On Mon, 04 Aug 2003 09:11:28 +0000, Dionysus Feldman wrote:

I see recommendations from everyone to "have that used boat surveyed".
And every used car is supposed to be inspected by an independent
mechanic.

OK, how much is a survey? My house survey was $250, and worth every
penny. But my house cost 20 times what my boat will.

There's only one surveyor referenced within a couple of hours of us, btw
(A-1 Marine in Saugatuck), and I've already sent in a query.

Do new boats need a survey? What's included? I saw a recommendation
here to have a mechanic look at the boat too. If the engine isn't
included in the survey, why bother?

My answer is "depends on the boat". For a small runabout or bowrider,
there really isn't much to them EXCEPT the engine and running gear. I'd
say if it's less than 10 yrs old, get the engine inspected, and have a
boating friend go with you on the seatrial. He'll tell you lots that a
surveyor won't: things like "it rides fine now, but when you hit the chop in
Wavesalot Bay, it's gonna pound your teeth out!" or "that livewell is WAY
too small for the fish you catch around here...".

Bigger boats (esp with a cabin, plumbing, electrical...) or boats over 10
yrs old should be surveyed (AND see if you can get the boating friend to
go with you on the seatrial as well!)

Lloyd Sumpter
"Far Cove" Catalina 36