Buying a boat advice: Demonstration and sea trial

It’s important to get a demonstration and sea trial when you’re looking to buy a boat. Two things are very rare with demonstrations or sea trials. One is to get a demo before an offer is made, the other is for the demo itself to uncover a potential deal breaker.

But there is much to take note of during a sea trial. Remember to look in the engine bay before and after the demo so you can check on leaks.

Engine and handing checks

• Is the engine hitting max revs?
• Is the performance of the boat as described?
• Is there excessive smoke after the engine has warmed up?
• Is there any obvious vibration?
• Are the gearshifts and steering easy to use?
• Does the navigation equipment work (surveyors will not check electronics)