Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.

keith


Shortwave Sportfishing wrote:
On 21 Aug 2006 18:18:19 -0700, "k_mac"
wrote:

There is a boat that we may be interested in purchasing. Of course, I
will have it surveyed first. My question is this: What should I expect
from the accredited surveyor's report?

Everything and anything. You should attend the survey and bring up
any concerns you noticed on inspection prior to the purchase
agreement. Ask questions - that's what you are paying the surveyor
for.

Around here, and I suspect elsewhere, surveys include a sea trial in
which the boat will be put through it's paces to determine the state
of the engines.

In my experience, there are three parts to a survey. One is hull,
operating systems, cosmetics, interior inspection (similar to what a
house goes through). That's a basic survey. Second would be an
engine inspection - compression check, oil stuff, things like that.
Third would be the sea trial. All are generally separate parts of the
survey and each is an additional cost to you.

I know of two marine survey groups: SAMS and NAMS. Is one any
better than the other?

Not in my experience. Most surveyors are knowledgeable, capable and
educated in the things that can go wrong and have a great deal of
practical experience and the SAMS/NAMS certifications is an extra
credential attesting to their skills.

Since this is a pre-purchase survey, I will want it to be as thorough as is
practical. I would expect that my bank would want the same as well.
For those in the group that have had surveys done in the past, was
there anything that you forgot to ask or request? Any practical advice
would be most appreciated.

I've had both used and new surveys done and the surveyor caught things
that I never even thought about. That's their job.

The surveyor is not there for the seller, the surveyor is your agent
in all things marine - as I said, attend the survey, ask tons of
questions and get a good feel for the boat.