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How Often Do I Need a Marine Survey in Ft Lauderdale?

The answer to the question of how often do I need a marine survey will mostly depend on the insurance company you are using. Some insurers will demand that you provide a current marine survey if your vessel is 30 years old. Others are okay with a marine survey that is at least 10 years old provided it is in English. There are other insurance companies that will only accept a marine survey report that is no more than 5 years old.

As you can see, insurance companies are the main dictators in regard to how often you need to conduct a marine survey. All in all, for you to get the most comprehensive cover, it is highly recommended to provide a marine survey that is as current as possible. When applying for marine insurance, a Ft Lauderdale marine survey that is 12 to 18 months old will help you get the best coverage. This is because such a cover will guarantee that all the current issues are considered when insuring your boat. This is unlike a 5-year-old survey report that may be missing too many details. A current report will also help you get the current market value of your boat. This information is crucial when getting insurance cover. It will help you avoid being undercovered.

Another factor that will dictate how often you need a marine survey is the type of boat you own. Wooden boats are more prone to damage. As a result, it is highly recommended to get a marine survey done more frequently if you own a wooden vessel.

For other types of boats, you will be fine getting a marine survey updated once every 5 years. However, when it comes to a wooden boat, you need to get a survey done at least once every 2 to 3 years. This is the common requirement for wooden vessels.

How you use your boat will also matter. A boat that is frequently exposed to rough conditions will be at a higher risk of damage. As a result, you will need to get a survey done more frequently.

Other times, if you suspect that your vessel is underperforming or has been damaged in any way, you may need to get a survey done. This means you don’t have to wait until several years are over. You may have to get a fresh survey done as soon as a year.

There are numerous factors that dictate the answer to the question of how often do I need a marine survey. To be on the safe side, get your boat surveyed as frequently as possible. You should also ensure that the survey is done by an experienced surveyor that comes highly recommended in Fort Lauderdale.

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How Do I Choose a Marine Surveyor in Fort Lauderdale?

You have found the ideal used boat, but you want to make sure you are making a wise decision. Since a vessel has numerous mechanical and structural parts, you should feel confident before making a purchase. This position is filled by a boat surveyor. A professional Fort Lauderdale marine survey can provide you and your bank with an additional degree of security when purchasing a used boat.

A boat surveyor is a person who is hired to do a certain type of inspection on a vessel. They typically have strong mechanical and/or boating backgrounds and are more knowledgeable about a vessel’s operations than the average boater. A surveyor can provide you peace of mind before making the significant financial choice of buying a boat. Even though you might have a mechanical bent, surveyors look at more than just the vessel’s on/off mechanics using specialized equipment like moisture meters. Additionally, many lenders want a certified survey before they would release funds if you intend to finance your boat. With that being said, how do I choose a marine surveyor?

There are a few inquiries you should make before hiring a boat surveyor. The questions you should ask include the following:

  • Have they looked at comparable brands or models to the boat you have chosen?
  • What exactly does the survey cover?
  • How long does it take to receive the survey report?

An important thing to keep in mind is that, regardless of who you hire, surveyors use specific language in their reports to protect themselves against litigation. As a result, even a boat that has had a thorough inspection may have hidden problems while you own it, and your surveyor is still covered. For bigger vessels, it is usual practice to employ an engine mechanic who will be on hand on the day of the survey. Smaller vessels should at the very least have their compression examined by a qualified mechanic.

Either a sea-trial phase or an out-of-water inspection normally kicks off the process. The surveyor will typically use a moisture meter on the hull for out-of-water vessels, identify any structural flaws or dings, and mark any problems they see with the hull, prop, or lower unit area. A lot of surveyors will also evaluate onboard systems including stereo, VHF, and other fundamental electronics.

The sea trial phase will start once the boat is in the water. RPM, WOT, and cruise speeds are measured using a couple of tests. These are evaluated against manufacturer norms. If the RPM values are significantly below average, that may indicate probable engine problems.

A lot goes into a boat survey. Now that you have the answer to the question of how do I choose a marine surveyor, the next step is to find someone that is not only qualified but someone you feel comfortable working with.

How Do I Choose a Marine Surveyor

 

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Who Typically Pays for a Boat Survey in Ft Lauderdale?

The first step when purchasing a boat is identifying the vessel that you want to buy. There are so many vessels on the market. Even as you match the vessels with your intended use, reviewing the service history is important to see whether the boat complies with the manufacturer’s guidelines. The deposit should be paid after this. If you don’t understand the paperwork on any other detail, you need to ask an expert in Ft Lauderdale Marine survey for clarification. Once everything is clear and satisfactory, it is time to sign a contract after you identify and inspect a boat in person. Once you receive the contract, you can go ahead and pay a deposit to arrange a mechanical inspection and boat survey.

What should be in the contract?

A contract of sale must be drafted and approved by the buyer and seller before the deposit is paid. It is customary to pay a deposit and include language in the contract stating that the remaining balance is due after a positive boat survey. The survey must be finished in a specific amount of time, and a sea trial must be conducted. The money is entirely refundable if problems with the boat survey arise and you and the seller cannot agree to solve them or negotiate a solution. Standard settlement times range from two to four weeks, allowing you enough time to perform your due diligence prior to handover. If your settlement term is brief, you might not give yourself enough time to schedule an appointment with a competent surveyor.

Who pays for the survey?

Now to the big question, who typically pays for a boat survey? The answer is the buyer. The person who hires a boat surveyor is the one that pays for the services. This means a boat owner can also hire a surveyor for the inspection of their own boat. In this case, the boat owner will be paying for the service. As a buyer, you should always hire your own independent surveyor. The last thing you want is to be misled by the surveyor that works for the seller.

In addition to being the one paying the surveyor, it is good to note that there are other costs you will have to pay. A common cost when you need a pre-purchase survey is the cost of slipping. This is the process of removing a boat from the water for an inspection or repair. You may also have to pay for the cleaning of the hull once the boat is slipped. You will also be responsible for the cost of a sea trial.

Now that you understand who typically pays for a boat survey, it is paramount that you be careful before hiring a surveyor. Not every surveyor will be right for the job. Take time to review a surveyor’s track record, experience, and how detailed their survey reports are. Only hire a surveyor that has worked on vessels similar to the one you are targeting.

Who Typically Pays for a Boat Survey

 

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Is a Marine Survey Worth It – What is Looked at on a Sea Trial

Is a marine survey worth it? This is a common question asked by both boat owners and aspiring boat owners. Most people assume that they can perform a thorough inspection on a boat they are targeting. The truth is doing an inspection on your own leaves you at a disadvantage. This is because you lack the specialized equipment and experience to perform a thorough inspection. In this post, we will be taking a look at what is looked at during a sea trial.

Access the structural condition of the boat

When buying a used boat, hiring an experienced professional for a Fort Lauderdale marine survey will be a great idea. The reason for this is that you will have to assess the structural condition of the boat. Doing a good job in the inspection requires having background knowledge of the vessel so that you know what to look for. This is what you get from a marine surveyor.

Assessing the structural condition of a vessel is done before and during a sea trial. The surveyor will do the following:

  • Walk around the boat and thump the sides. If the water intrusion is suspected, the surveyor will use a moisture meter to get more information.
  • Inspect the condition of the underwater gear.
  • Test everything including rails, seats, stowage compartments, and hinges.
  • Test all electronics and electrical items.

Check the condition of power systems

The sea trial offers the best way to inspect the condition of the power systems. This is because it offers the surveyor a chance to observe and listen to the performance of the engine. It is during a sea trial that the surveyor will hear any unusual noises and feel unexpected vibrations. Thermal imaging equipment may be used to get a closer look at how power systems work.

For a used vessel, the surveyor will want to perform a cold start. This means the boat should be stone cold when being fired up. This is when you will notice most problems before the engine warms up. The surveyor will also take note of how the shifter works.

Seakeeping abilities

It is during a sea trial that the surveyor will test the seakeeping abilities of your target boat. This is done by hitting waves from different angles to see how the boat performs.

With the above information in mind, it is easy to see why the answer to the question of is a marine survey worth it is a resounding yes. However, for the survey to be truly worth it, you have to work with the best marine surveyor in the business.

Is a Marine Survey Worth It

 

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Marine Surveyor Fort Lauderdale – Hidden Cost of Owning a Boat

When buying a boat, most buyers only budget for the initial cost of buying the boat. Some buyers may also budget for the cost of working with a marine surveyor Fort Lauderdaletrusts. What most people never think about is the ongoing costs of owning a boat. As you prepare to buy your first boat, here are some of the costs you have to keep in mind.

Insurance

While it is not mandatory, getting your boat insured will protect your investment. However, how much you pay in premiums will depend on where you live, the condition of the boat, the type of boat, its size, and your boating experience among other things. Considering southern states have longer boating seasons, insurance premiums in these states tend to be higher. You can thus, expect to pay higher premiums in Florida than you would in Washington D.C. A marine surveyor Fort Lauderdale will not only help with an insurance survey but also help you know how much coverage to get and point you in the direction of the best insurance providers in the region.

Storage

Another expense you have to prepare for is the cost of storing your boat. Most storage lots will charge depending on the size of the boat. They basically charge by the foot. In a boat lot, you can expect to pay about $75 per month for a 20-foot boat on a trailer. Storing the boat at the marina will cost a lot more mostly because of the convenience of the water. Shopping around for storage options can help find the most affordable and convenient boat storage option for you.

Maintenance

Every now and then, your boat will require maintenance. This includes oil changes, buffing, tackling minor repairs, and so on. While these costs may be small, they can add up, especially if you own a really old boat. It is always good to work with a boat surveyor to help you understand the condition of the boat and the average cost of maintenance. The size of your boat will also determine how much you spend on fuel.

Taking time to understand these costs will help you avoid buying a boat that is out of your financial reach. Liaising with other boat owners will help you understand the real costs of owning a boat. You must also consider getting expert advice from a marine surveyor. Their input will not only help you understand the fair market value of the boat but also help you know if you are making a good investment or not.

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Marine Surveyors Fort Lauderdale – How to Verify Engine Hours

When buying a used car, you need to look at the mileage. A high mileage means the vehicle has been used heavily and will probably be more expensive to maintain. With a pre-owned boat, what you need to look at is the engine hours. Engine hours are the number of hours that an engine has run over its lifetime. Just like mileage, more engine hours mean the boat will have more maintenance needs. That is why you need to bring in marine surveyors Fort Lauderdale trusts to use an engine hour meter to determine how long the boat has run over its lifetime.

While engine hours are meant to help you understand how long a boat has been used, you should verify. It is not uncommon to find a used boat that seems to have too few engine hours. If the hours seem too low, chances are the engine hours have been tampered with. Experienced marine surveyors Fort Lauderdale will be able to verify this.

The average boater uses a boat for about 50 to 60 hours every season. You need to keep this information in mind when evaluate the engine hours. If you are targeting a boat that is four years old, it should have at least 200 hours. However, if that boat has less hours, the seller might be dishonest. You need to investigate further.

While an average of 50 hours per season is normal, it is good to note that there are exceptions. This is more so when you are considering a boat that was used in the southern parts of the United States such as Florida and Texas. The boating seasons in the southern states are longer. Considering the weather is favorable here all year round, it is not uncommon to find a boat that was used all year. This means the number of engine hours will be more. If you are buying a boat from southern United States and the hours are too low, you need to verify.

How do you verify engine hours?

It is easy to verify the hours on a vessel that has an electronic fuel injection. This technology has been around for over 15 years. A marine surveyor will be able to tap into the engine management system and access the engine hours. There are many electronic tools used to assess this.

If you are buying an older boat that uses a carbureted engine, you will not be able to verify the engine hours. Your only option will be relying on the knowledge of a boat surveyor in Fort Lauderdale to report on the condition of the vessel.

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Boat Surveyors Ft Lauderdale – What You Need to Understand About Surveys

If you have had a boat survey done before, then you know that not every marine surveyor will offer the quality services you need. This is because anyone can title him or herself as a marine surveyor. Finding the best boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale requires some investigation. As you search for the surveyor to work with, here are some important points you should keep in mind.

The survey should be accepted by banks and insurance companies

The purpose of a marine survey is not just to report on the issues that a boat has. The survey also looks at the fair market value of the boat, required repairs and missing equipment. Moreover, the boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale are required to adhere to strict codes of ethic and standards. That is why you need to work with a surveyor that is accredited or an associate of a recognized association.

The reason a survey should not be done by just anyone is because it has to be accepted by your bank and/or insurance company. Before you hire a boat surveyor, you need to ask questions about their survey report. Know what is included and the type of reporting format they use. You also need to understand the standards they adhere to as well as how much the survey will cost.

A good inspection is not rush

Any marine inspector that promises to get the inspection done in a matter of minutes will not do a great job. This is unless you are dealing with a small boat. A thorough boat inspection takes time and how long the inspection takes will depend on the type of survey that is needed, size of the boat, as well as the equipment and systems that is onboard. At times, the survey may take longer if there are additional services that will be needed such as a sea trial, oil analysis, stray current corrosion testing, moisture testing and ultrasonic testing. For the additional services, you may be charged more.

Keep in mind that the more thorough a marine survey is the better. Keep in mind that a perfectly conducted survey will offer great information on the condition of the vessel. You should also note that surveyors never take components apart. They only report the condition of the accessible areas. A surveyor that uses imaging tools will offer a thorough inspection.

There are many reasons why you should conduct a marine survey. In most cases, the survey will be requested by banks and insurance companies. You may also need a survey done to understand the condition and value of your boat or a boat you plan on buying. The main reason you should survey a boat is for the safety of the crew and passengers.

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Boat Surveyor Ft Lauderdale – Tips for Boating on a Budget

The notion that boat ownership is extremely expensive is a misconception. Just like cars, boats are available across a wide price range. Moreover, the cost of owning your dream boat may be lower than you think. If you have always wanted to own a boat but are on a tight budget, you should start by considering used boats. There are so many of them. The catch, however, is when considering a pre-owned boat, you have to work closely with a boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale. The surveyor will inspect the vessel and let you know if it is in good condition.

While buying a used boat is the way to go when on a tight budget, there are other methods you can use to stretch your budget further. In this post, we will be looking at boating on a budget.

Buy a used boat

As aforementioned, buying a used boat will help you get your dream boat at a fraction of the cost. You will, however, need to shop carefully. Focus more on boats that are between 2 and 10 years old. Such boats are in better shape than older boats. Even so, just like buying a classic car, you will need to do some investigation to ensure the boat is in good condition. Working with an experienced boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale is the best route to take. The marine surveyor will have the experience and equipment to identify even the tiniest problems. The surveyor will also provide you with a detailed report that you can use both in decision-making and to secure financing.

Finance the purchase

If you don’t have the money to buy your dream boat, you can always consider financing the purchase. There are so many financial options you can use to finance the purchase of a boat. You can start by contacting your bank and then consider what marine lenders have to offer. Your income, credit rating, and the value of the boat will determine how much you get in financing.

Attend boat shows

Boat shows are more like marine supermarkets. You will find virtually all boat brands and dealers here. Boat shows, thus, offer the best opportunity for you to start shopping for your dream boat. You will also get amazing discounts on good boats. Financing deals are also available. When searching for a boat to buy, visit as many boat shows as you can.

The above are the best tips you should use when buying a boat on a budget. Never underestimate the importance of a boat surveyor in Fort Lauderdale when buying a used boat.

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Boat Surveyors Fort Lauderdale – What You Should Do Before Buying Your First Boat

Buying a boat is exciting. It offers a chance for you to own a boat and use it wherever and whenever you want. However, this is not a decision you should ever rush. Considering it is a huge investment, it is paramount that you make calculated decisions all through. In this post, we will be looking at the importance of working with boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale trusts, and the two crucial things you must do before buying a boat. Let’s get started.

Commission a marine survey

The input of boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale is invaluable when buying a used boat. This is for the simple fact that not all boats are as good as they look. Many have major hidden issues that may cost you a fortune to repair. The role of a marine surveyor is to evaluate the condition of the boat and report on all the issues it may have. You can use this information to negotiate a better deal with the seller or simply withdraw from the deal. The surveyor will also help you understand the fair market value of the vessel. This information is crucial in negotiations. Simply put, a surveyor will keep you from spending money on the wrong boat. 

Know what you need the boat for

Another important thing to do is to know what you need the vessel for. The mistake most people make is shopping blindly. If you have no idea what you need the boat for, you will end up falling in love with the wrong boat. To avoid this issue, start by compiling a list of things your dream boat must have and be able to do. This information will help narrow down your search to the vessels that are perfect for you.

Know what you can afford

Third, you need to be honest with your finances. If you plan on taking out a loan to finance the purchase, make sure you get preapproved first. Pay attention to the monthly payments and be certain you can keep up. If you will be spending your own money, be honest on how much you can afford. Having a clear budget will help you narrow down your search. Keep in mind that there is more to boat ownership than just the purchase price. You have to think about the maintenance costs which include boat insurance, fuel, oil change, storage and other things. Make sure you only consider vessels you can afford.

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Boat Surveyor Fort Lauderdale – Tips to Help You Buy the Right Boat

If you are tired of renting or borrowing a boat from a friend, you should start saving up for a boat. A used boat is a great option and you will be able to get a bigger and more luxurious one for a fraction of the cost of a brand new boat. However, before you settle on a used boat, make sure you bring in an experienced boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale trusts for a thorough assessment. A surveyor will be able to identify any damages and flaws that a boat has. They will also enlighten you on the fair market value of a boat and help you know if the boat you are considering will be ideal for what you need it for.

While getting the input of a boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale is important, there are a couple of things you will also have to do. Below are the key things you should do long before you bring in a boat surveyor for an inspection.

Know your boat

The important point you should understand is that a boat surveyor is only there to give a detailed report on your target boat. They will not show you which boat is perfect for you. With that being said, it is your job to know the kind of boat that you need. To do this, you need to know what you need the boat for. Second, you must compile a list of all the must-have features in your boat. Doing so will help narrow down your search.

Set a budget

Once you identify the boats that would be ideal for you, the next step is to set a budget.  How much you plan on spending on a boat will help narrow down your search in terms of size and features. Don’t just think about the initial purchase cost. You need to think about the cost of maintenance. Maintenance costs include the cost of inspection, insurance, fuel, upgrades and boat storage. There are many more associated costs.

Pre-owned or brand new

As aforementioned, you will save a lot of money going for a used boat. However, based on how much money you can get, it is good to compare the cost of brand new and pre-owned vessels. This is because a brand new boat comes with amazing features and a manufacturer’s warranty. The downside is it depreciates fast. A used boat, on the other hand, will cost you less money and will not be impacted significantly by depreciation. However, if you plan on using the pre-owned vessel route, make sure you get an inspection done by an experienced boat surveyor in Fort Lauderdale.

Boat Surveyor Fort Lauderdale