Inspecting Our New Boat

This day was was so exciting for us! We were finally able to ride in the boat that we had chosen and really liked. It was a dream realized at long last.

Ken had some time on his hands the previous month to think in advance about our boating needs. He used his time wisely and narrowed down a list of boat surveyors or boat inspectors. Their job is similar to a home inspectors job before you commit to buying a house.  They have a list of things to check for - both major and minor. Ken narrowed his list down to three surveyors then Ken picked who he felt was most competent. The fellow he picked was very thorough.

Ken coming in to start Otter for the first time. We are about

To go out for our first canal boat ride in our soon to be new boat. 

The boat inspector at the helm. One of the shipyard

workers sitting at the doorway. 

A shot of our boat’s motor from the front

engine compartment. This was open for the whole 

inspection journey -  a bit noisy but definitely 

not too bad considering.   

Leaving the boat’s mooring spot at Smelne. 

The date of our inspection was November 5, 2018. This was the day we were able to go for our first boat trip in our soon to be new boat.  The shipright was driving and the Surveyor inspecting. Generally the Surveyor found this small yacht to be in very good condition. He did pick up on a couple of mechanical things that needed to be replaced - the propellor shaft and the upper rudder bearing. He thought we should upgrade the refrigerator to a more efficient model plus a few more little detailed, minor items. This gave us a bit of a bargaining tool for lowering the price.

Driving passed the bank of the canal Across from Smelne.  

Otter in the water. 

Headed out of the protected marina to the bay. 

Here are some pictures of Otter being taken out of the water for a hull, etc inspection. If the boat becomes ours it would stay out of the water for the winter - winterstalling. At the end there is a short

video of the process.

Our boat being taken out of the water using a Shiplift. 

The ship right in the little box on the left side of the picture is very skilled at doing this. 

His small looking size gives you some perspective as to the size of the boat. 

Here she is up and out of the water. You can see the orangish 

Stain from the canal water. We’ll need to scrub that off. 

No one is allowed on board while the boat is being lifted or moved around. 

Back view of boat out of the canal. 

Once the boat is lifted out of the water it is pressure washed. 

Boat off of Shiplift and onto the trailer. It is going to be 

parked in on outside winterstalling area. 

Otter on the move.