Boat Inspection Checklist

This checklist is not my original work but was found somewhere on the internet when I was boat shopping.  I would give credit to someone... if I could find it again!

1.1 LOA:
1.2 LOH:
1.3 LWL:
1.4 Bmax:
1.5 BWL:
1.6 Draft:
1.7 Mast Height (65 ft clearance on ICW):
1.8 Displacement:
1.9 Maximum Load (1% LWL Rule):
1.10 Displacement Volume:
1.11 Ballast:
1.12 Sail Area of main:
1.13 Sail Area of fore triangle:
1.14 Total Sail Area:
1.15 Length-Beam Ratio:
1.16 Ballast Ratio:
1.17 DLR:
1.18 SLR:
1.19 Max Speed:
1.20 Water plane area:
1.21 Pounds per inch of immersion
1.22 SA DR:
1.23 Point of maximum stability:
1.24 Limit of positive stability:
1.25 Stability ratio:
1.26 Stability index:
1.27 Capsize screening value:
1.28 Fuel capacity:
1.29 Water capacity:
1.30 Engine Make:            Model:        Hp:
1.31 Generator Make:        Model:        Hp:

2.1 Blister history:
2.2 Resin type:
2.3 Barrier coat:
2.4 Bonded ground plane:
2.5 Is there cored construction:
2.5.1 Below waterline:
2.5.2 Above waterline:
2.5.3 Is core sealed:
2.5.4 External skin thickness:
2.6 What is deck construction:
2.6.1 How are through deck fasteners sealed:
2.6.2 Does deck hardware have backing blocks:
2.6.3 How is the hull to deck joint made:
2.7 Is hull sound for offshore work:

3.1 What type of keel:
3.1.1 What type of ballast:
3.1.2 Is ballast internal:
3.1.3 Are keel bolts accessible:
3.1.4 Are keel bolts replaceable:
3.2 Thoughts on keel during grounding:

4.1 What is rudder configuration:
4.2 If full skeg is lower bearing at base of skeg:
4.3 Will keel ground first:
4.4 Will rudder / skeg take grounding:
4.5 How is the rudder shaft sealed:
4.6 Is the shaft accessible:

5.1 Does boat have strut:
5.1.1 What type V or P:
5.1.2 How is it mounted:
5.1.3 Are fasteners accessible:
5.2 Is propeller accessible from surface of water with mask and snorkel:

6.1 Is there a central sump:
6.2 Is there sufficient bilge area:
6.3 If there is interior grid will there be drainage:
6.4 Where are the fuel tanks:
6.4.1 How are they secured:
6.4.2 Are they grounded:
6.4.3 Are they usable on both tacks:
6.5 Where are the water tanks:
6.5.1 How are they secured:
6.5.2 Usable on both tacks:

7.1 Rig type:
7.2 Deck or keel stepped mast:
7.2.1 If keel stepped is there a sufficient seal:
7.3 Are spreaders swept back:
7.4 Are spreaders well designed for load spread on mast:
7.5 Rod or Wire rigging:
7.5.1 304 stainless or 316 stainless (316 better):
7.6 Shroud Angles (should be 10deg prefer 13 deg):
7.7 Standing rigging terminal type:
7.7.1 Full toggles:
7.7.2 Are chainplates aligned properly
7.8 List sails:
7.8.1 Sail conditions:
7.8.2 Are there storm sails:
7.9 Foresail reefing type:
7.9.1 Reefing line rigging ok:
7.9.2 Brand and model:
7.10 Stasail Reefing Type:
7.10.1 Reefing line rigging ok:
7.10.2 Brand and model:
7.11 Are forsails sheeted inboard or outboard:
7.12 Sheeting angles:
7.13 Describe main sail reefing system:
7.14 Describe main sail traveler:
7.15 Describe vang, rigid or not:
7.16 Is there a preventer:
7.17 Downwind pole on boat:
7.17.1 How is it stored:
7.18 Describe sail handling lines:
7.18.1 Routing to cockpit:
7.18.2 Clutches:
7.18.3 Winch layout:
7.18.4 Winch operation:
7.19 Is there a separate trysail track:
7.20 Is the top of the sail reachable for sail cover install:
7.21 Are there mast steps:
7.22 Is there a mast pulpit:

8.1 Center of Aft cockpit:
8.1.1 If center how is exit out of cockpit:
8.2 Is boom well clear of cockpit heads:
8.3 Is mainsheet traveler out of the way:
8.4 Is the companion way above the cockpit sole:
8.5 Can dropboards be locked in place:
8.6 How does the cockpit drain:
8.7 Will the cockpit drain when heeled:
8.8 Does the windward side deck dump water into the cockpit:
8.9 Can you sleep in the cockpit:
8.10 Can you brace across the cockpit when heeling
8.11 Are the seat backs comfortable:
8.12 Are the tops comfortable t sit on?
8.13 Are winches accessible:
8.14 Is there small storage areas:
8.15 Steering brand:
8.16 Good visibility sitting:
8.17 Are steering components accessable:
8.17.1 Is steering bolted in place with backing blocks:
8.17.2 Is emergency steering access able:
8.17.3 Can it steer boats in heavy seas:
8.18 Is there an autopilot:
8.18.1 Make:        Type:        Condition:
8.19 Is there a cockpit table:
8.20 Are there drink holders:
8.21 Are there cockpit cushions:
8.22 Are the cockpit locker lids sealed:
8.23 How and where do the lockers drain:
8.24 Are the engine controls accessible without having to bend down:
8.24.1 Will the controls foul on sheets and lines:
8.25 Is the engine panel above flooding level:
8.26 Are fuel tank vents above heel angle and flooding lines:
8.27 Are instruments viewable from helm:
8.28 Can you read all instruments on binnacle without crouching:
8.29 Is there a manual bilge pump:

9.1 Is there standing head room:
9.2 Is there an easy exit from cockpit:
9.3 Will dodger resist waves:
9.4 Can covers be removed without frames:
9.5 Does the bimini fold down:
9.6 Does the base of the dodger have a coming:
9.7 Is there good visibility:
9.8 Does it shed water:
9.9 Are there covers for the windows:
9.10 Are there side screens:
9.11 Can forward face be opened:
9.12 Can winches operate without fouling the bimini:

10.1 Is the LPG compartment sealed and vented:
10.2 Is there a fuel locker:
10.3 Outboard motor stowage:
10.4 Outboard crane:
10.5 Is there a dinghy
10.5.1 How is it stowed:
10.5.2 What size:        Brand:
10.5.3 Davits:
10.6 Is there a life raft:
10.7 Is there a life sling or COB pole:
10.8 Is there stowage for:
10.8.1 Diesel cans:
10.8.2 Water cans:
10.8.3 Large funnel
10.8.4 Fenders
10.8.5 Dock lines:
10.8.6 Power lines:
10.8.7 Water hose:
10.8.8 Spare rigging:
10.8.9 Sail covers:
10.8.10  Sails:
10.8.11  Life jackets:
10.8.12  Hatchboards:
10.8.13  Fishing tackle:
10.8.14  Dive / snorkel gear:
10.8.15  Dive compressor:
10.8.16  Navigation tools, hand compass, binocs, horn:
10.8.17  Stern anchor & rode:
10.8.18  Boat hook:
10.8.19  Deck brush and sponges:
10.8.20  Buckets:
10.9 Is there a mounting location for:
10.9.1 Wind vane:
10.9.2 Wind generator:
10.9.3 Solar panels:
10.9.4 Boarding ladder:
10.10 Is there protected stowage for:
10.10.1  Refrigerator condenser:
10.10.2  Autopilot electronics:
10.10.3  Inverter:
10.10.4  Watermaker:
10.10.5  AC Generator:

11.1 Are ports, windows, and hatches seaworthy:
11.1.1 Are hatches close to centerline:
11.1.2 If hatches are open what is minimum flooding angle:
11.2 Is there adequate non skid:
11.3 Is the side deck open for traffic:
11.3.1 Are the lines, sheets, cars, poles out of way:
11.3.2 Are there handholds and footholds forward:
11.4 Are jacklines accessible from cockpit:
11.4.1 Are there separate padeyes for jacklines:
11.5 Are the lifelines a minimum of 30 inches high:
11.5.1 How are stanchions mounted:
11.5.2 Are there gates in the lifelines:
11.5.3 Will dinghy boarding be easy:
11.5.4 Are there side supports for stanchions:     Gates:
11.5.5 Are the lifelines holes drilled, bent rod, or hollow:
11.5.6 Are the lifelines 316 SS:
11.6 Is there a double bow roller:
11.6.1 Is there room for a danforth and plow anchor:
11.6.2 How is access to the area:
11.6.3 Will anchors hit topsides:
11.6.4 Is there a method to secure anchors at sea:
11.7 Are there large well mounted cleats inline with bow roller:
11.8 Are the midships cleats protected from chafe:
11.9 Are the stern cleats protected from chafe:
11.10 What is the windless type:        Model#:    Age:
11.11 Is there a dam behind the windless to contain dirt:
11.12 Is there a saltwater washdown pump:
11.13 How is rope rode stored:
11.14 Will chain rode self store:

12.1 Is the nav station and galley close to center of motion:
12.2 Is the head and saloon close to center of motion:
12.3 Is there a wet locker close to companionway:
12.4 Are there a minimum of 2 sea births:
12.5 Is there dedicated stowage for long term crew:

13.1 How are cabinet doors kept closed:
13.2 How are drawers kept closed:
13.3 Is the cabin sole locked down in some way:
13.4 Are batteries locked down:
13.5 Are fiddle rails high enough and vertical:
13.6 Are there clean out slots in fiddle rails:
13.7 Are there handholds throughout the boat:
13.8 Does the companion way ladder have nonskid:

14.1 Are side hulls and cabin top insulated:
14.2 Will framed metal ports drip on births:
14.3 Is there a driprail / grab rail below portholes:
14.4 Do portholes have external drains:
14.5 Are there louvers or can on locker doors:
14.6 How many hatches are there and where:
14.6.1 Is there one on the fordeck:
14.6.2 Does the fordeck hatch open forward:
14.6.3 Are there head hatches:
14.6.4 Do they hinge open to the aft:
14.6.5 Is there a hatch over the stove:
14.6.6 Does it hinge open aft:
14.6.7 Can hatches be open during rain:
14.6.8 Are there wind scoops:
14.6.9 Can hatches be close with wind scoops in place:
14.7 Are there opening port lights:
14.8 Is there adequate ventilation in the pilot house or deck saloon:
14.9 Is the aft cabin well vented:
14.10 Is the quarter berth well vented:
14.11 Are there bug screens for the hatches:

15.1 Is there an a/c unit:
15.1.1 Is there shore power to it:
15.1.2 Is there a generator power to it:
15.1.3 Does it have ducting:
15.2 Is there a heater:
15.2.1 What type of fuel:
15.2.2 Location:
15.2.3 Ducting:
15.3 Is there a carbon monoxide detector:

16.1 Is the nav station accessible from companionway:
16.1.1 Is it protected from spray:
16.2 Is there a minimum of 36 x 30 for charts:
16.2.1 Stowage for charts:
16.2.2 Stowage for nav tools:
16.2.3 Stowage for nav books:
16.3 Is the electrical distribution panel easily accessible:
16.4 Can you get to the back of the panel:
16.5 Is there room left on the electronics panel:
16.6 Is there night time red light:
16.7 Will the nav station disturb the off watch crew:

17.1 Is it close to the companion way:
17.2 Will it hold 4 sets of foul wx gear:
17.3 Does it drain to bilge:
17.4 Will it stowe the abandon ship bag, harnesses, and safety lines:

18.1 Is it close to cockpit and saloon:
18.2 Is it out of the way for ships traffic:
18.3 Does it offer good support while heeled:
18.4 Is the stove gimbaled:
18.4.1 Does it swing free:
18.4.2 Will lockers block pans on it:
18.5 Can cook stay to side of stove:
18.6 Can cook brace and use both hands to cook:
18.7 Is there a grab bar:
18.8 What is stove fuel LPG:
18.8.1 Is there a remote shutoff panel:
18.8.2 Do you have to reach over the stove for the panel:
18.9 Is there a microwave:
18.9.1 Does it open for and aft:
18.10 Is the dishwashing location away from stove:
18.11 What is the countertop material:
18.12 Are sinks below the countertop:
18.13 Is there a molded in backsplash:
18.14 Is the sink area sealed from rest of counter:
18.15 1 or 2 sinks:
18.15.1  What size are they:
18.15.2  Will they drain on both tacks:
18.15.3  Will the sinks spray when pounding:
18.15.4  Do sinks have u traps:
18.16 Are the seacocks accessible:
18.17 Is there a foot pump:          Salt:        Fresh:
18.18 Is there fitted stowage for dishes:        Glasses:
18.19 Is there stowage for pots:        Larger pans:
18.20 Is there a spice rack:
18.21 Is shelving fiddled:
18.22 Are locker doors large enough:
18.23 Is there a paper towel holder:
18.24 Is there a firex:
18.25 Is there stowage for:
18.25.1  Potholders:
18.25.2  Cleaning supplies:
18.25.3  Paper towels:
18.25.4  Veggies:
18.25.5  Fruit:
18.25.6  Canned goods:
18.26 Is there a cutting board:
18.27 Is the galley easy to clean:
18.28 Is the galley well lit:
18.29 Is the icebox well lit:
18.30 Can you access the ice box:
18.30.1  Can you reach the bottom
18.30.2   Is there a front opening door:
18.30.3   Is the box easy to clean:

19.1 Is there headroom throughout:
19.2 Is there sea births:
19.2.1 Lee cloths
19.2.2 Length acceptable:
19.2.3 Width:
19.3 Are the settees comfortable:
19.4 The seat cushion:
19.4.1 Is the brand known:
19.4.2 What condition are covers in:
19.4.3 Are there dirt covers:
19.4.4 Are cushions fixed for heeling:
19.5 Can you eat a meal without blocking traffic though boat:
19.6 Does the table have fiddle rails:
19.6.1 Are they removable:
19.7 Does table convert to berth:
19.7.1 Easy:
19.8 Will the table take large loads:
19.9 Is there provisions for:
19.9.1 TV:
19.9.2 VCR/DVD:
19.9.3 Audio:
19.10 Is there stowage for:
19.10.1  Books:
19.10.2  Video media:
19.10.3  Wine & Liquor:

20.1 Is there standing headroom in cabins:
20.2 Is there standing headroom in shower and heads:
20.3 Is there headroom getting in and out of bed:
20.4 Can you read in bed:
20.5 Are there reading lights:
20.6 Is there fans for every berth:
20.7 Are there lee cloths were appropriate:
20.8 Is there sufficient closet space:
20.9 It is easy to make bed
20.10 Are lockers under bed easy to get to:
20.11 Is there insulation from noise:

21.1 Is there a separate shower stall 26x26 minimum:
21.1.1 Are there grab rails in stall:
21.1.2 Will the stall drain on both tacks:
21.1.3 Does the shower stall have a raised pan:
21.1.4 Is shower handheld and mounted:
21.1.5 Is there stowage for soaps and goods:
21.2 Can you dress in head compartment:
21.3 Does the door open inward:
21.3.1 Can the door take a falling hit:
21.4 Are there handholds in the head:
21.5 Does the toilet face fore and aft with bracing:
21.6 Can the toilet be hosed down with shower:
21.7 Is the toilet ever below the water line when heeled:
21.8 Are there siphon breaks on discharge line:
21.9 Is suction ahead of discharge or on other side of hull:
21.10 Are through hulls always immersed during heeling:
21.11 What is hose quality:
21.12 Does holding tank have y valve:
21.13 Does holding tank have level indicator:
21.14 Is there method to pump overboard at sea:
21.15 Will the sink be below the waterline during heeling:
21.16 Are all through hulls easily operable:
21.17 Is there nighttime red lighting:

22.1 Icebox volume:
22.2 Interior surface material:
22.3 Insulation type and thickness:
22.4 Are iceboxes touching engine room:
22.5 Do lids and doors have double seals:
22.6 Is any drain sealed with a u trap:
22.7 What type compressors:        Models:
22.8 What type cold plates:            Models:
22.9 What type solution:
22.10 DC power consumption:
22.11 AC power consumption:
22.12 Will the refrig operate auto when engine is on:
22.13 Can cold plates be removed without tearing box open:

23.1 Will refrig operate while boat is un occupied:
23.2 Calculate 7 day load:

24.1 What is battery capacity:
24.2 What is alternator capacity:        Model:
24.3 Are there spares:
24.4 One or two banks:
24.5 Is there an engine battery:
24.6 Is there a multistep regulator:        Model:
24.7 Is there a system monitor:        Model:
24.8 Wind generator:            Model:
24.9 Solar panels:                Model:
24.10 Voltage regulator for wind or solar:
24.11 Is inverter properly wired:
24.11.1  Can you turn it off:
24.11.2   Is there an easy breaker:
24.12 DC lighting type:            Number of lights:
24.13 Fans:        Brands:        Number:

25.1 Is there:
25.1.1 Voltmeter
25.1.2 Amp meter
25.1.3 Systems monitor
25.1.4 Main breaker
25.1.5 Circuit breakers
25.1.6 Tricolor
25.1.7 Running lights
25.1.8 Bow light
25.1.9 Anchor light
25.1.10  Strobe
25.1.11  Compass light
25.1.12  Spreader lights
25.1.13  Autopilot
25.1.14  SSB
25.1.15  Radar
25.1.16  VHF
25.1.17  Cell phone
25.1.18  WX Fax
25.1.19  Spotlight
25.1.20  Navigation 1
25.1.21  Navigation 2
25.1.22  Cabin lights by zone
25.1.23  Engine room lights
25.1.24  Engine room blower
25.1.25  Fans
25.1.26  Entertainment
25.1.27  Stereo
25.1.28  DC outlets
25.1.29  Freshwater
25.1.30  Saltwater wash
25.1.31  Shower sump
25.1.32  Macerator
25.1.33  Oil discharge
25.1.34  Fuel sample
25.1.35  LPG system
25.1.36  Refrigeration
25.1.37  Panel lights
25.1.38  Watermaker
25.1.39  Heater
25.1.40  Others list:
25.2 Circuit Specifications
25.2.1 3% voltage drop wired:
25.2.2 How is wiring looking:
25.2.3 Are terminals plated in copper:
25.2.4 Are terminal ends heat shrink coated:
25.2.5 Labels:
25.2.6 Wiring diagram:

26.1 How many AC inlets:            Ratings:
26.2 Is there a shore power cord:        Length:
26.3 Are there adaptors for different shore power plugs:
26.4 How long is cable run from shore power inlet to panel:
26.5 Is there a galvanic isolator:        Model:
26.6 Can generator power entire AC system:
26.7 Is AC and DC system properly grounded:
26.8 AC breakers:
26.9 Is there GFCI outlets all around:
26.10 Is UL 1426 BC5w2 cable used throughout:
26.11 Is there physical separation between AC and DC systems:
26.12 Are wires supported properly:
26.13 Is there a wire diagram:

27.1 Is there:
27.1.1 Voltmeter
27.1.2 Ammeter
27.1.3 Freq. meter
27.1.4 Ground continuity tester
27.1.5 Reverse polarity alarm
27.1.6 Generator select switch
27.1.7 CBs
27.1.8 Microwave
27.1.9 Water heater
27.1.10  Outlets
27.1.11  Watermaker
27.1.12  Engine room outlets
27.1.13  Inverter
27.1.14  AC
27.1.15  Refrigeration
27.1.16  Washer / Dryer
27.1.17  Trash
27.1.18  Dive pump