Buying a Boat Afloat:
This is somewhat of a lottery, but you can generally judge of the condition of a boat’s bottom by the condition of her topsides, and by inspecting the inside of the hull. If there is any water in the bilge take some up in a glass. If it is clean and fresh-smelling, you can be sure she has a regular leak. Get a quiet look at the sucker of the pump-rod. If it looks well-brightened up, it shows plenty of usage. If there is no leak, notice the heels of the frames near the mast, also the fastenings of the ends of the deck beams in that part of her. If she strains, it will show there, if anywhere. If there are doors in the bulkheads or lockers, see if they have been planed off, so as to close. If she is canvased on deck or top of cabin-house, the cloth will show if she has strained badly. All boats strain to certain extent, and without seemingly permanent harm.