Sea trial on Sat

[JimO68]

Hi to all,
Just wanted to say hello. I am in the process of purchasing a 1973 Columbia 30'. Trial is on Sat, any tips? First boat for me and I'm really excited.

[sailingfool]

Jim,

Will your surveyor be doing the seatrial? If that's not the plan, you should try to make that happen - as a first time boat owner you probably won't have a lot of insight as to what to look for in a seatrial, or how to recognize positive versus not-satisfactory behavior. Frankly I personally see the seatrial as somewhat of a formality as the important elements of evaluating a boat are accomplished in the marine and engine surveys.
The seatrial largely provides confirmation that gear that looks and has tested as operable does in fact work, which it usually does,

Do you have good surveys on the boat and engine...

[PBzeer]

If I remember correctly, Good Old Boat had an article about the Columbia 30 and 33 in the Mar/Apr issue. You might check that for some insight, as their articles are usually fairly good.