My FSBO inspection checklist after buying 4 boats without a broker
Asked by saltydog_frank in Buying & Selling Advice on May 23, 2026
Bought four boats owner-direct over 20 years. The checklist that's saved me each time:
• Oil analysis BEFORE the sea trial — $30 and it told me one 'freshwater only' boat had saltwater in the gearbox. • Look at the engine FIRST, cosmetics last. Sellers detail the cabin, nobody details a tired engine. • Moisture meter on the deck around every fitting. Soft deck = walk away unless you love grinding fiberglass. • Title + HIN match, and ask for receipts. An owner who kept receipts maintained the boat. • Sea trial in chop if you can get it. Everything works at the dock.
What am I missing? What's on your list?
4 replies
catalina_kate · May 24, 2026
Adding: pull the dipstick on the transmission too, not just the engine. Burnt smell killed deal #2 for me.
perkins4108 · May 25, 2026
Surveyor here (retired). 90% of what we get paid for is the moisture meter and knowing where to tap. Your list covers the rest honestly.
first_boat_bill · May 30, 2026
This thread alone is worth registering for. Used the oil analysis tip on a 1988 Carver last week — came back clean, moving to sea trial.
saltydog_frank · May 31, 2026
@first_boat_bill good luck with the Carver — check the fuel tanks on those, aluminum tanks from the 80s are on borrowed time.