Evaluate a Boat During a Showing

Most boat buyers fall in love before they know what they're looking at.

They see the shiny gelcoat, the layout they've been dreaming of, the electronics package... and they miss the signals the boat has been sending the whole time. The rust streaks on the stainless. The fresh caulk sitting on top of old, discolored material. The engine diaper that was clearly placed five minutes before the showing.

Knowing what to look for before you make an offer can save you thousands in survey fees on the wrong boat — and years of regret on the right one at the wrong price.

We built this free checklist to give used boat buyers a systematic way to evaluate any vessel during a first showing. No marine background required, no tools needed. Just a methodical approach and the willingness to get close to the parts most buyers rush past.

What's inside:

• Exterior inspection: hull, gelcoat, caulking, canvas, stainless hardware, and what to check when the boat is on the hard

• Sailing vessel checklist: standing rigging, chainplates, gooseneck, furler condition, keel joint, and deck hardware specific to sailboats

• Interior walkthrough: floor wear patterns, sun damage, water intrusion signs, bilge condition, and what a clean bilge actually smells like

• Engine room: how to read maintenance history without being a mechanic, the engine diaper test, hose clamp condition, and what the generator-to-engine hours ratio tells you

• Documentation: what to request from the seller before you go further

This checklist does not replace a professional marine survey. It helps you decide whether a boat deserves one. Download it free below and bring it to your next showing!