What should I look for before I make an offer?

[Warren]

I have my eye on a 1988 O'Day 322Not knowing much about that model what should I look for before I make an offer (known problems, recall item, etc.)?As always Thanks for the advice

 

[Ben Bishopo]

Get a survey

Noone would buy a boat that big without a survey. The surveyor will find any problems.Good Luck.

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Have a survey done

Warren -You really need to have a survey done. You will probably need one anyway for insurance purposes but its a good idea anyway. You really need someone expert in fiberglass, rigging, engines, electrics, etc. to tell you what you need to know. Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[J.B. Dyer]

Common Sense

You will definately need a survey, however, use common sense when looking the boat over. Is it a fixer upper or does it look like it's been well kept and cared for? Don't let your want get in the way of good sense. If the boat is a mess, take a real close look at it. If the seller did not take care of the routine maintenance stuff, cleanliness and small repairs, etc., he probably didn't care of the serious matters. Bottom line, is that if you are serious about buying, make your offer for the final sale contingent on the survey, and get something in writing by the seller about what repairs if any he will be responsible for just in case the survey goes South. Lots of sellers get bugeyed when you start talking about repair responsibility. The reaction that you get may give you some insight about unseen needed repairs.

 

[Lonnie]

Survey is an Education!!

Back in Dec.2001, I purchased a 1982 O'Day 30.Of course I had it surveyed before purchase.I spent 6 hours with my surveyor asking lots of questions. He was very patient and I learned a great deal. Stay with the surveyor while he's doing his inspection and ask questions. Even if you don't purchase the boat you are purchasing an education from your surveyor.