Story by Harris & Ellis / July 3, 2023
Author: Ewan Campbell, Yacht Broker Harris & Ellis Yachts
Your boat deal will likely be subject to conditions, the two most common being the survey and the sea trial. The sea trial or water test, as it is sometimes called, usually happens after the survey and just prior to closing. If your survey is primarily to inspect the structural integrity of the vessel, now the sea trial will inspect the mechanical integrity of the boat’s systems.
First and foremost is the engine, especially if you are not getting a professional engine inspection. A surveyor will inspect hoses, engine mounts, and fuel lines but will stop short of actually running the engine. Some people will tell you that you can fire up the engine on the hard, and that will certainly show that it turns over. However, it will not demonstrate the engine under load.
On the sea trial, you should run the engine up to temperature, plus 10 or 15 minutes in forward gear and a few minutes in reverse. Check for smooth shifting of the gears. Open the engine access and check for fumes or water leakage. Take the boat through some hard turns to check the steering. It is not necessary to “red line” the RPMs. Most diesels are quite happy in the 2500 to 3000 RPM range. If they feel and sound good at that range, all the better.
If you are sea-trialing a sailboat, hoist or unfurl the sails to check their condition, if you haven’t already done so.
On all boats, power up the instruments and check for functionality. Take the autopilot through some course changes. Run the pressure pumps and refrigeration. Check the bilge for water before you leave the dock and after you return.
If the seller is on board, ask them for any tips or idiosyncrasies the boat may have. Most sellers are all too happy to talk about their boats.
Once you are satisfied with the sea trial, you can confidently move toward closing. Enjoy!
Recent price improvement! A luxurious blue water cruiser centre-cockpit model with impressive light air speeds and comfortable heavy weather performance. Location: Sarnia, ON
Schedule your private showing today!
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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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