A sea trial or trial trip is the testing phase of a watercraft (including boats, ships, and submarines). It is also referred to as a shakedown cruise.Sea trials are important for all newly built ships. Check out ten important tests that are carried out to ensure vessel safety. A sea trial is done to check the performance of the diesel inboard and other systems, like the inmast furling, should the boat be so equipped. Also, it depends if you're going to be motoring the boat or sailing the boat as well. It outlines 13 different tests including starting tests, stopping tests, speed trials, crash stop tests, turning tests, anchoring tests, and blackout tests. A sea trial is essentially a test drive of a boat. It is rarely possible to perform the trial under ideal, contractual. The tradition is to decide you like the boat, make an offer that is accepted, and schedule the sea trial.