What to Look for When Buying a Sailboat

A sailboat's graceful lines or stout structure could be the first attribute that draws you to it, but are you sure about what to look for when buying a sailboat? Here are some important things to inspect for before buying a sailboat:

1. Have the Rigging inspected. Look for signs of aging. Are the lines frayed or ends tattered? When you bend them do they spring back to original form?
2. Inspect the Thru-Hull Fittings. These are holes in the hull with drain lines for the toilet, sinks and water supply lines for engine cooling. They should have proper flow.
3. Check for stress cracks around the hardware attached to the deck. Cracks may be cosmetic or more severe in nature.
4. Walk around the deck and check for soft or spongy spots. This is a sign of delamination of the fiberglass skin from the core.
5. Inspect the sails. New sails will be stiff and thick.  Old sails will be thin and pliable.
6. Check for blisters on the hull below the waterline. This is caused by water penetrating the gel coat creating a chemical reaction which causes a blister. 
7. Check varnished areas of the boat. Dark spots underneath is a sign of prior water damage.  Is the varnish flaking or discoloring from the sun?  Time to revarnish.
8. How is the interior of the sailboat? Look for signs of water damage.  Check the seat cushions,curtains and other fabrics in the boat.  Are they worn out, thin and faded?

Reference:

Spurr, Daniel. "Your First Sailboat."  McGraw Hill, 2004