Checklist before buying a boat
( This page is/can be used as a checklist, see "Beneteau 38" & "Beneteau 432"
This list assumes that you already have a shortlist of boat types to choose from. 
Do not forget to bring a flashlight.
Boat type  
Boat name  
Price  
Owner/ broker  
City  
   
OUTSIDE
First impression  
How are stanchions/ lifelines anchored double lifelines are  required for offshore sailing. Two screws per stanchion is not enough
Window size and opening ports material Small windows and metal openings ports are required for offshore 
Anchors (type + weight)  
Anchor well condition it should be adequately drained. Electric windlass?
Is the anchor roller well placed check if the chain can't jump out of the roller
Are there enough handrails on deck. Is the antislip OK  
Does the deck feel solid, Any signs of repair check differences in color
Check cockpit drains drains at least 4 x 3 cm
Companionway opening to cockpit sole and condition of hatch  
Check lights, wires, seals no corrosion, check connections near the spar, check compass light + autopilot
Fuel + water tank fill plates should be clearly marked
Sails 100/120/130/150% genoa, spinnaker, storm jib. Check battens. Roller furling jib system :
can you do everything from the cockpit  
check stays should be straight, no loose ends, good tension, check connection on the boat
Are turnbuckles well secured
Remarks  
INSIDE
# of berths, staterooms, heads  
Engine  Make:                                          HP (5 HP per 1000kg is required)               Hours:                (normal is 100/year) 
Built in :                                      check oil condition and color.                    Is manual start possible 
Color of exhaust                         Cold start                                                     Warm start
Run full capacity for 5 minutes and check temparature
# of batteries, condition easy accessible ?
Water tank content :           (at least 400 liter/100 gallon)  material :                              Automatic and manual water 
Fuel tank content :           (at least 100 liter/ 26 gallon)  material :
Options VHS/ SBB/ Epirb/ GPS/ Loran/ radar/ depth sounder/ autopilot/ speed log/CD player/ stereo/ TV/ airco/ dinghi/ outboard/ bimini/ fresh water deck shower/ wind speed indicator/ freezer/ fridge/ coast guard safety package/ swim ladder/ swim platform/ floatation devices/ automatic or manual bilge pump, life raft/ solar panel/ binoculars/ kitchen equipment/ emergency tiller/ child protection net/ fire extinguisher
Equipment check VHF, wind meter, etc
Keel Keel bolts OK, easy accessible, bilge dirty ? 
Manual and automatic bilge pumps + capacity
Electricity does it look neat, corrosion, easy accessible, check behind main console
any signs of leakage  
# of stoves, oven  gastank position, check gas hoses
do the marine toilets work properly  

For 2 examples, see the report an the Beneteau 38 and the Beneteau 432.


How to buy a boat in the USA




Buying a boat in the States is different from buying one in Europe.
The process in the States normally is :