilge pumps, steering, ventilation, anchor handling systems and more. |
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Know Your Boat Know Your Boat: The Guide to Everything That Makes Your Boat Work the Guide to Everything That Makes Your Boat Work $18.95 Know Your Boat is here to rescue the millions of boaters who have always been afraid to peer into their boat”s innards for fear of what they”ll find. Here at last is the humorous, user-friendly guide that will give a timid skipper the courage to grab a wrench and tame the savage beast in the bilge (or at least make its acquaintance). Assuming no mechanical aptitude, David Kroenke provides readers with an easy-to-read introduction to the use and maintenance of the many systems found on today”s typical power or sail boat, including: engine, electricity, electronics, plumbing, refrigeration, windlasses, pumps, and steering system. |
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PowerFilm PP-300 PowerPier Marine Solar Panel System – 5W $144.07 PowerPier Solar PanelsThe PowerPier solar panel maintains the charge in your boat lift battery and boat battery. Offsets parasitic power loads, such as hydraulic motors, bilge pumps, sound systems, electronics, and other items that drain your battery, so you are ready to go boating at a moment’s notice.How the PowerPier WorksThe PowerPier and PowerPier Ultimate come in two pieces, the thin film, flexible solar panel and the fabric, adhesive backed, mounting plate . The two pieces, attached together with Velcro, are both lightweight and flexible allowing for versatile mounting options, including vertical and curved surfaces, on or around the dock or on the boat canopy. The Velcro feature allows for permanent installation of the mounting plate while the solar panel can be removed as needed for use in additional charging applications, such as on your boat during your boating adventures.Why PowerPier by PowerFilm?The PowerPier solar panel maintains the charge in your boat lift battery and boat battery and offsets all parasitic power loads, such as hydraulic motors, bilge pumps, sound systems, electronics, and other items that naturally drain your battery so you are ready to go boating at a moments notice!Safety – no need to run direct power to your boat or boat liftExtended Battery Life* – by as much as 6 to 10 yearsPortable – take the solar panel off your pier or canopy to charge additional battery products like: cell phones, trolling motors, GPS, and other battery operated items or use on your boat as back up power for the boat batteryEasy to Install – done in minute, comes in two pieces; the thin-film, flexible solar panel is attached by Velcro to a pliable fabric material backed with a strong butyl adhesive allowing mounting to most surfaces – even vertical or curvedRugged – made with marine grade connectors and long lasting materials ; used and approved by the militaryLow Light Operation – works even on overcast daysExtreme Durability – stand |
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PowerFilm PP-900 PowerPier Marine Solar Panel System – 14W $337.46 PowerPier Solar PanelsThe PowerPier solar panel maintains the charge in your boat lift battery and boat battery. Offsets parasitic power loads, such as hydraulic motors, bilge pumps, sound systems, electronics, and other items that drain your battery, so you are ready to go boating at a moment’s notice.How the PowerPier WorksThe PowerPier and PowerPier Ultimate come in two pieces, the thin film, flexible solar panel and the fabric, adhesive backed, mounting plate . The two pieces, attached together with Velcro, are both lightweight and flexible allowing for versatile mounting options, including vertical and curved surfaces, on or around the dock or on the boat canopy. The Velcro feature allows for permanent installation of the mounting plate while the solar panel can be removed as needed for use in additional charging applications, such as on your boat during your boating adventures.Why PowerPier by PowerFilm?The PowerPier solar panel maintains the charge in your boat lift battery and boat battery and offsets all parasitic power loads, such as hydraulic motors, bilge pumps, sound systems, electronics, and other items that naturally drain your battery so you are ready to go boating at a moments notice!Safety – no need to run direct power to your boat or boat liftExtended Battery Life* – by as much as 6 to 10 yearsPortable – take the solar panel off your pier or canopy to charge additional battery products like: cell phones, trolling motors, GPS, and other battery operated items or use on your boat as back up power for the boat batteryEasy to Install – done in minute, comes in two pieces; the thin-film, flexible solar panel is attached by Velcro to a pliable fabric material backed with a strong butyl adhesive allowing mounting to most surfaces – even vertical or curvedRugged – made with marine grade connectors and long lasting materials ; used and approved by the militaryLow Light Operation – works even on overcast daysExtreme Durability – stand |
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Rule 1000 G.P.H Bilge Pump $31.4 Rule 1000The Rule 1000 is in a class by itself and is a popular choice among boatbuilders and boat owners alike. 36 mounting variations and a gas resistant strainer base make this one of Rule’s most popular pumps. 1-1/8 (28.6mm) discharge outlet. 12 Volts DC unless noted.Features:Fully submersibleEasy clean snap lock strainerSilent and vibrationless operationAnti-airlock protectionCompact, efficient long life motorIgnition protectedNo burn-out when run dryRust and Corrosion protectionUsed by leading boat builders worldwideMarine grade blocked wiringSpecifications:Gallons Per Hour: 1000Operation: Non-AutomaticOutlet Size: 1 1/8′Volts: 12v |
