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Boat Surveyors Fort Lauderdale – 3 Major Problems to Check for in a Used Boat

Buying your first boat can be very exciting. So exciting that you might end up taking shortcuts to close the dealer even faster. One of the shortcuts first-time buyers make is skipping the survey. While doing so will save you money and speed up the process, you might end up hating your decision for years to come. Used boats are cheaper for a reason. You need the input of a boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale recommends, to help you understand the exact condition of the boat you are about to pay for.

At any one given time, there are hundreds of used boats on the market. This makes finding a boat to buy easy. The biggest challenge is knowing which boat will be a good investment. For this, you will need the input of an experienced boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale trusts. The work of a marine surveyor is to help you inspect every inch of the vessel you are targeting. They will then provide you with a detailed report that helps you understand exactly what you are about to buy. The surveyor will make you aware of the hidden issues on the boat. These issues may include the following.

Engine problems

Problems with the engine spell disaster. It costs a lot of money to fix an engine problem. It is important to pay close attention to the condition of the engine before buying a boat. Your boat surveyor will start by pulling the dipstick to check the level and condition of the oil. Milky engine oil is a sign of water ingress. A sea trial will also be done to see how the engine performs. The marine surveyor will tell you a lot about the condition of the engine.

Electrical system faults

One of the biggest jobs you can handle after buying a boat is re-wiring it. The electrical systems must be checked for faults. The surveyor will inspect everything from the light switches to the navigation systems. The surveyor will also check if the boat is able to power all the systems at the same time without causing an electrical surge. If they are faulty, electrical systems will not only interfere with the performance of the boat but could also cause a fire hazard or damage other systems.

Hull damage

A full hull inspection is part of a boat survey. The surveyor will check for damages to the rub rail, and holes or scratches that penetrate the core of the laminate material. The focus is on checking for signs of water ingress. A twisted or bent rub rai indicates the boat came into contact with a hard object that stressed the joint.

You can use the findings of a boat surveyor in Fort Lauderdale to avoid buying a doomed vessel. The survey report will also give you strong points to use during negotiations.

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How to Hire a Boat Inspector Fort Lauderdale

A boat inspector Fort Lauderdale depends on is a specialist that inspects the condition of a boat and compiles a report. Also known as marine or boat surveyors, boat inspectors use various strategies when inspecting a vessel. However, there are certain standards they adhere to when inspecting a vessel. It is also good to note that these professionals are not mechanics or electricians. They will not dismantle components to look inside. Some do rely on imaging equipment that helps them look inside components without disassembling them. If a serious issue needs a closer look, the surveyor will recommend you hire a mechanic or electrician.

Finding the best boat inspector Fort Lauderdale endorses is the trickiest part. With Florida being a boating haven, so many people are working as surveyors. Some of these surveyors are just experienced boat owners who double as surveyors. Others are wannabes trying to make an extra buck offering mediocre boat survey services. If you are in the market for a good boat surveyor, here are the key things you must do.

Choose an experienced surveyor

The best thing you can do is hire an inspector with significant experience inspecting vessels similar to the one you are targeting. If you are targeting a towboat, sailboat, or pontoon boat, make sure you find a surveyor who has worked on such a vessel. That way, you will be guaranteed a more specialized service.

Good communication

You don’t want to work with a surveyor who is so full of himself he never listens to a word you say, do you? That is why you must start evaluating a surveyor over the phone. Note how they answer your call and how well they answer your questions. Do you feel comfortable working with them? You need to ask for references at this point. Contact several of their past clients to hear what they say about their experience working with the surveyor you are about to hire.

See a sample survey report

To better gauge their services, you need to take a look at their past work. In this case, you need to request a sample survey report. Then, look at how the report has been compiled. Finally, if you need a survey done for insurance, make sure your insurer will accept a survey report from your selected inspector.

The service cost should never be the primary determining factor on who to hire. To make sure you don’t end up with the second-best surveyor in the business, you must speak to at least three surveyors to find the one that is the best fit for you.

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A Guide to Boat Inspection Fort Lauderdale

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.

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Marine Surveyors Ft Lauderdale – Why You Need a Pre-Purchase Boat Survey

In the last couple of years, the boat market has experienced major fluctuations in both buying trends and values. Many people all over Florida are buying boats mostly to enjoy the convenience of a personal boat. However, whether you are targeting a yacht or a small boat, when buying a used vessel, one thing that remains the same is the need to work with marine surveyors Ft Lauderdale trusts. But why is a pre-purchase marine survey so important?

There have been changes in some insurance company’s requirements before issuing a marine policy. One of those changes is the need for a pre-purchase marine inspection. This type of survey is more important today than ever before. But why is that the case? Why must you work with marine surveyors Ft Lauderdale affirms before buying a used boat?

To determine the value and overall condition

The key reason why you need a pre-purchase boat survey is so as to understand the exact condition of the vessel you are targeting as well as its fair market value. The primary job of a boat surveyor is to inspect every inch of your boat. This is done to determine if there are major issues that ought to be addressed. A sea trial may be done to determine how the vessel performs. At the end of the survey, your surveyor will provide a detailed survey report which includes photos of all the issues that were found.

It is only after a boat survey has been done that a surveyor is able to determine the value of your boat. Information on value is not only important for you during negotiations but also for the insurance companies and lenders.

It is a requirement by insurance companies

As aforementioned, most insurance companies require that you provide a survey report. In most cases, you will be provided with a list of items that have to be addressed in the survey. It is paramount that you find a surveyor that will be approved by your insurance provider. Even where an insurer chooses to send their own surveyors, to ensure you get comprehensive coverage, you should hire your own surveyor for an independent survey.

Get familiar with possible future repair or maintenance concerns

The third reason why you need a pre-purchase survey is so as to know the future maintenance or repair concerns. This information is fundamental during negotiations. If it costs a lot to maintain a vessel or handle certain repairs, you will want to make sure you get the best deal during purchase. A marine surveyor in Ft Lauderdale will help you understand all the maintenance and repair concerns you should be aware of. The surveyor also lets you know if there are major maintenance issues that need to be addressed prior to getting the boat back on the water.

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Marine Surveyors Fort Lauderdale – What the Process of a Marine Survey

As you get your finances ready to purchase your dream boat, one of the key things you must do is consult marine surveyors Fort Lauderdale believes in. These are professionals with the knowledge to identify issues on a boat. The survey report provided at the end of the survey will help with decision-making. But which steps do these professionals follow when inspecting a boat?

The process

To get the most compressive survey, you need to choose a marine surveyor carefully. Keep in mind that there are so many people who claim to be competent surveyors. The only way to avoid hiring the wrong person for the job is to take a look at the surveyor’s previous survey reports and also speak with people who have worked with the surveyor. Friends, family and boatyard managers will be instrumental in helping you find the most dependable marine surveyors Fort Lauderdale stands behind.

Once you find the right surveyor for the job, the next step is to work with the seller. In most cases, a seller will require that you provide an offer and show commitment by putting down a deposit. Make sure that the purchase offer you give is subject to the survey report. In that case, if you are shocked by what the surveyor finds, you can pull out of the deal. You can also use the surveyor’s findings to negotiate a better deal. Keep in mind that the survey will not start until the seller agrees to it.

The process of getting a vessel surveyed is quite straightforward. The survey usually lasts a day. It may take longer depending on the size and type of boat. The surveyor will only observe and listen to systems to gauge their condition. If further investigation will be needed, you will be required to bring in a mechanic or electrician to take the systems apart. After the survey is done, boat surveyors typically provide a survey report within a few days. It is important that you don’t rush the process.

During the inspection, it is always good to attend. That way you will have the chance to ask all the questions you may have as well as help the surveyor out with anything he might need. This does not, however, mean that you bring everyone for the survey. The surveyor needs ample time and space to work. That will not be possible if you bring your whole family for the sea trial.

Sea trials

Sea trials are not included in a standard pre-purchase survey. You need to arrange for a sea trial and that often attracts an additional fee. The point of a sea trial is to get a feel of the vessel and to allow the surveyor to check the engine while it is running. The fewer people you bring during the sea trial the better.

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Marine Surveyor Fort Lauderdale – What is Covered in a Pre-Purchase Survey

Buying a used boat is one of the best ways to avoid the high cost of owning a boat. With a used boat, you will find a vessel in mint condition and get it for a fraction of the cost. However, this does not mean all used boats that are on sale are in good condition. In the same way, you wouldn’t buy a used car without having your mechanic look at it, you should never buy a used boat without involving a marine surveyor Fort Lauderdale. The role of the surveyor is to perform a thorough inspection of the vessel and provide you with a comprehensive report that tells you more about the vessel.

The main duty of a marine surveyor Fort Lauderdale is to provide an independent survey and report of the current condition of the vessel you plan on buying. The surveyor will report on the physical condition, class status as well as life history of the vessel. This report will offer crucial information that helps evaluate your proposed investment by identifying potential problems. By being able to identify potential issues with a boat, you will be able to reduce the technical and business risks you face when buying a used vessel.

To give you a good understanding of the condition of the vessel, the boat surveyor looks at various aspects of the vessel. While there are many survey methodologies used, the visual inspection covers the following on the boat:

  • Structural integrity
  • Firefighting equipment
  • Main propulsion machinery
  • Auxiliary machinery
  • Documentation which includes statutory records, ISM and PSC records
  • Electronic equipment
  • Cargo gears
  • Mooring equipment
  • Accommodation and sanitary
  • Main onboard spare parts

At times, everything is not don’t visually. A surveyor may use specialized equipment to review the condition of the vessel. For example, infrared equipment can be used to look inside equipment without dismantling them. If specialized equipment is unavailable or cannot accurately assess the condition of a component, the surveyor will request that you involve a specialist such as an electrician or a mechanic. The surveyor will not compile the final survey report until they get a report from these specialists.

Once the inspection is done, the surveyor will provide you with a survey report. This will include the following:

  • Summary of the survey and condition of the boat
  • Publications and statutory certificates
  • Manning, management and records
  • List of defects and condition statement
  • Pictures

The only way to determine if the surveyor will offer the services you need is to ask for a sample survey report. You also have to make sure that they have worked on vessels that are similar to the ones you are interested in.

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Working with Boat Surveyors Ft Lauderdale – Things You Must Do

Thanks to the endless coastline in Florida, there is no shortage of boats to buy and buyers to sell your boat to. As a result of this, Florida probably has one of the largest numbers of marine surveyors in the country. Finding boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale will definitely be easy. The problem, however, is that not all surveyors have what it takes to offer great services. That is why you need to ask the right questions.

When vetting boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale, start by making sure they work full time as marine surveyors. Second, you have to ensure that they have experience working on vessels similar to yours. If you need the survey to satisfy your lender or for insurance purposes, make sure the surveyor will be accepted by your lender or insurer. The number of years the surveyor has been in business also matters. With that out of the way, here are some important things you should do once you find the right boat surveyor.

Let the surveyor know your expectations

If you don’t tell the surveyor what you need out of the survey, your needs might not be met. For example, if the surveyor doesn’t know the level of compliance you are seeking, the surveyor will only focus on the basics. Keep in mind that only a handful of vessels are 100% compliant. Always insist on scrutiny of any selected category such as electrical, fuel leakage, and hull fittings. If the owner claims their vessel is compliant, the work of the surveyor will be confirming compliance.

Know the type of survey you need

The next thing you must do even before you retain the services of a boat surveyor in Ft Lauderdale is to ensure that they can offer the services you need.

  • Do you need a hull and deck moisture survey?
  • To what degree should the surveyor check the engine and the generator?
  • Do you need a galvanic corrosion test to be done?
  • Do you need a transmission oil analysis?

Make a list of all the things you want to be inspected before you hire a surveyor. If you need a survey done for insurance purposes, your insurer will provide you with a list of items that must be included in the survey report. Make sure the surveyor can offer the services you need before hiring them.

Ask if you need the services of other professionals

Last but not least, you want to know if you will have to bring in another professional during or after the inspection. A good marine surveyor will let you know when you need to bring in electricians, paint coating specialists or fiberglass composite specialists. The surveyor will test every gear on the boat and let you know which ones need to be repaired or replaced.

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What Do Boat Surveyors Fort Lauderdale Look for on the Deck?

If you plan on working with boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale, you definitely want to know what they will be looking for once they arrive. This information can be quite valuable because it will keep you at ease while the work is being done. Having this information further helps you vet potential marine surveyors better. In this post, we will be looking at what is inspected on the deck.

Winches

The first thing boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale will look at is the winches. The focus here is to ensure they work and sound like a Swiss Watch, ticking when you turn them slowly. The surveyor will also take a look at when the winches were last serviced as well as check if they have winch covers. Winch covers are very important because they keep saltwater and grim from getting into the winches. The surveyor will also help you know how warn out the drum is.

Grab rails

These are needed for safety. The surveyor will inspect them for cracks and pull them hard to see if they are strong enough. The fasteners will be looked at for indication of water intrusion. To check for signs of water damage, the rails will be tapped with a small hammer.

Lifelines

The lifelines must be inspected for signs of damage. The surveyor starts by looking at the connections between the turnbuckle and the steel. If your lines are coated in plastic, they will be checked for cracks as well as signs of rust. Even stainless steel tends to rust under a plastic-sheathed lifeline. You may want to get them replaced if they are over 10 years old.

Windows

Window sealants have to be inspected. The surveyor will look for sealant discoloration, discontinuity as well as cracking. If there are signs of water staining on the inside, chances are the sealant is damaged and needs to be replaced.

Chain-plates

The inspector will look at where chain-plates enter the deck or the bolts on the hull. Any discoloration or cracking will be noted. The inspector will also check to see if the metal is in a good condition.

Soft spots

Soft spots deflect when you put weight on them. When they are tapped, they give a dull thud. Soft spots indicate the degradation of core materials and must be investigated. In most cases, dull thuds are a sign of water intrusion.

Other areas the surveyor will check include:

  • Mast electrical
  • Shrouds and stays
  • Running gear
  • Compass
  • Antennae
  • Sails
  • Propeller

Hiring experienced boat surveyors in Fort Lauderdale is the key to getting a thorough inspection. The survey report will help you understand a boat inside and out before you buy. Find someone with a reputation for thoroughness when it comes to inspecting boats similar to yours.

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Boat Surveyor Fort Lauderdale – The Best Boat Buying Tips

If you are in the market for a used boat, you will have to enlist the services of an experienced and reliable boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale. The surveyor will serve as your consultant. He will help you understand precisely what type of investment you are about to make. Surveyors do this by giving unbiased insight into the vessel. Away from that, let’s take a look at some of the most important questions you must answer when buying a secondhand boat.

How much is it worth now?

You don’t want to sign the final paperwork only to learn that you overpaid for a boat, do you? This is why the first thing you should do is understand the fair market value of the boat you are about to buy. You will need a boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale for this. Part of a surveyor’s boat inspection is determining its market value. This is achieved by looking at other comparable vessels and determining the amount of work that will be needed to get the boat in good running condition. To get the most accurate estimate, make sure you work with an experienced marine surveyor. Keep in mind that an accurate fair market value will help with negotiations and keep you from making a bad investment.

Does it require major repairs?

Just because a vessel has been priced fairly does not mean you go ahead and buy it. You should also not buy a boat simply because it appears to be in good condition. The most devastating problems are the ones you can’t see. This is why before you get started on the paperwork to buy a vessel you must involve a boat inspector to comb through every inch of the vessel. The survey report will include a list of major issues that the vessel has and how much it will cost to repair. Keep in mind some repairs are harder to tackle than others. Make sure you understand precisely what needs to be done to get the boat in working condition before offering to buy it.

Does it have all the essential equipment?

Away from repairs, it is common for used boats to lack vital equipment. For example, the navigation system might be damaged or missing altogether. You have to make a list of all the missing pieces of equipment. Doing so will help with negotiations and keep you from making a bad investment.

How much insurance should you get?

Last but not least, you need to think about the amount of insurance you will need for the boat. Keep in mind that with older boats you will have to pay higher premiums. Your boat surveyor will give an estimate on how much you will have to pay for insurance.

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Boat Inspector Fort Lauderdale – How is a Pre-Purchase Condition Survey Done?

When buying a used boat, it is your duty to perform due diligence to ensure the vessel is in perfect condition. This is what makes a pre-purchase survey important. It has to be used as a condition of the purchase. If the vessel doesn’t meet the expected standards, you can pull out of the deal. But how does a boat inspector Fort Lauderdale perform a pre-purchase survey? Here are some of the things that are involved.

A standard pre-purchase survey focuses on ascertaining the condition of the vessel. As a result, it involves the following:

  • A complete and detailed inspection of the boat. The inspection involves both in and out of water inspection. The boat inspector Fort Lauderdale will use electronic moisture detection or spot ultrasonic thickness gauging. This will all depend on the type of boat build (metal, wood, GRP, etc.)
  • Rigging inspection of the sailing vessels
  • Detailed non-invasive inspection of the engine and onboard systems
  • A complete sea trial
  • A detailed written report with a photographic record

In most cases, comprehensive ultrasonic thickness gauging, as well as visual rigging inspections, are done at an extra cost. If you need this service, make sure you ask your surveyor if they offer the service and how much it will cost.

Another important point to keep in mind is that it is almost impossible to itemize all the items that are inspected in a boat survey. This is for the simple fact that the items that are looked at vary from one vessel to the next. The best you can do is speak to a boat surveyor to know precisely what they will be looking at in your type of boat. During this initial discussion, the surveyor will also inform you of your responsibility during the survey.

To simplify the pre-purchase survey, it is highly recommended to get the vessel hauled out and pressure washed. This has to be done at least 24 hours before the survey starts. Doing so will make work easier for the surveyor and ensure that the work is completed on time. Pressure washing the vessel also makes it easy for the surveyor to get a reliable moisture reading of the GRP vessel. The surveyor will also be able to examine the hull much better when it has been cleaned.

There are so many reasons why you should consider working with a boat inspector in Fort Lauderdale before buying a used vessel. In addition to getting a better idea of the condition of the vessel, some situations may force you to get a survey done. This is more so if you need an insurance survey or damage assessment. Find a dependable surveyor and build a relationship with them.

Boat Inspector Fort Lauderdale