H 27 things to check
Andy: Following are some items to check. 1. Keel connection - check to see that bolts are all there (look for sheared studs). If there is a chance to to look under the hull, check to see that the keel and hull are secure (no separation). 2. Bilge - dry/damp/water sitting? Check to see that the bilge pumps are working (I have 2ea. electric and 1ea. manual). 3. Thru hull valves - Do they work? 5 each (raw water, galley sink, head sink/inlet/outlet) I believe stock valves are gate, I prefer bronze ball valves. 4. Stuffing box (propeller shaft seal)- Does it look like it'll keep the ocean out of the cabin? 5. Engine condition - start/idles ok? Can it get to 3300 rpm in gear? Stock engine is probably a 1GM Yanmar. We installed a 2GM ... nice. Smell diesel (raw fuel or exhaust) in cabin? Exhaust should be light white smoke at the start. Water should be sputtering out along with the exhaust. 6. Wheel steering - check the plate under the pedistal - rusted? The bronze sheaves for the steering cables are mounted on this plate. 7. Electrical - look at the back of the breaker panel (view from battery compartment) Terminals corroded? Wiring like a rat's nest? You have a couple of weekends doing electrical work if answers are "yes". 8. Take her out for a road test - under power, boat will "pull to port" both forward and reverse. Old timers say this is normal and due to "prop walk". Under sail she should be easy to sail and very forgiving in light wind (5-15 mph). 9. After the sail: check the bilge - there may be additional water (stuffing box and "bilge drain thru hulls" above the waterline may let in some ocean on a starboard tack). The icebox on our boat used to drain into the bilge. Hope this helps ... Fred
