Consider this: most case scenarios regarding sales in today's market indicate that rehashed negotiations based on poor marine and engine survey reports yield the seller an even lower price for his boat. We are all guilty of putting off those simple chores that can eventually develop into nightmares.

Nothing depreciates more rapidly in value than a neglected boat. Needless to say, it can certainly influence a potential buyer's opinion during a broker's presentation and in turn reflect on any offers he or she may submit.

We know that very few buyers are seeking neglected boats: meaning the majority desire those boats where pride of ownership is obvious, and quite frankly, so do the brokers.

Here are some simple guidelines that can assure a positive presentation of your boat and minimize surveyors’ dreaded recommendations.


REMEMBER: You never get a second chance to create a first impression!

HULL & DECK:

1. Hull and deck washed on a regular basis? Stainless polished?

2. Deck fittings - cleats, turning blocks, tracks, pad eyes, etc. neat, clean & functional?

3. Lazarette and locker hinges free of rust, swing easily and latch properly?

4. Pulpit and stanchion mounts flush with all fasteners in place?

5. Hatch & port seals clean, tight & not leaking?

6. Deck mast step and boot water tight and neat?

7. All caulking intact and in good condition (portlights, hatches and teak decks)?

8. Teak trim and hatch boards clean, properly treated or varnished?

9. Canvas clean, intact and all snaps/connectors functioning?

10 Is bilge clean & dry?

ELECTRICAL

BATTERIES:

1. Are they of marine grade?

2. Properly secured?

3. Fully charged?

4. Filled to proper level?

5. Cables clean and tight?

6. One conductor for each terminal? (unless stud is provided for additional connections)

7. Battery box or terminal protector?

ELECTRICAL PANEL AND ACCESSORIES:

1. Are breakers or fuses properly labeled?

2. Indicator lights all working?

3. Each accessory has its own fuse?

4. All 12V wiring is multi-stranded and of proper size?

5. Wiring free of splices?

6. Wire connectors are solderless crimp-on type?

7. Wiring is supported at least every 18 inches?

8. All 12V lights are working?

9. Battery charger is mounted in a dry space?

10. Cables are protected from chafe?

11. 110V shore power terminals are clean?

12. Shore power cord is clean and neatly stowed?

MECHANICAL

1. Power train clean and accessible?

2. Engine and transmission fluids clean and at proper levels?

3. Filters and engine covers free of leaks?

4. Engine fittings and mounts free of rust or corrosion?

5. Hoses and belts of marine grade and not cracked?

6. Strut bearings within allowable wear?

7. Packing glands and stuffing boxes properly serviced?

8. Pumps clearly accessible and operating?

9. Thru-hull valves free of corrosion and properly serviced?

10. All plumbing accessible and properly fitted?

11. Zincs in proper locations and replaced if necessary?

12. Engine room degreased & clean?

RIGGING:

1. Are terminal fittings (swage, etc.) free of cracks and rust?

2. Turnbuckles turn freely and are sufficiently lubricated?

3. Cable halyard and standing rigging free of broken wire strands?

4. Are spars free of galvanic corrosion (bubbles or white powder)?

5. Welds on spars free from corrosion at crevices?

6. Spreader ends are secured to shrouds and protected?

7. Chainplates are properly aligned with turnbuckles, stays and shrouds?

8. Chainplates are sealed and water tight?

9. Rivets and screws from sail tracks and similar fittings are properly secured?

INTERIOR:

1. Free from odors? (bilge, oil or holding tank!)

2. Interior tidy & uncluttered?

3. Excluded equipment off the boat to avoid confusion?

4. Upholstery clean and in good condition?

GROUND TACKLE:

1. Anchors properly stowed and secured?

2. Chain clean and free of corrosion?

3. Anchor windlass operating, clean and covered?

4. Anchor rollers of proper size and operating?

SAFETY EQUIPMENT:

1. Fire extinguishers are the proper type?

2. Required number of fire extinguishers on board?

3. Fire extinguishers are currently tagged?

4. Halon or CO2 charged and inspected?

5. Flares are not out dated?

6. Horn and/or bell in operating condition?

7. Life jackets in good condition and proper type?

8. Proper number of life jackets on board?

9. Proper life ring on board?

10. Life raft adequate for size of vessel and currently inspected?