Waynethanks for the information. I will use it when my wife and I are shopping for boats. We have already looked at a few and this would have helped alot. I also like Don's idea of experienced people helping out looking at boats but not replacining a surveyor. Thanks again for posting this to the site. I hope you come back often and share your knowledge.
It's always a good idea to have another set of eyes as well as a checklist as lists don't always cover the subtle things. I have a number of friends at SSYC, as well as my son, and who work for or with Harken and who would be happy to help someone as they all love looking at boats and certainly have the knowledge.