On Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:51:03 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

Another thread touched on this, and it may deserve more than it got.
It was suggested that one can do their own survey.
Let's eliminate boat newbies. They need a surveyor.
I always buy used cars. I never take them to a mechanic, because I
know my used cars. I trust myself. I never burned myself once I knew
used cars. When I was inexperienced I bought a couple lemons.
That's why I learned all about used cars.
I don't expect others to follow my path with cars.
But a sailor is different than a typical car driver.
His life relies on his transport. His boat.
An experienced sailor should know how to survey a boat himself -
maybe. Since I don't have a boat yet, I sure can't speak as an
experienced sailor.
But from what I've read about what surveyors do, and from what I've
gleaned from the experienced sailors here, it seems there are many
writing here that know more about glass, gear, electrics, rigging, and
rot than the typical surveyor.
Many here may be somewhat weak on engines, but does the surveyor
typically do a compression test and oil analysis?
Does he check all engine linkages?
Does he reveal electric wiring or test electronics that you can't do.
Does he point out a sail tear you can't see?
Does he run his hand over cable for frays where you can't or see rust
that you can't see?
Tell you something about rope you don't know?
Does he do anything WON'T do before you cast off?
Is it seeing loose tabs, hull voids, core rot?
Does he give you a guarantee/warrantee on the inspection?
Or is it mostly a second-opinion/peace-of-mind feel you get?
The bank sent an "appraiser inspector" to examine my house as part
of the mortgage requirements some years ago. The guy couldn't tell
me anything new that I didn't know from my own inspection, and missed
plenty I saw. Cost the bank a few hundred for that - passed along to
me no doubt.
Like to hear from the experienced boat owners here.
Might learn something.


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.