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.
Buying From Fads:
I once knew a lady who would not buy a house, because she did not like the way in which the halls between the rooms were painted. Some yachtsmen are just as bad. Last year I met a young fellow who wanted a knockabout with a white enameled cabin. He refused to take several, because they lacked this inside coating. Others will be caught by a lot of brass or gaudy cushions and curtains. Nicely varnished spars, parceled backstays and immaculate sail covers, are other and successful traps. Others will buy a boat because a friend has one like it.
Buying From Reason:
The first and most necessary thing is that the vessel’s bottom be sound; the second, that the decks be tight; the third, that the spars are in good condition. If she is right in these three points, you can find out the rest by sailing her, and in that way only. Many a good boat is condemned for some trivial cause. She may have a leak which can be easily stopped; her sails may be poor, that can be remedied; or her gear worn out. If so, give the seller a chance to make good before breaking off negotiations. Tell him what you see or think is wrong, and let him have a chance to explain or make good. Don’t go away, as many do, and blackguard a boat because it is not just in the order or condition you expected to find it.
Buying out of repair:
Sometimes a boat out of repair can be bought cheap, and is a good bargain. But, before buying, consult a builder, and find out if the craft can be repaired, and if it is worth repairing. I have found that you can generally trust a builder’s word on this question, as they dislike to work over a worthless craft. If the builder tells you she is no good, don’t touch her, no matter how cheap she is offered.
Buying through a broker:
I strongly advise young yachtsmen to buy their boats through a broker, if it is a second-hand craft. These men are up to all the tricks of the trade, and are thus able to safeguard a client’s interests. If the boat is registered, they will attend to the custom-house part of the transaction, and get the thing put through properly, besides saving you endless bother. If she is not registered, they will get you a proper bill of sale, and see that the boat has no liens or mortgages lying against her. I have known several cases where men have bought and paid for boats only to find that the vessel was mortgaged, or else somebody unknown was a part owner.