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Boat Inspector Fort Lauderdale – Common Costs Aspiring Boat Owners Fail to Plan For

When buying a boat, most buyers only focus on the boat purchase price. As a matter of fact, most aspiring boat owners use the purchase price as the main factor when deciding on the boat to buy. At the end of the day, most of them realize that they made a mistake. This is more so because boats that are expensive to maintain tend to cost more. To avoid buying the wrong boat, you must get the services of a boat inspector Fort Lauderdale trusts. This is, without a doubt, the first cost you must plan for.

Cost of working with a boat surveyor

As you may already know, the role of a boat inspector Fort Lauderdale is to comb through every inch of the boat you are buying. The boat inspector inspects everything in order to come up with a detailed report. The surveyor may also recommend a sea trial to get a feel of how the boat performs. At the end of the inspection, you will be provided with a detailed boat survey report. The report will give you a detailed picture of the condition of the vessel. Needless to say, working with a boat surveyor costs money. The service costs about $20 to $25 per foot of the boat. While this might seem like an unnecessary expense, it will save you a lot of headaches in the future.

Operating costs

Whether you are buying a motorized or sailing boat, you have to think about the operating costs. For motorized boats, the main cost goes to the purchase of fuel. You also need to prepare for the cost of maintaining, repairing and replacing the batteries, pumps, oil, lights and other equipment. Boats are prone to wear and tear. This means you have to set a budget for maintenance.

Insurance

To protect your investment and to be able to operate in some harbors, you will need boat insurance. Getting boat insurance is important if you operate your boat in areas with high traffic. Insurance can cover all manner of things depending on the cover you select. Keep in mind that you may have to hire a marine surveyor for a mandatory insurance survey. The premiums you pay will depend on the insurer you are using, the condition of your boat and the type of cover you select.

Storage

Your boat will need to be stored somewhere when you are not using it. The cost of mooring and storing a boat is one of the biggest expense boat owners incur. Most storage facilities calculate costs based on the size of your boat. You may be billed annually at a discounted rate or monthly. Keep in mind that while storing your boat at the marine gives easy access to the water, it is more expensive.

When buying a boat, don’t focus only on the purchase price. Take note of the ongoing costs. The last thing you want is to buy a boat that is too expensive to maintain.

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Boat Inspection Fort Lauderdale – How is a Boat Motor Inspection Done?

The boat motor is one of the most expensive parts to repair. That is why before you settle for a boat, you must make sure that the engine is in perfect condition. While you can perform an inspection on your own, it is always good to involve an expert. In this post, we will be taking a look at some of the techniques used by boat surveyors to check the condition of an engine during a boat inspection Fort Lauderdale.

Checking for impurities in the engine oil

The first step in a boat inspection Fort Lauderdale is making sure that the engine oil does not have impurities. This is done using the dipstick. If the engine oil has a milky color, smells foul or looks like black ink, then the engine has an issue.

For a diesel engine, oil that looks like black ink is not a problem. However, if yours is a gasoline engine, chances are there are worn-out motors or contamination. This should, however, not be a turn-off in a marine survey. The darkening of engine oil is very normal in many cases.

On the other hand, if the color of the oil is milky, this indicates that water has gotten in the engine. This will, thus, signify broken parts and corroded gears. If this is the case on the boat you are considering, it would be wise to pass on the deal.

Traces of metal fillings in the oil is another major issue. These are felt when you rub the oil between your fingers. A gritty feeling indicates the presence of metal fillings. This often indicates major issues such as serious engine wear.

A bad smell indicates the oil is contaminated. A bad oil smell can be a major issue. It shows the engine has a major problem that needs to be examined further.  In this case, the marine surveyor can use special equipment to look inside the engine without dismantling it. If a further examination is needed, you will be advised to bring in a mechanic to dismantle the engine for a closer look.

Start the motor cold

When buying a used boat, it is recommended to start the engine when it is stone cold. The reason for this is when the motor sits for long, the oil pressure between the surfaces bleeds off. A cold startup will thus help you hear telltale knocking, slapping or ticking more clearly. A boat surveyor will be able to know if the noises being heard are normal or need further examination.

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Marine Surveyors Ft Lauderdale – Common Overlooked Considerations When Buying a Boat

Are you ready to be a boat owner? If you are, congratulations. This is one of the best investments you will ever make. However, how long you will be happy with your choice will depend on the thought you gave the purchase before going through with it. For one, you don’t want your excitement to cloud your judgment. That is why you should consider working with marine surveyors Ft Lauderdale to help assess the condition of your target boat. The surveyor will also help you know if the boat meets your needs. Here are more considerations you must make.

Review the Boat’s History

It is easy to assume that a boat that looks great is well maintained. The truth is before putting their boat on the market, most sellers do a lot of cosmetic work. This is done to cover the flaws and win the trust of potential buyers. No matter how good a boat seems to be, always bring in marine surveyors Ft Lauderdale to perform a thorough inspection. The inspection will review any flaws the boat has and any major repairs that may have been done. Moreover, the survey report will give you the list of previous owners as well as how and where the boat has been used. The marine survey report will give a better understanding of the boat so that you make a more educated choice.

Insurance

While it is not as mandatory as car insurance, boat insurance is very important. It is what keeps your investment safe. Find an agent with underwriters that specialize in marine boat insurance. Working with an insurance agent helps find specific insurance companies in Fort Lauderdale as well as helps you compare rates and policies. How much you pay in boat insurance will depend on the age, size and value of your boat. If you are insuring a pre-owned boat, you will first be required to provide a survey report. The insurer will give you a list of items that should be inspected. The survey report helps the insurer know if the vessel is worth insuring and for how much.

Storage

Even in the summer months, you will not be using your boat every day. What this means is you have to find a place for it to stay when you don’t need it. If you buy a boat that can be put on a trailer, you can store it on your compound. However, if the boat is too big, you will have to think about hiring a professional to move it and get permits to transport it from points A to B. You may also want to think about docking it at a home port marina. All this will cost money so be ready.

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Marine Surveyors Fort Lauderdale – What is the True Cost of Boating?

Being able to buy your first boat brings a lot of excitement. The boat offers you the chance to explore the waters in ways you would never have done with a rented boat. However, before you start searching for a boat to buy, it is good to understand the actual cost of owning a boat. Do not simply look at the initial cost. There are so many costs that come with boat ownership and the first is the cost of working with marine surveyors Fort Lauderdale.

Hire a marine surveyor

While buying a boat without involving a marine surveyor will save you money, it will cost you a lot more if you end up buying the wrong boat. Hiring marine surveyors Fort Lauderdale gives you the chance to get your target boat professionally assessed. The boat surveyor will inspect every inch of the boat and provide you with a detailed survey report. The survey report will help you understand the fair market value of the boat as well as all the issues it may have. You can use this information to educate your choice or to negotiate a better deal with the seller. On average, boat surveyors charge between $18 and $25 per foot. This may include out-of-water inspection, a test of all systems, sea trial and a full survey report.

Initial buying cost

The cost people pay attention to is the initial cost. This is the price tag on a boat. How much you pay for a boat will depend on its size, type, facilities and the buyer. New boat models tend to cost more than older ones. The good news is a marine surveyor will help you know if the used boat you are going after is in good condition and if it has been priced properly.

Running costs

Mooring is the easiest figure to calculate. It can be the largest monthly outgoings you have. Smaller boats have more mooring and storage options such as trailered or berthing. These options are cheaper than marina berthing but can be less convenient and require more forward planning. You also have to think about what to do with the boat over the winter months. Other running costs include the cost of fuel and insurance.

Maintenance and repairs

Your boat will definitely require maintenance and repairs every now and then. These are all costs you must prepare for. Needless to say, larger boats cost more in maintenance and repairs. While not set in stone, an age-old calculation of the maintenance costs of a vessel is 10% of the initial purchase cost.

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Marine Surveyor Fort Lauderdale – What You Must Do Before Buying a Boat

Buying a boat is very exciting. This is a chance for you to get a boat of your own so that you can cruise the waters whenever and to wherever you want. However, while there are so many boats already in the market, you must never rush into the purchase. There are a couple of things you have to do before settling on a boat. One of those things is finding a reliable marine surveyor Fort Lauderdale trusts. Here are the key things you should do before committing to a boat.

Get an inspection

If you are looking to buy a boat that has already been used, you will have to do additional investigation into it. Start by asking the seller about the previous uses for the boat, the types of water the boat has been on and its ownership history. Keep in mind that sellers will conceal some information so as not to scare you off. To verify their claims and get unbiased details about the boat, you have to involve a marine surveyor Fort Lauderdale.

The role of a boat surveyor is to perform a thorough inspection of the boat you are about to buy. The survey report will answer questions on the current condition of the boat, its current market value and any repairs that will have to be done before the boat is seaworthy. The input of a marine surveyor helps avoid surprises once the transfer of ownership is complete.

Check the warranties

If you have extra money to spare and opted for a brand new boat, it is good to start by checking the warranties that are associated with the new purchase. Understand how long the warranty is extended and what the warranty will cover. For a used boat, you will be buying an extended warranty from the boat dealer. Make sure the warranty still applies after the sale.

Consider insurance costs

Another very important consideration to make is on the insurance costs and coverage. The mistake most boat buyers make is that of only looking at the initial purchase price. They forget about the cost of maintenance and insurance. To avoid buying a boat that will strain you financially, make sure you understand how much it will cost you to insure it. You also want to know the type of coverage you will get. For older boats, it is hard to get comprehensive insurance. A boat surveyor in Fort Lauderdale will help you know how much you will have to pay for insurance and which kind of cover you should get.

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Boat Surveyors Ft Lauderdale – Pre-Inspection Checklist for a Used Boat

Finding a boat to buy in Florida is very easy. This is because at any given time there are dozens of used boats already on the market. The problem, however, is this; finding the best boat for you takes time. That is why it is highly recommended to work with experienced boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale trusts. Even so, before a seller can allow you to bring in your own boat inspector, you must first show commitment. That is why you need to be certain the boat you are targeting is the right fit for you before you hire a boat surveyor.

It costs money to work with boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale trusts. As the person hiring a surveyor, you will be the one paying for their services. You don’t want to keep hiring a surveyor for each boat that interests you, do you? That is why the first thing you should do is be certain the boat you are targeting is perfect for you. Here is a pre-inspection checklist you should use.

Ask for servicing and maintenance records

There is nothing more frustrating than hiring a marine surveyor only for them to find major issues you could have found on your own. If a boat doesn’t have good servicing and maintenance records, it is obvious it will be more trouble than you can handle. A boat that has serving and maintenance records has been taken care of properly. It will have fewer issues.

Know how the boat was being used

How the boat was being used will give insight into the condition it is in. For example, if the boat was used in saltwater, it will have a higher risk of rust than a boat that was used on freshwater lakes. You also need to ask about how the boat was stored. Asking about any major damage the boat has ever incurred will also be a great conversation opener.

Ask about existing damages

The main reason behind hiring an experienced boat surveyor in Ft Lauderdale is to help uncover issues the seller might be trying to conceal. While minor damages are bound to be there, you should ask the owner about any major problems that the boat has. With this information in hand, your marine surveyor will only be there to confirm the issues.

Know what is included in the selling price

Last but not least, you should ask about what the price includes. At times, in an effort to lure more customers in, sellers stage their boats. You don’t want to be surprised when you realize that most of the equipment on the boat were not included in the price.

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Boat Surveyor Ft Lauderdale – Tips for Choosing the Right Fishing Boat

It goes without saying that the first thing you must do before making a decision on any type of boat is to get the input of a boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale trusts. The role of the boat surveyor is not to help you know which boat to buy but to help you understand the condition of your target boat and if it is ideal for its intended use. With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the key considerations you should make before buying a fishing boat.

Size

You can fish from any size of the craft, including a rigid inflatable boat. However, it is good to note that any boat that is smaller than 13 feet long will make fishing difficult. If you are a first-time boat owner, a boat that is 16 feet long will be easily manageable. You can even launch this boat from a trailer. For a boat that is longer than 20 feet, you will require a powerful vehicle that has a remarkable towing capacity. All in all, the extra length will offer better stability and usability while fishing. The ideal fishing boat is one that is more than 20 feet long. Such boats are ideal for offshore fishing. Considering longer boats require a larger financial investment, don’t purchase one without getting it inspected by a reputable boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale trusts. The input of a boat surveyor will keep you from investing in a doomed vessel.

Inboard or Outboard Engines

For small to medium-sized vessels, the engine is usually outboard. These are mostly four-stroke engines on modern boats. The engines are quieter than the older two-stroke models and thus ideal for fishing. For larger vessels that are 26 feet or longer, you will find diesel inboard engines. A marine surveyor will help you know if the engine has the power to handle the boat. An underpowered engine will overheat and eventually get damaged.

Hull Type

There are different types of hulls available on boats. If you plan on fishing far from shore and on rough waters, a fishing boat with a displacement or semi-displacement hull will be ideal. While it doesn’t move as fast, this boat is more stable even in rough seas. The planning hull and the cathedral and semi-cathedral hulls are other hull options that are available. These types of hulls are ideal if you want a boat that moves a bit faster. You should, however, keep in mind that with the latter types of hull, you will be sacrificing stability.

A lot goes into the choice of a fishing boat. Working with an experienced boat surveyor in Ft Lauderdale will guarantee that you end up with the right boat for the job.

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Boat Surveyors Fort Lauderdale – Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Marine Surveyor

The most common mistake aspiring boat owners make is that of hiring boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale trusts based on how much they charge. Being expensive doesn’t mean the services you get will be beyond reproach. When choosing a boat inspector, you must make your decision based on their competence. In this post, we shall be taking a look at the top questions you must ask a surveyor before hiring.

For how long have you been a marine surveyor?

While having several years of experience is no guarantee of competence, it is better to work with boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale trusts that have been offering marine surveys for years. You don’t want yours to be the first boat a surveyor inspects, do you? In addition to having experience in boat surveys, you also need to check if the surveyor has experience in other boating fields. For example, working with a surveyor that used to be a marine mechanic will give you a thorough marine survey report. This is because having handled repairs for years will give the boat inspector a good understanding of why and where a vessel is most likely to develop problems.

Can you provide sample survey reports?

Now that you are certain you are working with an experienced surveyor, it is time to take a look at their past work. Ask them for survey reports of boats that are similar to yours. In most cases, reputable surveyors will have the survey reports listed on their website. You can simply click on one and go through it. The reason you need to review a survey report is so as to see how thorough a surveyor is. Take note of what is included in their report and if the report is easy to understand. A good survey report should also include images of the issues the surveyor found.

Can I be present?

If you want to be present during the survey, it is good to ask the surveyor if that will be okay. A good surveyor will encourage you to be present so that you can answer any question he might have and ask any questions you may have. Being present during the survey is encouraged because it will give you the opportunity to understand every issue that the surveyor finds. There are, however, some surveyors who prefer to work alone.

How much do you charge?

Last but not least, you should ask about the cost of the survey. This is a question you should ask after being certain you have found the best person for the job. Know if an upfront deposit is needed and how much the surveyor will be paid in full. If you are okay working with that surveyor, get a written agreement and read it before signing.

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Boat Surveyor Fort Lauderdale – How to Get Your Boat Ready for Sale

Selling a boat is a multistep process. It requires a lot of patience and for you to sell for maximum value, you have to be prepared to invest some money in your boat. If it is time to sell your boat, the first thing you should do is call in an experienced boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale trusts. This will be your first investment into the boat. The purpose of calling in a boat surveyor is for them to perform a thorough assessment of the vessel and provide a detailed report on its condition. You can then use the survey report to improve your boat before selling and to set a selling price. Here are the additional steps you should take.

Ensure everything works

Buyers want to get the best deal when buying a boat. That is why the first thing they will do is use your boat’s flaws against you. If there is missing equipment or major repairs have to be done, buyers will deduct the cost of all these from their offer. More often than not, buyers will exaggerate the flaws. To avoid being shortchanged, you need to bring in a boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale trusts to perform a thorough boat inspection. Don’t simply fix what is obvious. A serious buyer will bring their own marine surveyor and the surveyor will find the problems you are trying to sweep under the rug. Making sure everything works and fixing anything that doesn’t work will not only help build trust with buyers but also give you an advantage during negotiations.

Remove personal items

There is nothing more misleading than a buyer assuming the fancy cooking equipment comes with the boat. To avoid confusion, remove anything that will not be included in the sale. That way, buyers will know exactly what is being sold. You also need to empty all the lockers and give the boat a thorough cleaning. If you must use anything to stage the boat so that buyers know what the boat can look like, make sure you give them a list of all the things that will not be included in the sale.

Test the engine

Last but not least, you have to clean up the engine and make sure it works optimally. Remove water in the bilge and clean off any oil from the engine. There is no harm in bringing in a professional who specializes in the steam cleaning of engine compartments. A clean shiny engine will definitely create a great first impression.

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Facts to Understand About Working with a Boat Inspector Fort Lauderdale

The best thing you can do before buying a used boat is to get the advice of an experienced boat inspector Fort Lauderdale trusts. The surveyor will help you understand the exact condition of the boat and its fair market value. This information is crucial in making a sound investment. However, before you can proceed with the hiring of a boat surveyor, it is important to understand the following facts.

The person who hires the surveyor pays them

The first point you must keep in mind is that the boat inspector Fort Lauderdale trusts, is paid by the person who hires them. If you need a survey done before buying a boat, you will be the one paying the surveyor. If an insurance company sends their own surveyor to assess your boat, the insurance company will be paying the surveyor. In most cases, the buyer is the one responsible for paying for a boat survey. Be wary of sellers who are offering to pay for a marine survey. Chances are they will use their own surveyor who might be biased.

There are many types of marine surveys

The work of the boat inspector is not just to determine the value of a boat and document its flaws. There is a lot that a surveyor does. Here are some of the most common types of marine surveys:

  • Insurance survey. This is the most basic type of boat survey. It is meant to give the insurance company a general overview of the boat’s condition. It helps the insurer know how much to cover your boat.
  • Finance survey. This will be requested by marine mortgage lenders or financial institutions. Lenders will require this survey to be done before they can approve a loan. The goal is to determine if the boat is a good asset.
  • Pre- or post-transport survey. This type of survey assesses the condition of a vessel before or after it has been transported. The survey is used mainly for insurance purposes.
  • Full condition survey. Also known as a pre-purchase survey, this is the most comprehensive type of survey. It delves deeper into the condition of the boat. The surveyor will check everything on the boat and even insist on a sea trial.

It is advised to be present during the survey

While you don’t need to be present during the survey, it is highly recommended to be present. Being present helps you learn a lot about the boat and also gives you a chance to ask any question you may have. A marine surveyor will be happy to show you things as they discover them. This will give you a better understanding of the condition of the boat.

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