On Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:52:37 -0500, Wayne.B
wrote:



Wilbur was right in one respect about surveys: There is probably a
certain price point where it doesn't make sense, but that has nothing
to do with the length of the boat, more to do with its age and
condition. On the other hand a free boat can sometimes be the most
expensive one of all.

A good surveyor looks at more boats in a year than most people will in
a lifetime. Ideally you will find a surveyor with experience with
the type of boat you are interested in, and know its strengths and
weaknesses. I have always learned something from every survey that
I've ever had done, and have saved quite a bit of money as a result.
The survey report serves as the starting point for price
re-negotiation, almost always more than paying for itself. Very few
owners will renegotiate the selling price unless you can document your
issues with a written survey report.

The survey also gives you a cooling off period between your original
offer and the point where you are 100% committed to the deal. If the
purchase contract is properly written you can reject the boat for any
reason, "subject to survey and sea trial", with no obligation other
than the cost of the survey and haul out.

On larger boats it is common to have two surveyors: One for the boat
itself, and one for the engines. The engine surveyor will perform
compression testing if applicable, come along for the sea trial, and
usually perform an oil analysis.

Last but not least, many insurance companies will not issue a policy
without a recent survey.

Informative. Thanks.

--Vic