TO RENOVATE Boat Show Prep

How to get the most from your boat show experience.

It’s extremely easy to get swept up in the carnival-like atmosphere of a typical boat show, but it pays to do your homework and thoroughly examine even new boats before unwittingly making their problems your own. Here’s how to do it the right way.

Dress to inspect

As some checks may involve cockpit crawling and bilge diving, wear comfortable clothing and shoes. A flashlight and possibly a pair of lightweight coveralls will help you get down and dirty. As most dealers request you remove your shoes prior to boarding a new boat, slip-on type shoes will save you some time.

Stay organized

Boats can blur together during the course of a busy show, so use a phone, tablet or pen and paper (along with plenty of photos) to help you organize and keep track of individual boat details for review afterwards.

Design and layout

Step back and view the boat as a whole. Is it ergonomically designed? Are the cockpit, helm and interior spaces laid out to allow a natural flow while moving through the vessel? Can specific areas be used without blocking access to the rest of the interior?

Take an imaginary test drive. Are all controls, instrumentation and electronics within view and easy reach of the helm? Is there room at the helm for future electronic installations? How about visibility from the helm — is it good while seated and standing? Is there sufficient seating? Are backrests at a comfortable angle, and is there plenty of legroom?

Lie in the bunks, stand in the galley and sit on the toilet; are they comfortable and functional or seemingly designed for someone with Area 51 body dimensions? Is the interior of the boat adequately lit and well ventilated, with good air exchange in lockers and other storage areas (to promote quick drying and prevent mold and mildew)? What about available storage? Is it sufficient for your needs, be it an occasional overnighter or extended cruise?

Quality of construction

Start by walking around the boat and inspecting the hull for abnormalities (dimples, bulges, stress cracks) while verifying that the hull-to-deck joint is uniform and free from irregularities. Press on the hull at various areas to gauge how much it flexes; does it look and (more importantly) feel solid?

Lift up floorboards, open lockers and remove cabinet drawers to gain as much access as possible to interior spaces. Are hatches finished on the inside, as well as the outside? Check that cabinets are firmly attached to the hull and that large items (refrigerators, microwaves, etc.) are securely mounted with adequately sized brackets and hardware to prevent movement in rough seas.

Check construction of the hull-to-deck joint from inside (it can typically be sighted at the bow anchor rode storage area or cockpit lockers). Is the joint bolted and caulked/glued together or fiber-glassed over, or does it use screws or pop rivets (both of which produce a weaker joint). Look for gaps and bulges, which may be an indication of poor fit or construction.

Structural bulkheads should be bonded to the hull with multiple layers of fiberglass tabbing (3 inches minimum). Bulkhead to hull joints should also employ filets or radiuses to eliminate localized stress points or “hard spots” in the hull, which can lead to fiberglass cracking and damage.

Accessibility and ease of maintenance

Open the engine hatch and note the location of items you’ll need access to on a regular basis: Dipsticks, coolant reservoirs, oil filters, sparkplugs, etc.

Locate all seacocks below the waterline. Can you physically reach them? Can they be fully opened and closed, or are they blocked by hoses, stringers or other obstacles? What about the batteries — are they securely mounted and located in an area that provides access for both routine maintenance and replacement?

How about fuel tank accessibility for inspection and repairs should problems arise? Models with removable deck panels above the fuel tank offer the best option should the tank need replacing, but keep in mind that the caulking for the panel must be maintained and occasionally renewed to prevent water from leaking onto the top of the tank, causing corrosion.

Boat shows are a great place to search for special deals, incentives and rebates when buying a new boat. They also offer an easy way to view and physically compare a number of different models and brands at the same time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and roll up your sleeves to get the best deal possible. ★

GLENN HAYES