Become an Expert Judge of Used Sailboats Step by step, the author of the bestselling This Old Boat shows you how to evaluate the condition of an older fiberglass sailboat--the one you own or the one you'd like to purchase. Don Casey's expert advice helps you: Assess the condition of a used sailboat in 30 minutes Prioritize maintenance and repair tasks for a boat you already own Catch potential problems early Know where to look and what to look for (and how to interpret what you see) A professional survey is recommended before purchasing a boat--and usually required for financing--but with Inspecting the Aging Sailboat, you can consider and reject any number of boats before settling on "the one." This book will streamline your used-boat shopping while saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in professional survey fees. "The perfect place to begin, or to continue your education...As a reviewer of both new and used boats, I own many books filled with advice. I strongly suspect that Inspecting the Aging Sailboat is the one I will consult most."--Sailing "A complete reference for the boatowner or prospective boat buyer on evaluating the condition of fiberglass sailboats using common sense and proven advice. "--GAM on Yachting Magazine (Canada) Don Casey is one of today's best and most trusted do-it-yourself boating writers. His nine books include the bestselling This Old Boat and Sailboat Electrics Simplified. He writes the long-running "Ask Don Casey" column for BoatUS.com and is a monthly columnist for Sailnet.com and a regular SAIL magazine contributor.

Table of Contents

Introduction Surveying a Boat for Purchase Determining the Needs of Your Own Boat Hull Fair and True? Signs of Stress or Trauma Delamination Gelcoat Problems Blisters Moisture Content Keel Rudder Cutless Bearings and Propeller Through-Hull Fittings Deck Hull-to-Deck Joint Surface Damage Nonskid Core Problems Hatches Portlights Deck Hardware Canvas Rig Mast and Boom Step Cap Spreaders Goosenecks, Sheets, and Vangs Stays and Shrouds Roller Furling Sails Interior Bulkhead Attachment Stringers and Floors Interior Pans Distortion Signs of Leakage Tankage Head Galley Seacocks Bilge Pumps Comfort and Safety Decor Engine and Steering Engine Access Visual Clues Mounting and Alignment Stuffing Box Exhaust Smoke Running the Engine Oil Steering Gear Electrical System Battery Breaker Panel Wire and Connectors Alternator Pumps and Motors Lights Electronics Other Considerations Design Reputation Performance Accomodations Equipment Value Boat-Buyer's 30-Minute Survey Hull Deck Rig Below Impression Appendix: Hiring a Professional Index

About the Author

Don Casey abandoned a career in banking in 1983 to devote more time to cruising and writing. He is the coauthor of the bestselling Sensible Cruising: The Thoreau Approach and the author of the universally praised guide This Old Boat.

Reviews

"The perfect place to begin or to continue your education...As a reviewer of both new and used boats, I own many books filled with advice. I strongly suspect that Inspecting the Aging Sailboat is the one I will consult most." - Sailing Magazine"