We present a spectroscopic survey of a sample of F stars that have not yet been searched for planets. The observations of 187 stars obtained with the Bochum Echelle Spectrographic Observer of the Cerro Armazones Observatory were aimed at nearby (closer than 70pc) main-sequence stars without sufficient archive ([fiber-fed extended range optical spectrograph (FEROS)/high accuracy radial velocity planet search (HARPS)]) spectroscopy. The primary goal of the survey was to select the best candidates for radial-velocity searches of extrasolar planets. The spectra were analysed using the broadening-function technique, the method of choice for rapid rotators later than about A5. The analysis was focused not only at the determination of projected rotational velocity (defining precision of radial-velocity determination), but also at the detection of previously unknown spectroscopic binaries/multiples or stars showing strong line asymmetries. 12 previously unknown spectroscopic binaries/triples were detected. For all observed targets the spectral type was determined. About 140 stars are rotating faster than the resolution limit of 10km/s sampling the onset of convection and slow rotation at mid-F spectral types in great detail. Radial-velocity precision of the data (about 100m/s) is insufficient to detect planets but could indicate most SB1 systems with stellar companions. As there are already 2-3 observations per object for these newly detected binary stars, only a few additional follow-up observations will be needed to obtain constraints on orbital parameters. We identified a sample of 68 bright F-type dwarf stars which are perfect targets for future planet searches. They rotate moderately or slowly and do not show any sign of binarity, pulsations, or surface activity.