SAILBOAT BUYING TIPS - Part 2! A veteran surveyor gives his inside tips -

Discover key factors to consider when purchasing a used sailboat. In this multi-part series, experienced surveyor Jim Dias, of Accredited Marine Surveyors, shares his invaluable insights on evaluating and pre-qualifying used sailboats for sale - we look at sailboat rudders, sailboat keels, thru-hulls, and more items to investigate on the bottom of used sailboats. Get the inside scoop before you make a decision.
Jim's knowledge of used sailboats (and powerboats) is immense and in Part 2 of this multi-part series, Jim will help you learn about things to pay attention to when buying a used sailboat.
========= Serious about Getting a Survey? Contact Jim @ Accredited Marine Surveryors =========
Jim Dias
+1.800.426.2825
[e-mail]
=========
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==============Segments==============
00:00-00:58 - Intro
00:59 - rudders
01:43 Rudder Tip #1 - Look for weeping
03:05 Rudder Tip #2 - Listen for deadening feedback
04:30 Rudder Tip #3 - Water intrusion can be tolerated (short-term)
07:41 Keel Tip #1 - look for signs of grounding
08:08 Keel Tip #2 - Iron keels transfer impact loads
09:15 Keel Tip #3 - Check out the Keel/hull union
11:10 Keel Tip #4 - Check out Smile cracks
11:46 Keel Tip #5 - Winged keels need special attention
14:47 Keel Tip #6 - Listen for hollow sounds w/ encapsulated ballast
16:07 Thru-hull Tip #1 - Look for corrosion
17:00 Thru-hull Tip#2 look for scoring
Sailboat Rudder moisture issues, sailboat rudders, Sailboat keel issues, sailboat keel smile, Catalina smile, thru-hulls, cutlass bearing replacement, max prop, used sailboat buyers guide, buying a used sailboat, prop shaft seal replacement

[@michaela1655]

Jim did the survey on my 1985 Grady White Seafarer 22 a few years ago. He was very thorough and fun to talk with. I had already purchased the boat, but in order to get it insured, the insurance company needed a marine survey. I had done a lot of work on the boat after I purchased it, and before Jim surveyed it. He offered me some very good advice about wiring, and he pointed out some delamination of the front deck that I had not found on my own. I live in CT, not far from where Jim lives, and he is a legend in this part of the world.

[@SalingSamantas]

I'd love for you to keep making these survey videos and cover the entire sailboat. This is very good information that every sailor should know. I've not come across another channel doing this yet. I think you are on to something.

[@jpkatz1435]

Yes, yes.

[@harbourdogNL]

Could not agree more!! So valuable, and despite 10,000 YT sailing channels this is pretty much an untapped channel niche.

[@johnsmith-iu1dv]

And judging his reaction, most will probably enjoy the chance at the conversation...

[@Joe_Not_A_Fed]

Another very interesting look at the nuts and bolts (and valves) of sailboats. Fascinating stuff. I never gave a second thought about sailing until I got sucked into the Captain Q vortex. One thing to remember about any personal project involving a used anything...It is very important to actually use the thing for its intended purpose. In this case...don't wait until your boat is perfect before using it. The projects will never end and eventually, if all you do is work on it, your new love will become just another chore. I learned this the hard way from working on project vehicles. Also...try focus on one project at a time. Completing a small chore provides a lot more satisfaction than starting, and not finishing, a bunch of chores. Once it's safe and reliable, get some fun out of it. The smiles are the fuel that will keep you motivated.

[@para1324]

I hope Jim gets more business for his time showing and explaining this information on the channel. Thanks Jim and Randy. 👍

[@sgeti3994]

"That should be a dollar sign" Gave me a good laugh on that one, thanks.

[@YachtHunters]

😁

[@williamdgurley421]

Randy, this is a very good series. Jim is quite competent. I really appreciate your effort. I encourage you to continue this type of content. Include all systems eventually. Bravo

[@claytonallen3361]

I don’t know about asking Jim a question. I just want to take him with me to every boat I look at! What a knowledgeable man!

[@elliottscott6179]

"Your home doesn't sink". Epic wisdom.

[@dmitch1177]

I can hardly wait to see a part 3!

[@paulschumacker9901]

You were right - this one is also a tour de force! Everyone who’s considering buying a boat needs to watch this. It’s too easy to fall in love with your dream boat, only to find out later that it’s rotting from the inside out. On the bright side, when a competent surveyor gives it the thumbs-up, you are on your way to all the the exciting times you hoped for, and hopefully none of the hidden nightmares. So my question is, Randy, did you get a surveyor to go through your boat like this before you wrote the check? Either way, I’m enjoying this series immensely. Many thanks!

[@hermanator2]

This series is massively invaluable - a big ‘thank you’ to Jim and Randy!

[@anthonyelam2257]

Thank you for this informative instructional video ... from what I have learned is for a boat to be fully inspected it would need to be lifted out of water ... only then can a proper survey be done ... so much to consider in order to fully get a clear picture on the condition of a boat ... so important ... but the right thing to do ... 😊😊😊

[@johnsmith-iu1dv]

Hope we do not loose knowledge like this. Guys like this are SO undervalued...

[@YachtHunters]

jim will be back this spring to continue the series. he's the best!

[@tippyzuk1]

Jim, very well explained. All good to know for us looking for a boat. Gives us a guide to narrow down the search before we hire the surveyor for "the one".

[@lab35982]

Fantastic series! A point about winged keels and grounding. I had a 30' Hunter with a winged keel. Sadly she broke her mooring during a hurricane and was beached. I live on the Bay of Fundy with its 29' tides and when she beached on he port side the port wing about 10 - 12" dug into the sand and gravel and wheat the tide came in and tried to lift her, the winged keel secured itself like an anchor and the lifting forces were so great that she broke her back. We only discovered the break when we lifted her with a transit lift and water was leaking out of the keel and when the yardman pushed on the keel, it swung big a pendulum. Had we craned her onto a trailer we would not have discovered the keel had failed. The boat was a total write-off.

[@Useless_Knowledge07]

Knowledge is awesome! I would like to hear about screwed down teak decks and can damage can be foretold without ripping out the headliner? Leaking toe rails too! We see a lot of weepagae around bun holes on deck and if being teak is screwed down, does that mean your screwed. This series is bad ass Randy!

[@YachtHunters]

Thanks UK… we’re excited people are enjoying it so we’ll continue on with the rest of the boat.. stay tuned and thanks for watching

[@bryanb1259]

This is a great series 👍

[@YachtHunters]

Much appreciated Bryan!

[@bobgaysummerland]

This is good information for the new buyers. It's easy to get into a never ending project without this knowledge and if you are up for a "project" then this is a great way to start your tick list. Great stuff Randay...

[@borys2767]

Just love the channel!!!! Where is Captain Q? Learning so much I will probably get kicked out of the next boat yard I visit for pointing at stuff....LOL

[@YachtHunters]

He’s busy getting sea dog through obedience school… pointing is better than using the hammer and random boats! 😂

[@bendaves77]

Great thing about getting a quality surveyor is that you are going to know everything that the boat is going to need right away and in the next few years. They've been doing it and have seen the progression of a issue. Starts out a small crack and ends up without proper care being a nightmare for someone

[@Mike7O7O]

Besides the good one liners, this perfectly illustrates the value of a thorough, professional survey.

[@kalli1357]

Love this bottom up coverage on the sailing boat. very informative.

[@YachtHunters]

Thank you, Hilmar!

[@jy2299]

I like this new evolution of your channel. Even more informative than before. Great work. Thanks for your effort. (I do still like the boat reviews- this new direction is just a bonus) I likely will be buying a great lakes sailor within the next couple of years.

[@chowdel]

Surveyor saved me thousands on my boat. Had agreed to a sales price pending survey, post survey renegotiated over 15K less to fix issues with boat. Survey is worth every penny!

[@YachtHunters]

Excellent… yeah a quick pays-for-itself risk reducer… great to hear 👍

[@bloodyeyeful]

Fabulous show. I'm retiring in a year and saving to buy an old sailboat. This series will be invaluable to me. Thank you and Blessings.

[@chuck571]

These videos are so great and educational Randy. My best to you and the Captain!

[@davidzemke2549]

I'm been out of the design engineering for decades. (Now a consultant @ a much higher level) HOWEVER, before I would design an idea, I would sit down with the maintenance person / department and just ask question. Best day or 2 always..... Every question I would have developed with out the interviews they answered with a reason(s) way. Just a word to the wise. If you or your company wants to develope a new design, sailboat, motorboat,ship, polymorane, airplane, jet, space etc... sit down with these guys and just listen for days .. weeks if possible .. it will save you or maybe the life of your company.

[@YachtHunters]

Couldn’t agree more. If you caught our visit with Walter Schulz, founder of Shannon yachts, he spent over a decade maintaining boats and then went on to design many of the details on his boats to be easily maintained (e.g. removing all tanks could be done with basic tools). I always feel wiser listening to the wisdom and expertise from these experts

[@davidzemke2549]

@@YachtHunters lol it is not that common that things are functional and simple... it's hard work to find the correct solution. Keep up the great work. Some day soon I will put my wife in a dementia home but until then I will live and image the possibilities OF SAILING . THANK YOU.

[@michaeltedeschi9929]

As someone who would like to get a sailboat later on in life, I will definitely be referring to these videos when I begin the search!! Awesome series Editing to add because I almost forgot... Jim is a well of knowledge. Very knowledgeable and nice to see him on the channel

[@YachtHunters]

thanks very much! Jim will be back to cover more of the survey items for future episodes... fun stuff! thanks !

[@frankmosses9121]

Learning all kinds of things. Thanks

[@YachtHunters]

Great to hear!

[@susanc.8009]

Great to see a show like this for all us who love old boats.

[@YachtHunters]

Glad you liked it. Thanks!

[@kevingardner1658]

Hey randaay - absolute winner with this format - well done mate

[@karenfyhr2363]

I love listening to Jim's vast experience, it's always very interesting... And thanks Randay for posting Jim's contact info. ..

[@Seafariireland]

I understand better now why having a surveyor check out a boat is a win win decision! Great lesson, well done to all. SkipRay.

[@sallyb3]

I find these videos extremely helpful. Thank you Jim.

[@bin_chicken80]

Interesting series Ran-day. Thank you and Jim!

[@vincentsrzentic596]

Very informative, thank you so much!

[@jd739]

Excellent! Please more of these!!!

[@louisfbrooks]

Great series. This needs its own play list.

[@carlosdias8404]

Thank you very much for the education. Important, interesting and well presented.

[@user-ek1qt2le5n]

Awesome explanation! Very helpful!

[@billmead5052]

This series is awesome! Thanks Jim and Ran-Day 😁

[@tomclause9555]

I could watch this dude all day!!

[@annhooper726]

Excellent footage Ran-Day and Jim,. Thumbs up, as I am learning to buy more confidently

[@philipstrachan6212]

What a great series. Thanks.

[@user-pg8qe3zs8h]

great videos- Thanks = Mauro . . . .and Jim looks like a great perso too

[@richardhill2260]

Very informative show thanks Randal

[@bernardszirth9665]

Amazing work! So useful to better understand possible issues! Thank you!

[@YachtHunters]

Glad you liked it, Bernard!

[@lawrencepavesejr.9754]

So informative and such important topics related to monies spent on ones recreational investment. Thank you Ran-Day for your efforts and keep up the action..

[@shermanjenne3154]

I sure enjoy these informative lessons

[@sailor1261]

Great vid Randy & Jim. Thank You.

[@YachtHunters]

Thanks for watching!

[@vinniemontrealangler]

Great episode. Much education. Thanks Ran-Day !

[@YachtHunters]

Thanks, slyvain!

[@o4pureh2o]

Another excellent lesson. Thanks

[@sacres01]

Hi, thanks Randal for such a terrific video and also for introducing us to Jim! Very insightful and extremely helpful for someone such as myself, who is actively looking for a cruising vessel to live on but only has limited knowledge. I stumbled across this site and am so glad that I did - I am now a subscriber 🙂

[@YachtHunters]

Welcome aboard, Steve. Glad to hear it was helpful.. there’s more on the way. Cheers!

[@donnykincaid8133]

Great information, Thank you for making these video's

[@YachtHunters]

Glad you like them! thanks DK!

[@alfonsoescobar1209]

Omg been waiting for this part 2.

[@rickynsue]

Congrats🎉🎉🎉to my favorite KZbinrs

[@YachtHunters]

Thanks Rick!

[@windrider65]

Another video packed full of good info.

[@YachtHunters]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks

[@vancekeith5642]

Great videos, thanks

[@coldnorthadventures5905]

This was the most interesting video l have seen for a long time.

[@YachtHunters]

Much appreciated, CNA! Cheers

[@ragingpatriot772]

I really enjoy this show

[@lancedaniels]

Thanks for posting and sharing.

[@YachtHunters]

Thanks for watching!

[@claydanenhower9335]

Great show!

[@chip9177]

Not all surveyors are the same. Jim seems great, I read some surveys that were a joke so to speak.

[@louiskirby4266]

Thanks Team Q and mighty the mighty Jim, l’ll be coming to the US to buy a cracking yacht . Love the passion and content . Beers 🍻 up lads

[@johndodds7949]

I love this information

[@spectralize13]

Fabulous information. Please cover every part of a boat.

[@YachtHunters]

That’s the plan! Glad you enjoyed it 👍👍 thanks

[@harbourdogNL]

Wow! 1:33 in, and already I've learned something new. Jim could have his own channel. Seriously.

[@jimrellis]

Wow, Jim has a ton of knowledge. Lord! I wonder how someone gets started in marine survey. Are there apprentices?

[@kejung1]

Many thanks 🙏

[@danielsondavidf]

Excellent!

[@jeffk7017]

Randy, Enjoying this series! It looks like you and Jim have been looking only at fiberglass boats. How different would the process be for a wooden-hulled boat? Does that require a different kind of surveyor?

[@patrickhorgan8389]

Randall, you've hit the nail on the head with this topic. Please keep going. Jim is top notch. A perfect balance of science engineering and experience. 👍👏👏

[@YachtHunters]

Thanks Patrick, will do! Much appreciated

[@mojoneko8303]

Too bad this kind of video wasn't available when I bought my first sailboat in the 80's. It turned out okay but that was dumb luck.. A segment on how to pick a reputable, competent surveyor would be helpful. Thanks for the video.

[@markpeter1968]

I hope the captain is ok? Ive re-watched all your old yacht hunting episodes. Love getting the captain Q's take on older boats.

[@YachtHunters]

Thank you Mark

[@johnnylightning1491]

Where you found that de-lamination with no water intrusion is it OK to fill that with resin after you let it dry for a while? Keep the good stuff coming Randall.

[@robertmcmahon1221]

Thank Jim for us, please

[@YachtHunters]

will do. thanks!!

[@yanassi]

Jim is really informative. I’m curious when it comes to new/newer boats, what does jim think in terms of how manufacturing has improved? Is there a company who has paid attention to the quality of their builds?

[@Pretty60s]

You’re such fun. Made me laugh a few times. Very smart too. I have learned a lot from your videos. Thank you. Generally boats mean $ signs LOL. In Australia we rarely see boats on the hard as we don’t have the good winters as such. So we have to dive to find out about Prop Rudder and Keel.

[@YachtHunters]

hahaha great to hear! What great fortune to be able to sail all year-round.... just make sure you don't forget to dive once i awhile otherwise you'll get a big sealife beard on your hull :)

[@Pretty60s]

@@YachtHunters we are certainly blessed to be able to sail all year round. The boats come out once a year for anti foul etc and have regular divers as we race all year. Wednesday afternoons. Friday Twilights. Saturdays in summer and Sundays in winter as well as a heap of annual regattas. Channels like yours certainly take my learning to the next level. So appreciative. Note to self - must buy a plastic mallet. 🔨

[@Abc-kf4qx]

Excellent! Can we expect a part 3, topside and interiors?

[@YachtHunters]

Working on it… thanks

[@6stringks]

Really nice channel! Subbed :-)

[@basilbrushbooshieboosh5302]

Magic. Thanks

[@cryptoatnight9233]

Good stuff

[@martyspargur5281]

Thank You, Randall And Jim! The thing that I like about surveyors is that they are compelled to only tell the truth. Presented with no bias. I found Alan Vaitses book at a yard sale and you could tell that it hadn't even been read... maybe a little dry for most readers. But after going through it a few times, I realized that it had information that you couldn't find written down Anywhere else. That book was about the basics, without any complications like electronics, battery killers (inverters), or other modern gimmicks (tailgates come to mind). These surveyors have Forgotten more of their knowledge than the rest of us will ever know. But this is supposed to be the "find a sleeper channel". Part one had a comment about "ok, so we spent the whole video looking at shafts!". Let's move on, lets get to the meat and potatoes! Happily, this video expands beyond the mundane and into the fascinating world of Ballast. Maybe this is a little much after all. And I have noticed that some yacht brokers sweat bullets around surveyors. So let's move on already, if you could just do a video on rudder bearings and quadrants please first? Thank You

[@YachtHunters]

Thanks Marty! Now I want to find a copy of that book to see what else I can pick up to advance my position on the educational learning curve. We plan go over the rest of the boat step by step… seems like you have your own stash of good tips to share from your experience. Always great to have you pop in with some tips

[@martyspargur5281]

@@YachtHunters This is part of Jim's Legacy. However many of these he can afford to do will definitely be appreciated. Personally, I often need to think about what I see before I know what to do about it. Walter touched on this briefly. I'm (We're?) super into learning because once we're off soundings we know that anything can go south at any time, and how we rig our own boats really could mean life or death. The more we learn, the more sense everything makes, and we realize the boat isn't a bunch of stuff thrown together a la carte. It's a machine that depends on everything working together. Sorry I don't have any tips today ok maybe one, Plastic thru hulls at the waterline or above (like a shower sump line) exposed to light can break off when you aren't looking, if they're more than a few years old. The outside flange comes off as a ring, the barb or threaded part falls off inside. You can guess the rest. Thank You Randall

[@porterandmjyoung4599]

Wish Jim had been my surveyer. Three blue water boats, one bolt keel on C&C48 with the grounding separation issues he mentioned missed, a Masons 54, awesome boat and a good owner who followed thru on a major issue the surveyer "overlooked," and a Lagoon 47 with thru hull issues as shown by Jim missed . Had to use venders/contractors testimonies to override insurance company surveyers on two claims. Just know who the surveyer is truly representing. Not as impersonal as it should be. Note: 15 years of ocean sailing plus many more lake including power. Stand over, ask questions, don't let a broker take over!

[@MrBrody1961]

I used to have a Bristol 33. Nice Boat !

[@YachtHunters]

love the bristols.... great, long-lasting boats! cheers

[@jackwalby6257]

Ha thirty years in the Marine industry and I know that almost every rudder older than 10 years is wet!! Fortunately I'm in the freshwater market were the fail rate goes way down.

[@DCGULL01]

Umm, can you do more of these & I'll reach out to Jim directly. Thank you!!!

[@CheekyMonkey1776]

Question: I’ve always wondered if sailboats primarily sailed on freshwater (Great Lakes) do better or worse when it comes to these problems.

[@rjgillens2637]

thanks ;)

[@franklarsen7461]

Hello from Denmark ⛵⚓🇩🇰👍

[@tarivard]

I always drilled holes in the bottom of my rudder at the end of every season. Some water would come out and the "on the hard" time allowed it to dry out. I just plug the holes every spring with thickened epoxy. I suspect water was coming in through the top of the rudder.

[@dennismacdonald2003]

Tyvm

[@YachtHunters]

I learned a new acronym today.. thanks 😉

[@SmartLearningAI]

I would like to get a cape dory 27 or 28 but can't make my mind which one. ie diesel vs outboard in a well. Mostly coastal cruising. Thoughts? Pro/Cons of both appreciated.

[@kayweiss1862]

Good idea to invite surveyor expertise !.Could you include following topic : mast stability?! what to look for ,difference of fixed on deck , hull ,tabernacle ?

[@YachtHunters]

Great ideas… thank you!

[@bendaves77]

Ran-dayy, I have a question. When looking for a quality surveyor what license or qualification or schooling is the best and or what should we ask for when shopping for a quality surveyor? Im sure a boat sales company will have their own beloved surveyor which is perhaps as picky as needed

[@stevenr8606]

👍 as always. BTW, what happened to Captain Q ?!?

[@MudLogger]

Question for Jim... Will surveyors open floor boards and closed compartments? If not, how do we get around this for a proper inspection? Example mast step plates and chain plate coverings.

[@earthman3000]

Yes of course. They open up everything.

[@vivianshark9966]

Randay...what did you do to the Captain Q?

[@rsbrehm]

What about "blisters" on fiberglass hulls?

[@mauroceresa1219]

Great videos. Question for Jim, at 16:55 of the video there is red paint missing all around the hole. Is this a sign of bad maintenance of the hull paint and possible source of moisture damage to the hull. Thanks.

[@martyspargur5281]

Is that a steel hull? Because if it is then why is the thru hull bronze? But that thru hull has no outside flange, unless it's a "countersunk" flush flange. But what about the visible seam, around the hole on the outside, that looks like the "spigot only" part of a modified thru hull, screwed into hull plating from the inside? That's probably not a flush flange. Translation: What is it? It just looks spooky. Thanks.