Are there any general points to look for when buying a seconhand boat please. I am starting to look at non wooden solos and will take someone with me who knows what they are doing before parting with my money, but they will not have the time to look at everything I do so initially I am on my own.

Would appreciate any tips

The general condition, clenliness of the boat gives an important first impresion, Next have a look at the trolly/ trailor does it support the hull evenly if not look for damage where the boat rests on the trolly. Look at bottom of the hull near the transom for chips/scratches from contact with the slipway easily fixed and not normally serious but could be a good barganing point.

Check any seams where the various parts of the hull join together i.e. hull to deck side deck to floor looking for cracks or dark staining which could indicate the parts spliting from each other press anywere that is suspect and if water comes out that is a bad sign.
Sight along the hull and look for bumps hollows or changes in colouration which may indicate repaired damage. A non wood solo is probably foam sandwich construction and that can suffer from the skin seperating from the foam if there has been an impact, if you see signs of this you can check by taping the area with a coin if there is seperation the sound of the tap will change as you go over the damaged area.

Look at the points were all the main fittings attach for cracking and or movement. You may see some small cracks or crazing of the gell coat which is not a problem. anything larger which moves when you push it is more serious

The foils should be straight and smooth if they are wooden check for any dark staining from unrepaired damage to the varnish or epoxy coating.

Sight along the mast to look for bends or dents especialy at mast gates or fitting attachments

The condition of ropes and sails can be used as a barganing point as ropes can be replaced bit by bit relitivly eisily and you can usualy get second hand sails if the ones with the boat are shot. and are less of a problem than a bent mast or damaged hull.

The road trailer should not be overlooked as bearings can deteriorate quickly if the trailier is parked near the sea or in long grass the tyres should have at least minimum leagal tread. Important if you are going to take it anywere after deciding to hand over the cash.