Story by Harris & Ellis / July 12, 2023
Author: Jeff Cole, Yacht Broker Harris & Ellis Yachts
Most buyers will invest in a yacht survey before purchasing a boat. Another option is to also engage a professional to inspect and test the engine(s). It’s an added cost but can save time and money down the road if it identifies serious engine issues. Even when there are few or no issues, you can come away with a helpful list of expected short- or long-term maintenance items on your new boat.
Engine inspections happen when the boat is in the water, at the dock or, preferably, as part of a sea trial. Your inspector will spend several hours on the boat for a simple small diesel, and up to a day for a boat with twin engines and a generator. Afterwards, you’ll receive a written report of findings, but you should also get a verbal briefing on the key points immediately following the inspection.
The first stage of the assessment is a visual inspection of the engine and supporting systems. The inspector will check the oil and coolant levels and assess their condition. Is the oil clean? Does the coolant look fresh? Are there any leaks of lubricants or coolant?
Some buyers ask for an independent laboratory analysis of the engine oil, but analysis can take up to two weeks, and ideally the report will be compared to prior reports to spot trends. Those are rarely available.
Auxiliary systems are checked to be sure that all belts are tight and properly seated and that there are no signs of wear or obvious belt dust. The inspector will also make sure hose clamps are free of rust, and that fuel, water, and exhaust hoses are clamped and secured against vibration. The starter and alternator wires should be properly protected and they, plus the motor mounts and shaft coupling or outdrive, should all be in good condition.
Now the engine can be started, and the inspector will make sure that the blower runs (important on both gas and diesel engines) and that the control generates appropriate alarms when the key is turned but before the engine starts.
The engine should crank well, starting easily and smoothly, though it may be fussy if it hasn’t been started in a while. Look for adequate cooling water flow from the exhaust at idle, and colourless exhaust gasses, at least after the engine warms up.
The inspector will also check that compression is relatively consistent across all the cylinders.
Even if you don’t have an inspector onboard, on the sea trial you and your broker can let the engine run for a while at about three-quarter throttle to warm up, and check for inboard exhaust leaks, proper cooling system operation, and smooth running. You can do a short run at wide-open throttle to evaluate exhaust smoke, smooth operation, and appropriate RPM to generate optimal power to the prop.
After shutdown, check the engine again for signs of oil or coolant leakage.
Recent price improvement! A luxurious blue water cruiser centre-cockpit model with impressive light air speeds and comfortable heavy weather performance. Location: Sarnia, ON
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This Bristol Yachts 56.6 center-cockpit sailboat is a luxurious blue-water cruiser with impressive light air speeds and comfortable heavy weather performance.
She is a sloop with a wide beam, and a moderate draft with the board up.
This boat is equipped with numerous amenities for comfortable cruising.
The build quality is excellent, the interior is warm and cozy, the classic lines are striking. She is a proper yacht in immaculate condition, and she is ready to go sailing.
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The elegant, trailerable Crabber has the classic look of a topsail gaff cutter or a modern Bermuda rig set on a graceful hull with low-profile cabin and large protected cockpit, plus a long keel cut away forward for maneuverability.
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This Nelson/Marek-designed 43 was built by Carroll Marine and is 1 of only 9 built - the only one with a Wheel. She was designed under the IMS Rules of the early 1990`s and these were good-sailing seakindly boats. Major improvements to decks, hull, keel, electronics and sail inventory since 2019. FASTRAK is ready to sail, and ready to win.
Features: Volvo 45hp diesel Saildrive, new BMG electronics suite, new sails, fresh water since new
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This classic 1972 Tartan 46 is a seasoned racer/cruiser sailboat. In its first life, it sailed the Great Lakes until 2004 when it was outfitted for a two-year circumnavigation. It came back to freshwater in 2007 and has been gently sailed since then. Features: Perkins 4-108 deisel (1999), Kubota Genny (2003), AquaMarine Watermaker (2003), windlass, electronics (2003)
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This Regal 3350 Sport Cruiser is absolutely loaded with heat and air, genset, windlass, cockpit grill and large engines. If you compare with other pre-owned 3350`s on the market, there is a big difference in the details with this one - starting with the available power. The base power was the 260 hp 5.7Ls with single prop drives, up to the largest package, the 375 Hp 8.1L`s with Duo Prop drives- a $12K upgrade. With the twin 8.1Ls the 3350 is fast, nimble and a blast to drive.
https://www.harrisellis.com/boat/regal-3350-sport-cruiser/
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Designed by Robert Perry, the Saga 35 is a serious long-range, blue water cruiser for the discerning sailor. Offering a muscular sail plan with a performance hull and appendage package, she is nonetheless robustly built with numerous thoughtful features, quality equipment, spacious living and gracious style. She is a highly desirable liveaboard vessel which is meant to go places and get there quickly, comfortably and safely. The current owner has updated her wisely - new epoxy bottom, new main and jib sails, new solar panels and more. She is clean, tidy and will be sure to impress.
Whisper II is a first generation C&C MkI. Built between 1974-1977, the 33 MkI became a popular choice for those looking for a cruiser for a small family, and could still perform in racing. Whisper II has seen many upgrades over the past few years. She is well equipped for those looking to cruise and spend time on the hook, and with her arsenal of sails can still be competitive as a club racer.
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