Synopses & Reviews
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 sailboatthe 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 boatand usually required for financingbut 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.
Synopsis
". . . the perfect place to begin, or continue, your education."
--Sailing
Whether you are shopping for a used fiberglass boat or prioritizing maintenance tasks on the one you already own, this book saves money--and perhaps even disaster. With clear step-by-step drawings and instructions, Don Casey explains how to recognize problems--both surface and hidden--and how to separate cosmetic flaws from serious faults.
Synopsis
How to save money--and possibly disaster--whether overseeing maintenance on an old boat or shopping for a used fiberglass boat.
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.
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