Editor’s note: This is the second in a two-part series about sailboat sea trials.
The sea trial is your best opportunity to judge how a prospective sailboat actually performs and whether it will suit your needs. Beyond testing speed, handling and systems under way, the trial lets you “live the boat” for a few hours — to find out whether the layout, comfort and routine chores align with how you and your crew want to use her. Take time during the trial to replicate the everyday tasks you expect to do: steering, anchoring, preparing food, using the head and sleeping aboard. Those practical impressions often matter more in the long run than a handful of knots on the log.
Performance can be outstanding while comfort is lacking. If you plan to race short-handed on Wednesday nights, a spartan interior may be acceptable. If you intend to cruise with family or live aboard for extended periods, comfort and ergonomics should rank high on your checklist. Below are focused items to evaluate during a sea trial so you can determine whether the boat will serve your intended purpose.
Steering: Consider whether the helm and controls are logical, well-positioned and comfortable for long periods. Can you steer easily while trimming sails or monitoring instruments? Will the wheel or tiller obstruct movement in the cockpit? Bear in mind some owners may not allow you to take the helm for liability reasons; if so, observe from the helm position to assess visibility, reach and comfort.
Hanging out and daily use: Sit in the cockpit and test the seating for comfort and support. Can conversation be heard easily at normal levels, or does engine and wind noise dominate? Try preparing a simple snack and carrying it to the helm to test stability and passageways. Check the head for privacy, ventilation and ease of use underway. Note any persistent odors from the bilge or tanks: a bilge that sloshes and produces strong smells under way can quickly ruin daysail lunches and longer cruises.
Sleeping and accommodations: Lie down in each berth to verify pad size, mattress comfort and ventilation. Evaluate noise sources that could disturb sleep: waves hitting chines, washboards rattling, dinghy chafe or a noisy stern platform. Consider overhead clearance and the proximity of hard surfaces that could be struck when sitting up quickly in the night. Assess storage near sleeping areas for personal gear and nocturnal necessities.
Anchoring and ground tackle: Practice dropping and retrieving the anchor in suitably deep water. The rode path from locker to windlass to bow roller should be straightforward, free of chafe points and easy to manage safely. Can you secure chain or rope snugly without awkward tackles or improvisation? Watch the windlass operation for speed and overheating tendencies; a windlass that struggles or runs hot under normal loads can be a recurring maintenance problem. If you plan overnight anchoring, spend time on the hook to feel how the boat behaves at rest — a boat that is stable underway may roll and yaw excessively at anchor, affecting comfort and sleep.
Machinery
Inspecting machinery under way carries inherent risks, but a careless omission during a sea trial can lead to far greater problems later. If you are not experienced, arrange for a qualified mechanic or marine surveyor to evaluate propulsion, auxiliary systems and steering components.
Listen and feel for unusual vibration across the powerband and in all gear selections. Excessive vibration, grinding or a pulsing sensation can indicate misalignment, a bent shaft or a damaged propeller. Check the prop shaft and shaft seals for excessive leakage, movement or whipping. Minor motion at a stuffing box can be normal, but a stuffing box that hops or jumps significantly often points to alignment issues or more serious drivetrain damage. An experienced surveyor will distinguish normal wear from a problem that requires attention.
Monitor component temperatures where accessible. For example, a seawater-cooled heat exchanger should show a noticeable drop in temperature between inlet and outlet; little or no drop suggests marginal cooling and a potential cause for engine overheating later. Look closely for signs of deterioration such as rust streaks, oil or water weeping from fittings, loose hose clamps and corroded electrical connections.
Accessibility is a crucial and commonly overlooked factor. Verify that you can reach serviceable components with basic tools and remove items when routine maintenance or replacement is required. Dockside walkthroughs should include checking clearances around the starter, alternator, raw-water pump and other service items. In practice, I’ve seen starters that could only be replaced by removing the engine or cutting cabinetry, and installations where a refrigeration compressor lay directly against a raw-water pump, forcing the removal of refrigerant to reach a simple impeller. Those packaging mistakes translate into expensive and inconvenient repairs over the life of the boat.
Finally, document any concerns and ask the seller for clarification. Use a checklist and take notes or photos during the trial so you can compare boats objectively later. Read widely, seek advice from experienced owners and engage qualified professionals for surveys and mechanical inspections when appropriate. Investing time and some expert help before you buy greatly reduces the risk of unpleasant surprises and lays the groundwork for many enjoyable seasons on the water.
January 2013 issue