Searching for a good quality cruising boat? We have compiled a checklist of features most recommended for safety and comfort at sea. This list is based on years of offshore sailing experience. Below you will find important details that require careful consideration before making your purchase. Hull, Deck and Cockpit Interior Sails, Spar and Rigging Mechanical Systems General Considerations Hull, Deck and Cockpit Features: Does a V-shaped underbody soften pounding? Is the external lead ballast securely bolted to the hull? Is the propeller protected in an aperture? Is the rudder supported at the top and the bottom? Is it protected against grounding by a sturdy skeg? Is Vinylester resin used in hull laminations? Is there a hull warranty? What is it? Are lightning and SSB grounding systems installed? Is there a UL listed, bronze seacock for each system? Are thru-hull fittings bolted, labeled and accessible? How are the chainplates installed and bedded? Can they be easily inspected for damage? Is an electrical bonding system necessary? If so, why? Is the hull/deck joint made up as mating flanges to insure a strong, water-tight seal? What is the spacing of hull to deck fasteners? Are they stainless steel? Bolts or screws? Is the deck cored with end grain balsa? Is plywood used in areas of compression? Are proper techniques used to install deck hardware? Is polyurethane bedding used throughout? Are there bulwarks? Hand holds? Wide side decks? Is there a king plank for sure footing on the foredeck? Are stanchions welded full length to their pads and bolted thru vertical bulwarks to prevent deck leaks? Are portlights solid bronze with tempered glass? Do they all open? Do they have solid bronze dogs? Are high quality deck hatches installed? Are they large? Are hatch frames properly coated and reinforced? Are deck hatches double opening? Do large drains and deep gutters keep the cockpit dry? Is there a high bridgedeck and a strong sea hood over the hatch to keep water from finding it's way below? Are the coamings tall to keep slosh and spray out? Are the cockpit seat-backs high and secure? Are there pad-eyes for safety harnesses in the cockpit? Are locker lids beefy enough and positively secured to withstand the rigors of an offshore passage? Are there proper, well positioned engine controls? Is adequate sailing instrumentation installed? (Back To Top) Interior Features: Does the interior offer adequate hand holds and bracing for sure footing when moving about? Is the galley arranged for easy cooking underway? Is there a gimbaled stove, a safety bar? Is there stowage space for provisions, cookware? Is there refrigeration? What is the icebox capacity? How thick is the ice box insulation? Where does the box drain? Can it be pumped out? Does anything foul drain into the bilge? Is there adequate room for clothing, wet and dry? How long and deep are the bunks? Thick cushions? Are they comfortable for sleeping and as sea berths? Do ports, dorades, and hatches provide ventilation? How is the fit and finish of the interior woodwork? Does the yacht have a suitable chart table? Is there storage for charts, navigation gear, books? Are there sufficient reading lamps and dome lights? Is the interior module solid one piece construction? Are primary bulkheads fiberglass taped and bolted through a beam to the deck for structural integrity? (Back To Top) Sails, Spars and Rigging: Are sails included? Who makes them? Any choices? Can the yacht be rigged as a sloop or a cutter? If a cutter, is there a staysail boom or loose foot? Is roller furling installed? What brand? Are the spars custom built, welded, without castings? Are there full length adjustable genoa tracks? Are outboard and inboard genoa tracks installed? (Back To Top) Mechanical Systems: Can you quickly access the electrical panel? Easily? How are hoses and wires secured? Are they protected against wear and chafe? Are mechanical systems securely mounted? Is the battery capacity sufficient for cruising? Where are the batteries located? Properly secured? Is an Inverter/Charger standard equipment? Are tankage capacities sufficient for your needs? Do the water tanks have cleaning ports, valves? Are the fuel tanks removable? What material? Is the diesel auxiliary serviceable world-wide? Is there enough horsepower for tough conditions? How is access to the engine, stuffing box and steering? Is the propane locker properly vented? Is there a rust free, aluminum LPG tank? (Back To Top) General Considerations: Where will you sail your yacht? What is your budget? What level of dealer support will you require? Who is the designer? What is his or her reputation? Is the yacht built in the United States? How long has the builder been in or out of business? How long does the building process take? What is the yacht's resale value? Many used available? Can the yacht truly be single handed? In a blow? How well does the yacht point upwind? Will the yacht perform in light airs? Will it tack? What is the range of positive stability? How was it tested? What do owners and boatyards think about the yacht, the builder and your local dealer? (Back To Top) © 1998-2001 Cruising Yachts Inc.