Buying a boat involves a process that has many similarities to buying a car or home. While the process is somewhat straightforward, you have to exercise caution when buying a pre-owned boat. You have to ascertain the condition the boat is in so as to get a fair market value. For this, you will need an experienced marine surveyor for a comprehensive boat inspection Fort Lauderdale approves.
As you may already know, a boat inspection, also referred to as a boat survey, is a process that evaluates the current condition of a boat. Most surveys are scheduled and include in-water surveys, haul-out or bottom surveys, engine surveys, and a sea trial. It is important to note that in a boat inspection Fort Lauderdale approves, the surveyor only observes. He does not take components apart or handle repairs. If further examination is needed, the boat surveyor will either use imaging equipment or advise you to bring in a mechanic or electrician.
There are many types of surveys. Condition and value survey (pre-purchase survey) is the most common type of survey when buying a used boat. Its purpose is to determine the fair market value of the boat. The survey has to be done by an accredited surveyor and includes the evaluation of the:
- Deck
- Hull
- Structure
- Systems
The pre-purchase survey is a limited and basic inspection of the operation and condition of the boat’s equipment and systems. It is basically a snapshot of the current condition of a vessel. There is no guarantee that all the reviewed equipment will be working in the future. That is why you should get a fresh survey done if the survey report is more than 6 months old.
A survey includes the description and observation of the findings and a summary statement on the overall condition of the vessel. You will be provided with a survey report in about 24 to 48 hours. The report will include observations and photos. A fair market and replacement value should also be included. The value is based on comparable sales as well as industry data.
A boat survey is not just needed when buying or selling a used boat. You may have to get a boat inspection for divorce and estate settlements, valuation of the vessel that is donated to a charity, for insurance purposes or to determine the cause of an accident.
With boat inspections in Fort Lauderdale being so important more so when buying a used boat, the most important thing to do is hire the most dependable surveyor. Don’t hire someone only because they come highly recommended but because they have lots of experience surveying vessels that are similar to yours.
Boat Inspection Fort Lauderdale