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BOAT BUYER'S CHECKLIST

This Checklist is for Inboard/Outboard Sterndrive Drive Boats

BOAT:_______________________________LENGTH:__________ CONTACT:_____________________________
NOTES:
Check boat asking price at
www.nadaguides.com/boats/power-boats for actual value.

Walk around boat look for excessive cracks, spider cracks,

fiberglass damage, on hull and especially boat bottom.
Check floor decks for soft spots. Soft spot indicate rotted
floor beams, and can be costly to repair.
Check electrical system: horn, navigation lights, anchor
lights, dash instrument lights.
Check electronic equipment: GPS, VHS Radio, Depth
Sounder, Radar etc.
Check electric anchor windlass, trim tabs, and engine or
outdrive trim, engine blower, and bilge pumps.

Check for water stains inside cabin around or close to all

windows, and hatches.
Check microwave oven, refrigerator, sink pumps, shower
sump pump.

Check cabin lighting switches, Sink water pump to make

sure they are all working.
Check engine compartment for strong gasoline odor, and
excessive oil spills in bilge.

Check how long ago has the manifolds and risers been
changed? Mechanic or shop receipt is better proof of date.

Check how long ago has the engine oil & oil filter been
changed. Mechanic or shop receipt is better proof of date.

Check how long ago has the engine spark plugs, cables,
distributor cap and rotor has been changed. Mechanic or
shop receipt is better proof of date.

Check how long ago has the outdrive exhaust, axel & shifter
bellows been changed. Mechanic or shop receipt is better
proof of date.
©Keys Boating Channel 2021-22 All Rights Reserved.
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LIKE

BOAT BUYER'S CHECKLIST

This Checklist is for Inboard/Outboard Sterndrive Drive Boats

NOTES:
Check how long ago has the outdrive oil been changed.
Mechanic or shop receipt is better proof of date.

Has engine thermostat been changed.

Run engine on hose with muffs or do sea trial

recommended. Run for minimum of 10 minutes or more.

Check temperature gauge it should be at 160 to 175

degrees. If higher engines is over heating! Stop Engine!

Check engine oil, and look for honey or dark brown

color. If it looks milky, water has entered the engine.

With engine running turn steering wheel from port

to starboard, several times, and check for slack.
With engine running check that warm water exits the
outdrive to check cooling system pump or impeller is
working. Look for smoke coming out of exhaust.
With engine running shift into forward & reverse gear,
and make sure shifter is not hard to shift. Important:
make sure nobody is close to props before shifting!
Check trailer axel, springs for excessive rust & corrosion,
Check tires, and remove tire bearing cap, make sure its
filled with grease.
Make sure that there are no liens on the title, and check
that the name on the title is the same on seller's driver's
license, and have seller sign the title for transfer.

Ask owner if there's anything else of the boats

performance or any important information he can share.

The best way to make certain that everything checks out, is by having a marine mechanic with you
at time of boat viewing. This checklist is only a basic minimum list of things, you can check for to
help you make an educated decision to whether to buy or not. This checklist is not professional
advice.

©Keys Boating Channel 2021-22 All Rights Reserved.