Purchase Inspection Checklist 26M

A forum for discussing topics relating to MacGregor Powersailor Sailboats
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TheSailingRode
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Purchase Inspection Checklist 26M

Post by TheSailingRode »

One of our YouTube viewers sent me an email asking about what to inspect as he was looking to put an offer in on a Mac 26M. I put together this quick list and thought I would share. I am sure I missed items, so please add on. I also recommended he use a surveyor if this was a more expensive boat and recommended he come here and search the forum for survey advice.

Pull the centerboard all the way out to check damage, they are designed to break easily so they don't damage the trunk. Lay out all the sails, look for stains / damage. Have the previous owner (PO) setup the mast. Check each stay (wire) for frayed wires. Check all lines for excessive fraying. Check block bearings for wear. Winches should rotate by hand, some get sticky from non-use and will loosen up. Start engine with water flaps if out of water, let run for a couple minutes, try forward / reverse and throttle. Does shifter and throttle move easily? if not, prob need new cables. Check cable connection right near motor, they often crack due to the tight angle when tilted up. Tilt engine all the way up/ down. If you are not good with marine engines, then find a mobile marine mechanic to check out the engine, compression, lower unit gear oil, engine oil (immediately service the engine after purchase, including replacing the impeller, unless PO can show it was just done, then you can set your own service schedule.) Ask PO for honest hours on engine, unless there is an engine meter, this is a guess by most owners. Check inside fuel tank for clean / clear. Check fuel lines, no cracks?, flexible? Check fuel connections for leaks? Raise and lower rudders, look at rudder stops, often get bent if PO grounded then in reverse. Check steering all the way from left to right. Use a flashlight to look over all steering connections in rear bunk for wear and bent rods. Fill ballast tank while on trailer, should not leak out release valve. Check each electrical switch and each light, don't forget to check mast lights while mast is up. Look over electrical connections for burn marks, is the wiring a mess or organized / clean? If wired for shore power, it is good to have a marine electrical specialist to review as DIY shore power setups are a big source of fires. Many boats are wired with lots of devices tied into the battery posts, you can fix that later if needed. Test any electrical equipment, GPS, depth sounder, etc. Test sink pump. Move the sink from front position to back, it should slide easily. Take the porta-potty apart and look for evidence of leaks. Ask the PO if there has been any fiberglass repairs. Especially important if the bottom is painted and you cannot see all the fiberglass. Use a flashlight to look in each compartment, look for mold, look for any evidence of hull repairs. Look for water stains on wall carpet. Check table connection for damage. Chain plates often leak and need sealing regularly, look at chain plates closely for cracks, rust. Check mast and boom for bends and any loose or cracked hardware. Check spreaders closely for bends & cracks at mast connection. Also closely check front stay connection for cracks. Check mast step for evidence of previous bends. Make sure PO has safety stays for mast setup and never setup mast without them. Stand on swim ladder. Open cushions to look for mold on foam. Wiggle each stanchion and pulpit to make sure secure, look at all the bases for cracking, look inside underneath each one for leaking. Inspect deck to hull joint all the way around boat carefully for any evidence of repairs. Open and close hatches, check seal for cracks. Windows, especially ones on front deck will have crazing, it is very common and does not mean they leak or are not strong, but still check around windows for any evidence of leaking. A good new trailer is $3000-$5000, most trailers and not maintained well, so plan $$ to repack bearings and possibly replace brakes unless PO shows evidence that it was recently done. Look over all tires close for wear and cracks, ask how old are the tires, they should be replaced every four years even if look new. Check trailer tongue careful for rust, the previous owner of our Mac25 had the tongue break off on the freeway as he brought the boat home after the purchase. Luckily the chains held. Check tongue winch operation. Check D hook on boat hull, tight to hull, no gaps. Check trailer stand operation. Check the trailer lights, stop, blinkers, running lights.

- Steve

2010 26M
The Sailing Rode Podcast
http://www.thesailingrode.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Er7o ... 6LOFZlA9Wg
Kopfjager
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Re: Purchase Inspection Checklist 26M

Post by Kopfjager »

That was pretty thorough Steve. Can't really think of anything to add. I will say this though, I'm patiently awaiting new videos from you and Brandy on Youtube. (hint hint) I have to be a Youtube sailor in the winter months.
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1st Sail
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Re: Purchase Inspection Checklist 26M

Post by 1st Sail »

The great thing about sailors and mariners in general is they have a good moral compass. However, when you are about to spend your hard earned money it's time to get down to business. If you lack the experience you can always employ Boat US services to represent you in the sale. If you choose to negotiate and close the deal like I did here are my suggestions.
Follow the excellent list above to the letter. Put your enthusiasm on hold until after the deal is closed. Have all the conversation(s) needed until your are confident. Once you make up your mind to purchase the boat it's time to get down to business. From that point on all communications are in writing.
With due respect to the seller and yourself inform the seller that you intend to negotiate in writing. Make all offers in writing and only accept counter offers in writing.
-Request a complete list of accessories included in the sale. Sails, cushions, electronics, pfd's etc.
-When you visit the seller write down the hull number of the boat, snap a photo of the motor name plate.
-Always refer to the boat by make, model, hull number.
-Once you agree on the selling price request a photo copy of title and current registration.
-Verify the hull number listed on the title with your notes.
-If the title is clear the owner should be able to produce a photo copy immediately. Request a photo copy of both sides. If the title is not clear or is pledged as collateral the title will most likely be in possession of the lending institution but not necessarily.
-To be fair to the seller offer payment in the form of cashiers check drawn on your local bank. Once drawn email a photo copy of the check prior to closing. Allow the seller ample time to call your bank and verify the cashiers check.
-contact your insurance company so you have coverage to transport the boat
The previous owner of my boat emailed me a photo copy of his clear title. In respect to him I sent a photo copy of the cashiers check for his verification if he was so inclined. He was an excellent and honest individual.
Be thoroughly familiar with proper signatory procedures for title transfers in your state.
Sign and transfer the title, exchange the check....go sailing!

You can also join Boat US and procure their purchasing services. I believe they still provide title search services, representation, proper documentation and title transfer. Also you can use their market value reference services for free as a member.

Good luck.
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kadet
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Re: Purchase Inspection Checklist 26M

Post by kadet »

I love the way you guys have all the title stuff to protect you from less scrupulous sellers , here boats are sold with split and a handshake, heck if the motor is under 6hp the things don't even need to be registered and you don't need a license to operate them 8)
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TheSailingRode
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Re: Purchase Inspection Checklist 26M

Post by TheSailingRode »

Kopfjager wrote:That was pretty thorough Steve. Can't really think of anything to add. I will say this though, I'm patiently awaiting new videos from you and Brandy on Youtube. (hint hint) I have to be a Youtube sailor in the winter months.
Yes, we have been talking about getting some new videos out. We got really sidetracked with the wedding and new house but things are settling down and we should have some new content out soon. Thanks for watching!
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TheSailingRode
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Re: Purchase Inspection Checklist 26M

Post by TheSailingRode »

1st Sail, Great advice on the purchase procedures and I was not familiar with the Boat US services. It is always good to have an expert on your side.
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ris
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Re: Purchase Inspection Checklist 26M

Post by ris »

We have enjoyed the sailing rode also. Keep up the good work.
PAWSEIDON
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Re: Purchase Inspection Checklist 26M

Post by PAWSEIDON »

TheSailingRode wrote:
Kopfjager wrote:That was pretty thorough Steve. Can't really think of anything to add. I will say this though, I'm patiently awaiting new videos from you and Brandy on Youtube. (hint hint) I have to be a Youtube sailor in the winter months.
Yes, we have been talking about getting some new videos out. We got really sidetracked with the wedding and new house but things are settling down and we should have some new content out soon. Thanks for watching!
Steve, (TheSailingRode's)

Sorry that I may be Hijacking this post on a Side Note, But I as well LOVE your Video's and adventures. I for one would LOVE to see a bit of your special wedding day. How about sharing a Pic/Video or two.
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sailboatmike
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Re: Purchase Inspection Checklist 26M

Post by sailboatmike »

As well as checking the sails for stains, I would be checking for damage and if they are OEM sails budgeting for replacing them if they are soft, the OEM sails blow out real easy as they are so lightly constructed and most are now around 10 years old.

I amazed how many Macs I see that are 15 years old still using the original blown out sails that dont set correctly any longer, yet many still obsess if their prop needs to get 1/2" more or less pitch to get the last inth of performance from the motor, mean while they are happy to sail with chaff bags hauled up the mast.

I can hardly talk as my X has original 22 year old sails (I use the term sails loseley), My new sails are on order and I look forward to the performance increase they will provide as Im happy with her sailing performance with the old granpas undies sails, she will be a rocket ship with nice crisp new ones.

If I lived in the USA I would be buying new sails every couple of years, they are so cheap
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Bilgemaster
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Re: Purchase Inspection Checklist 26M

Post by Bilgemaster »

Oh, come on! "Chaff bags hauled up the mast" has just got to be an Ozzie euphemism for something ultra-nasty, right? I'm guessing it involves some liver-spotted old truckie geezer scoring bootleg V1agra and gearing up for his "very special evening" in Cockburn.

Image
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Tomfoolery
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Re: Purchase Inspection Checklist 26M

Post by Tomfoolery »

"Chaff bags hauled up the mast."

Like this?

Image

2008 in Cobourg Marina, Ontario. Not the most comfortable I've ever been, and not because of the height, which doesn't bother me.
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Bilgemaster
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Re: Purchase Inspection Checklist 26M

Post by Bilgemaster »

Hmmmm...Unless I'm mistaken, that rather more resembles what I'd call "a meter violation", though at admittedly dizzying heights:


Image
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sailboatmike
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Re: Purchase Inspection Checklist 26M

Post by sailboatmike »

Well I was going to say "they are as baggy as grandfathers old underpants" but the mental picture of the aforementioned stains on said granddads old underpants made a mental picture that may of been permanently scaring :D
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dlandersson
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Re: Purchase Inspection Checklist 26M

Post by dlandersson »

"centerboard" - should be "daggerboard"? 8)
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NiceAft
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Re: Purchase Inspection Checklist 26M

Post by NiceAft »

You’re correcting a four year old thread.

Steve & Brandy have not posted here in a long time. The newest YouTube posting is three years old.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Er7o ... 6LOFZlA9Wg
Ray ~~_/)~~
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