No matter how much research you do, how many websites you scour, how many magazines you pore over, or how many boat shows you visit, when the time comes to make a decision about buying a boat, the ultimate test is how it handles on the water. And the only way to find that out is to take the object of your affection out for a spin. But if you don't know what to look for while conducting a sea trial (or even while you're checking out a boat at a show or dealership), you're really flying - or boating - blind. To help you see like a pro, Boating World  has decided to share some of the tips from the experts' eyes so you, too, can evaluate a boat like a pro. 

INSPECT THE BOAT
Believe it or not, about 75 percent of a boat evaluation has nothing to do with how the boat performs on the water; instead, it all starts with a "walkaround". Before you ever set foot inside the boat, walk around it and look very, very closely. Are there imperfections in the gel coat? Is the rub rail snug, secure and straight, or are there loose spots? Check every piece of hardware - those should all be snug, with no play or wiggle at all.  If the swim platform isn't integrated, then it, too, should be secure and tight. And if the swim platform is teak, look to see how closely the slats' color and grain match. It doesn't have be a perfect match, but if there are glaring differences in color, then that's an indication that the manufacturer isn't paying proper attention to detail.

After the walkabout, it's time to actually get in the boat. Pay attention here. If you board over the gunwales, has the manufacturer thought to include a designated step area? Is there a step (or steps) to make it easier to get down into the boat? If you board from the rear, is there a transom walkthrough, or do you have to step on the sunlounge or rear seat upholstery? Some manufacturers are now including reversible seat bottoms on the rear seat so you can flip the cushion and have a dedicated step for boarding. That's a good sign.

Once on board, you should be able to move around easily. If you feel constrained and you're the only one  on the boat, imagine how cramped it will be with the whole family on board.

Inspect the upholstery with a close eye. Loose threads are signs of potential problems, as is any sign of a lack of finish. Edges should be tight and tucked. Stitching should be straight. Sit on the cushions - the thicker the better, but the cushion should have as little "memory" as possible, so when you get up, there shouldn't be a visible impression for more than a second or so. A lasting impression means cheap foam.

As you move around the boat, look for a clean, consistent fit and finish. Doors and covers should have consistent gaps all around when closed, and weatherstripping should be in place on glove boxes and other storage areas. This protects against splashes and reduces rattles and knocks while underway. You should be able to secure doors and hatches in both open and closed position.

Open the engine hatch. The engine should be easily accessible for routine maintenance. You should be able to see and reach the oil dipstick. Look for high-visibility paint on frequently accessed items (dipstick, etc.). A well-designed engine and compartment will make simple maintenance tasks easy, so you'll be more likely to perform routine maintenance. If it's a pain to check the oil, for example, you probably won't do it, and this could lead to trouble.

Also, look at the wiring behind the helm station. If you can't get to the wiring easily, that's a bad sign. You need access. Also, you want neat, tidy wiring. If you look behind the helm station and see a mess of wires that looks like a bowl of spaghetti, look for another boat. Messy wiring is hard to fix, but more importantly, it's a sign of sloppy design and workmanship that usually means there are other problems with the boat - sometimes major internal problems with construction.

Finally, check the ergonomics and sit on every seat. Be wary of seat bottoms that are too low - your knees should never be higher than your waist when you're seated. Lie on every berth; if you can't stretch out, you won't be able to sleep comfortably. At the helm, you should be able to see every gauge and light at a glance. You should also  be able to easily reach every switch. And pay particular attention to the position of the throttle; a properly placed armrest will keep you from getting tired while piloting and shows good attention to detail. If the helm seat is adjustable, it should move easily and smoothly, and lock into place securely. You don't want the seat to come loose while you're on the water.

GIVE IT A TEST DRIVE
Once you've thoroughly examined the boat, it's time for that critical 25 percent or so of the evaluation - the sea trial. A proper sea trial is in no way a pleasure cruise. You're looking for things that aren't right.

You don't always have a choice, but if at all possible, do your on-water test drive in bad conditions. Wind and waves are your friends when conducting a sea trial. That rough water will accentuate any and all rattles, and will show you whether the door and hatch latches really work.

During the sea trial, drive at a variety of speeds, and pay extra attention to how easily the throttle moves and how quickly the engine responds to throttle input. Smooth operation and superfast response are what you want to see. Incrementally advance the throttle after you get on plane, and see if the boat begins to "porpoise" at a particular speed and if you can eliminate it by changing the trim.

Perform a series of S-turns at a variety of speeds. Few hulls have problems these days, so you don't have to worry as much about "hooking", where a chine or strake catches unexpectedly. What you're looking for in the turns is how easily the wheel turns, and how quickly and precisely the boat responds to your input. The wheel should turn easily in both directions at all speeds, and you should be able to accurately anticipate the arc you follow based on how much you turn the wheel. If the arc doesn't always correspond to the steering input, or if the wheel is "sticky" and difficult to turn, there are issues with the boat, and you need to look elsewhere.

Finally, find some protected water (a marina is perfect), and test the boat's "dockability". It should be easy to maneuver in tight quarters at low speed. Listen and feel for excessive noise when shifting from neutral to reverse or to forward. The transmission should shift smoothly and quietly.

WRAP IT UP
It's not always easy to look critically at a boat you have your heart set on, but it's worth the effort. If you can go over your object of desire with a fine-toothed comb, looking for flaws and reasons not to buy it, and still like  it when it's all said and done, you'll have a boat you'll be happy with for a long time.