On 15 Mar 2005 06:31:39 -0800, "sfcarioca"
wrote:

I'm taking it out on
the water... can you suggest what to look for and what questions to ask
when I'm out on the water?

Have a professional boat surveyor and engine surveyor along for the
sea trial. They will notice things that even experienced boaters
would miss.

- I'm also thinking of getting an engine/hull survey, is it worth the
money for a boat this new?

Absolutely. Don't even dream of spending that much money with out a
professional survey of both boat and engine. I've never gotten a
pre-purchase survey that did not pay for its self many times over in
price adjustments.

- The boat will be used mostly in the SF Bay, with short trips outside
the Golden Gate. Is this boat big enough for the bay or are the waters
too rough for it?

Yes to both. Many days will be too rough, especially in the
afternoon.

- My wife is worried about the smell that the marine head will have.
The seller recently replaced the holding tank because of the smell. Is
there a way to properly maintain and clean the head to keep it from
smelling?

Yes but you may have to re-engineer the holding tank, vents and hoses.

thanks for the advice!!!

No problem. Good luck with the surveys and purchase.