Common issues
- This is a recreational motor boat (RCD-certified day cruiser), not a piece of shipboard machinery or component - the standard inspector checklist below is adapted accordingly, not a SOLAS/class survey item
- GRP hull gelcoat crazing or osmosis blistering below the waterline on older hulls
- Sterndrive or outboard corrosion (anodes depleted, electrolysis) where the boat uses a stern drive
- Steering cable or hydraulic steering wear leading to play at the helm
- Bilge pump or float switch failure going unnoticed until a rain or spray event
- Battery and electrical system corrosion at terminals in the engine bay
Inspection checklist
- Check hull below the waterline for blistering, cracking or impact damage
- Inspect sterndrive/outboard anodes and replace if significantly depleted
- Check steering system for excessive play and correct fluid level (hydraulic systems)
- Test bilge pump(s) and float switch operation
- Inspect engine mounts, belts and cooling water intake/strainer for the fitted engine
- Check safety equipment (fire extinguishers, lifejackets, flares, VHF) against RCD/local requirement and expiry dates
- Inspect fuel system and fuel tank vent for leaks or corrosion
- Check batteries, terminals and bonding for corrosion
Service intervals
| Engine service (oil, filters, impeller) | per the fitted engine manufacturer's manual, typically annually or per running hours |
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| Sterndrive/outboard anode inspection | annually, more often in warm or brackish water |
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| Safety equipment check | annually, or per local recreational craft requirement |
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Typical intervals for this design class, not the manufacturer’s figures for your model. The manufacturer’s manual is binding.
Critical spares
- Engine oil/fuel filters matching the fitted engine
- Sterndrive or outboard sacrificial anodes
- Impeller for raw-water cooling pump
- Bilge pump and float switch
Safety
- This is a recreational craft under the Recreational Craft Directive, not a commercial vessel under class survey - safety equipment and crewing rules follow the applicable recreational/leisure regulations for its area of operation
- Confirm carbon monoxide and fuel vapour precautions in enclosed engine spaces before running the engine at berth
- If petrol-engined, run the bilge blower before starting to clear fuel vapour from the bilge - confirm the actual fuel type fitted, as this does not apply to a diesel installation
Class survey
Not applicable - this is an RCD-certified recreational boat, not a vessel or component subject to classification society survey. It appears in this database's 'Quarantine' category, consistent with it being outside the normal commercial marine equipment scope.
Estimated lifetime: Not applicable in the SOLAS/class sense - service life depends on the fitted engine and hull condition; refer to the engine manufacturer's manual for its overhaul intervals.