Hunter 240 Sea Trial Recommendations

[nola2172]

If you saw my other post, our offer has been accepted on the Hunter 240 and I am now setting up the survey and sea trail. As far as the survey goes, I have a recommendation for a good surveyor so I will be using him and I assume he knows what he is doing (though I will be there to watch). For the sea trial, I looked around online a bit, but I could not get a particularly good list of what to check. Here is what I came up with:
-Engine (it is a 9.8hp outboard)
-Rigging/winches/pulleys/sails/etc. (do they all move correctly and do we have all the parts)
-Water ballast (does it fill correctly and completely)
-Keel/Centerboard (does it raise/lower correctly and completely)
-Tiller (does it move up/down correctly since it comes up for trailering)
-Electronics. This includes the autopilot, compass (not really electronic), depthsounder, knotmeter, and VHF radio.

Is there anything else important that I am missing? This will be our first boat, so I don't have the experience of knowing what to look for from my last one. Thank you for your assistance.

 

[Caribbeanknight1]

Sounds like you have a good idea of what to check. The only thing I would add is to check the bilge(particularly under the aft bed which is the lowest point so water should appear there) before you sail and again after you sail. My 240 has been on the water since April and still not a single drop has appear in the bilge so if you see some water it would be wise to investigate further.

 

[sesmith]

Check sails for general condition, loose stitching, etc. Check stays for fraying near the swaged fittings, especially the forestay, at the top fitting at the top of the furler.

 

[DJN51]

Check If keel bushing and uphaul line was replaced

 

[caverun]

Make sure the turnbuckle T-bolts are vertical when you raise the mast- they get hung on the U-bolts and bend easily. Use a bungee or tape to hold them up. Before you attach the boom to the mast make sure the reefing hook is rotated up. Don't be concerned if the centerboard is hard to raise, they all are. I use the starboard winch to help. And if your knotmeter is an autohelm/raymarine bidata or similar, the speed sensor can be removed from the inside- good idea to grease the 2 O-ring seals with silicone grease every couple of years.
Have fun- we love our 240-

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

One way to check for leaks, first insure all is dry inside under all storage and do look in the back behind the access doors where the battery sits. Then get 3 or four guys beefier is better and stand in the back of the boat for about 3 or four minutes and then right over the area where the steps going inside are and then recheck for leaks. Only I would know this one but is a strong suggestion.

If you want to call me, send me an email with your phone number and I will call and give you pointers on what to check but the advice so far is very good and these guys are very helpful and thanks to all.

crazy dave