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Boat Surveyor Fort Lauderdale – How to Buy a Used Boat

Are you in the market for a used boat? If you are, this post is for you. Just like buying your first car, you will have a lot to think about when buying a boat. The worst part is that since you are not used to driving a boat, you will not be able to notice performance issues on your own. That is why it is always wise to work with an experienced boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale. There are also a couple of things you have to do when buying a used boat.

Identify the type of boat you want

The number one question you must answer is this; what kind of boating do you plan on doing? You need to consider where you want to use the boat and how you will be using it. Needless to say, boats are specialized. The boat you end up selecting will depend on where and how you will be using it. You need to take time to research the best boats for the kind of activity you want. You also need to think about the maintenance needs of the boat. Some vessels require more money to maintain.

Involve a boat inspector

Now that you have identified the type of boat you want and where to buy it, the next step is to bring in a boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale. The reason for this is because used boats will often have some underlying issues that you will not be able to identify on your own. The boat surveyor will go through every inch of the boat while using specialized equipment to identify issues. The surveyor will then perform a sea-trial which helps him determine how the boat operates.

If there are any issues with the boat, the surveyor will be able to let you know. You will get a detailed survey report that includes the possible issues, estimated cost of repairs as well as the fair market value of the vessel. This information will come in handy when deciding on the boat to purchase and during negotiations.

Know what is included in the sale

Buying a used boat means you will not get everything that a brand new boat has. That is why you should always sit down with the seller to compile a list of everything that will be included in the sale. The seller should give you a list of all the equipment that will be included so as to give you an idea on how much stuff will be coming with the boat.

Buying a boat can be emotional. It is important to take a step back when reviewing a boat and during negotiations. A boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale will help you focus on the things that really matter. If you feel you cannot be objective throughout the purchase, consider involving a broker.

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Why Work with a Pre-Purchase Boat Inspector Fort Lauderdale

Simply because a seller says their boat is in perfect condition does not mean you go ahead and purchase it without help from a boat inspector Fort Lauderdale. Often times, everything might seem to be in perfect condition. The boat may even work without a glitch. The problem, however, is that some issues need an experienced professional to identify. That is why the best way to avoid buying a boat that has serious problems underneath is to work with an experienced marine surveyor.

Buying a boat is a huge investment. The last thing you want once the deal is closed is to realize that there are expensive repairs that have to be made. You don’t want your boat to be stuck on the dock due to issues, do you? Buying the wrong boat may also mean paying high premiums in boat insurance. You can avoid these issues by enlisting the help of a boat inspector Fort Lauderdale for a fresh survey. Here are the two main reasons that make working with a boat surveyor a great idea.

The survey does not cost that much and will give you maximum peace of mind

On average, a pre-purchase survey will cost you between $5 and $600 upfront. The best thing about getting this survey is that it will give you confidence in the purchase as well as give you great leverage when negotiating the price. It is also good to note that insurance companies are likely to deny your claim if you never got a pre-purchase inspection. This is because no duty of care was done when buying the vessel.

It involves both dry and wet inspections

While special imaging equipment may be used to look inside components, a marine surveyor will not take anything apart. The inspection is usually visual. The surveyor will only observe and listen. If they suspect a serious problem with a component, you will be referred to a specialist. The main duty of the surveyor is to identify where potential issues may be and indicate where further investigation will be needed. The surveyor will also give a price estimate for potential repairs. The inspect includes both wet and dry inspections since some issues will only be identified when the vessel is on water.

Whether you are buying a small boat or a yacht, it is always wise to involve a boat inspector Fort Lauderdale. The input of the surveyor will help you get a clear picture of what you are getting yourself into when buying a boat. the surveyor may also offer valuable information that helps with decision making. Find a surveyor that has worked on boats that are similar to the one you are buying.

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Things A Marine Surveyor Wants You to Know Before a Boat Inspection Fort Lauderdale

Buying a boat is a huge purchase. You want to make sure that you will not second guess your decision weeks or months down the line. That is why it is always recommended to get a boat inspection Fort Lauderdale before making any commitments. There are many marine surveyors you can find in Fort Lauderdale. What you may not already know is what these surveyors expect from you. Here are a few things every marine surveyor wishes you knew.

It is not about the cost

One of the mistakes most people make when they need a boat inspection Fort Lauderdale is hiring a surveyor based solely on what they charge for their services. While it is good to know how much the service will cost, there are several things you will have to consider. Surveyors need to stand behind their work. To do so, they perform a thorough inspection of a vessel. Although it is not right to hire a boat surveyor who is way out of your financial reach, you should go with the one that has experience inspecting boats that are similar to yours. The right surveyor must also have the tools needed to do a great job.

Surveyors work for you alone

When you request for a survey, you will be paying the bill on your own. This is unless the other party agrees to chip in. The important point to remember is that the surveyor will only report to you. The surveyor will not share findings with anyone else. If you are working with a broker, you can ask the surveyor to send a copy of the survey report to them. You also need to note that a survey is only good for a limited amount of time. This is because it is a snapshot of the condition of the vessel on the day the survey was done.

Get the boat ready

After asking a marine surveyor to come to your boat, you will save a lot of time when you ensure that your boat is easily accessible. Start by decluttering the boat, empty out the lockers and remove anything that may get in the way of the broker. Keep in mind the surveyor will want to look at the mechanical parts of your boat so make sure these areas are easily accessible. There is no harm in asking your surveyor what he needs before the inspection day. That way you will have everything ready.

Sea trials are not boat rides

The whole objective of a sea trial is to check the engines, systems, electronics, generators and other parts of the boat. The surveyor will still need easy access around the boat. With that in mind, on the day of the boat inspection Fort Lauderdale you should leave kids, pets and your aunt at home. Too many people on board will only make the work of the surveyor harder.

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Marine Surveyors Ft Lauderdale – Mistakes People Make When Buying a Boat

Buying a boat is a big investment. You don’t want to make any decision that ends up taunting you for years to come. That is why you must make the decision with care. Involving marine surveyors Ft Lauderdale is one of the key things you can do to avoid making the wrong decisions. This is because surveyors understand boats better and will be able to offer valuable advice on the vessel you are considering. Let’s take a look at the top mistakes you must avoid when buying your first boat.

Relying on an old survey report

The fact most people fail to understand is that a survey report is simply a snapshot of a boat’s condition at the time a survey was done. A lot can change within a few days. A boat can be involved in an accident or the owner may change up some things. It is for this reason that when buying a used boat, you have to involve independent marine surveyors Ft Lauderdale.

The role of a boat surveyor is to perform a thorough assessment of the boat. They will be able to identify flaws in the vessel and make recommendations on repairs. The surveyor will also help you know if the boat has been priced fairly. If you need financing or insurance, in most cases you will require a survey report in order to qualify.

Buying too big

Just because you are fortunate enough to buy a 65-foot catamaran does not mean you should buy one. When searching for a boat to buy, you need to know what you need it for. You also have to be realistic about your skills and select a boat you are certain you can manage comfortably. Keep in mind having more space onboard does not mean you will use it all. A larger boat will also attract more marina and berthing fees, maintenance and haul out costs.

Failing to budget

A common mistake people make when buying a boat is assuming that the sale price is the only price they will pay. There are several expenses you have to keep in mind. They include marina and berthing fees, maintenance costs and the cost of insurance. When it is well maintained, a boat will have a better resale value when it is time to sell it.

Not asking for expert advice

As a first time buyer, there is a lot you don’t know about boats. The best thing is you don’t have to do everything alone. Advice and expertise from marine surveyors Ft Lauderdale will help you know if you are making the right investment. Always refrain from doing everything on your own.

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Marine Surveyors Fort Lauderdale – What You Get with a Survey

Whether you are selling your own boat or plan on buying a used boat, you need the input of marine surveyors Fort Lauderdaleto understand the exact condition of the boat. Most of the issues are usually hidden. For example, if there is a moisture problem, you will not be able to see that right away unless you use a moisture meter. It is the work of the boat surveyor to make sure that every inch of the boat has been inspected and every filing provided in form of a report.

What does a survey involve?

There is a lot that goes into a marine survey. The extent of work done will depend on the size and age of the boat. The purpose of the survey also matters. For example, if the survey is needed for insurance purposes, the marine surveyors Fort Lauderdale will focus on the items provided by an insurance company. If you want to get more details about a vessel you are sell or buying, you will need a pre-purchase survey. This is the most thorough type of survey that includes a sea trial and in and out of water surveys.

A marine surveyor is not a mechanic. What this means is that his job is only to listen, observe and report his findings. While they may use imaging equipment, surveyors will not take components apart to see inside. If they suspect a component has issues, they will simply recommend that you bring in a mechanic for a closer inspection.

Survey report

Visual inspections and sea-trials help a marine surveyor to compile a list of items about the boat. The list includes both the good and the bad. Once the survey is done, you will get a survey report a few days later. The survey report includes descriptions of the boat and all the onboard systems together with the conditions of the boat and the current operational state of the onboard equipment. The report will also include vital recommendations regarding the repairs that have to be made. You will also get a fair market replacement value of the vessel.

A majority of boat buyers make offers contingent on the vessel passing a professional survey. If you, the seller, don’t get a survey before getting the boat listed and the buyer doesn’t want to use your old survey report, the buyer will be the one to pay a surveyor for additional survey work. It is common for buyers to try and get the seller to agree for the costs of survey to be part of the price negotiations.  

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Why You Need a Marine Surveyor Fort Lauderdale

Whether you are an experienced boat owner or buying your first boat, it is always wise to work with a marine surveyor Fort Lauderdale. More often than not, after considering the fact that the surveyor has to be paid, some buyers choose to rely on the valuation that was done by the owner months ago. What you need to understand is that a boat survey is only valid on the day it is done. This is because a lot can change on a boat within a very short period of time. Getting your own independent survey before you buy a boat will give you a better idea of the condition of the boat.

With that out of the way, let us take a look at the top reasons why you need the services of a marine surveyor Fort Lauderdale. In this post, we will be focusing on the three main reasons.

Advice on how the standards and legislation apply to your boat

The main reason why you should work with a boat surveyor is so as to know if the boat you are about to buy meets the safety legislation and standards. Marine surveyors are required to be familiar with the construction standards and safety legislation of boats. As a result, they are in a better position to offer important insight into how the legislation and standards apply to a boat.

During the inspection, the marine surveyor will look at the electrical systems, structure, safety & navigation equipment, fuel systems and cosmetic items on a boat. All these can erode the total value of a boat. for example, if a boat has a fuel leak that catches fire, the damages can be catastrophic.

Required when applying for insurance

When applying for boat insurance, most insurance companies will require that you get a boat survey done. Insurance companies require a survey report which helps them determine the level of risk they undertake when insuring the boat. It is good to note that some insurance companies will require a survey to be done by a specific surveyor. Make sure you choose a boat surveyor who is approved by your preferred insurance company.

Get a list of all the issues the boat might have

Last but not least, you need the help of a marine surveyor Fort Lauderdale in order to understand all the issues that a boat has. The last thing you want is to purchase a boat that has major issues. You don’t want to spend a lot of time and money getting the boat ready for your first sail, do you? A marine surveyor will provide you with a complete list of all the issues a boat has as well as the estimated cost of repairs.

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What Makes Hiring Boat Surveyors Ft Lauderdale So Important

It is easy to overlook the importance of working with boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale if you don’t know what they really do. Some people choose to inspect their boats on their own. However, due to the lack of experience, skills and specialized equipment, they end up regretting their mistake when it is already too late.

The most important thing to do when considering the purchase of a used boat is to get a marine survey. A marine survey is a comprehensive check-up for a boat. It is the equivalent of getting a roadworthy certificate for a vehicle. The survey is designed to identify any existing issues, highlight areas of weakness that may cause future problems and give a detailed picture of the health of the boat. Insurers and lenders may also require that you get a marine survey. To get a reliable boat valuation, you will need to work with professional boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale.

In this post, our focus will be on the key reason why you should hire a marine surveyor. Here are the three main reasons.

Get unbiased assessment

When buying a second-hand boat, the current owner may not be aware of existing problems. This is why getting a boat survey is so important. The survey has to be carried out as a condition of a purchase and before settlement.

In this case, a surveyor gets the opportunity to thoroughly assess every aspect of the boat. This includes rigging, electrical systems, plumbing, mechanical components and structural. This should be done both while the boat is on and off water. The boat survey report will let you know if the vessel has major weaknesses and if the set price is fair.

For the purposes of insurance

Most boat insurance companies require that a full survey be done before they cover a pre-owned boat. Needless to say, it is impossible to value a boat accurately without first scrutinizing it. Insurance companies offer a list of areas that have to be inspected. The survey report provides information that helps the insurer determine if the boat is worth insuring.

Protect your investment

Last but not least, when buying a boat, you don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on doomed vessel. Buying a boat is a huge investment. As a result, you wouldn’t want to buy it without first understanding its exact condition. Surveyors perform a thorough evaluation of the vessel to give you a clear picture of what you are about to spend your money on.

There are so many reasons why you should consider working with boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale especially when buying a pre-owned vessel. The surveyor will provide you with information and advice that helps make the most informed choice.

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Boat Surveyors Fort Lauderdale – What You Must Understand About a Marine Survey

If you are thinking about buying a used boat, boat surveys are a topic that will come up. In most cases, you will not require a boat survey when buying a new boat. However, when it comes to a used boat, you will require the services of boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale.

But why exactly do you need a boat survey? There are five main reasons:

  • Most lenders will not consider your application if you are buying a boat that has not been surveyed
  • Many boat insurance companies will not insure your boat without a boat survey
  • Second-hand boats are subject to myriad problems which are hidden from an untrained eye.
  • Boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale are very instrumental in determining the upgrades or repairs necessary to make the boat safe and operational.
  • A boat survey will help you understand the real value of the boat you are buying. This is because surveys expose items that require replacement or repairs.

Types of Surveys

Boat surveyors offer different types of surveys. The type of survey you need will mostly depend on what you need the survey for. There are four main types of surveys.

  • Condition & value surveys

This is the most common type of survey. The survey is requested when planning on buying a boat. The survey involves a comprehensive inspection which includes a sea trial. The surveyor will provide you with a detailed report that includes all his findings, including recommended repairs or replacements.

  • Insurance survey

This survey is done for insurance purposes. It is not as thorough as a condition and value survey. It focuses mainly on specific items that an insurer requests. You have to make sure your preferred insurance company will approve the boat surveyor you are using.

  • Appraisal surveys

The survey is done to identify the approximate value of a boat. You may need this type of survey in case of a divorce or an estate settlement. Also, at times you may need to get this type of survey before financing a boat.

  • Damage surveys

These surveys are requested after an accident or storm damage. The purpose is to determine the extent of damage as well as the cost of repairs and replacements. In most cases, a damage survey will be requested by an insurance company.

  • New yacht surveys

The new yacht surveys are necessary for large, expensive boats. They are mainly done for custom-built yachts and often take place over a period of time. In this case, the boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale visits the manufacturer at various stages of the construction.

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Boat Inspector Fort Lauderdale – When Do Boat Owners Need a Boat Survey?

In most cases, a boat inspector Fort Lauderdale is hired by a buyer who wants to be certain that the boat they are considering is a worthy investment. What you may not already know is the fact that boat owners also benefit from the services of a boat surveyor. But when exactly would one require a boat survey done on their own boat? Here are the three main situations.

For insurance

While it is not always required, there are times when insurance companies will require that you provide a current boat survey. This helps them identify problems that your boat already has. By taking note of these issues, the surveyor will be able to calculate premiums based on possible future claims. Other times, the underwriter will ask that the recommended repairs be handled before they clear you to obtain coverage. Some insurers will also ask for periodic surveys which are done every 3 or 5 years. This helps keep tabs on the condition of the boat.

When you need a boat survey for the purpose of insurance, you must get one from a boat inspector Fort Lauderdale that is approved by your preferred insurance company. The last thing you want is to spend money on a boat inspection only for the survey report to be declined.

For lenders

Another situation that may mandate you pay for a boat inspection is when you want to use the boat as collateral for a loan. In this case, a valuation assessment will be done to help determine how much loan you can qualify for. The condition of the boat will help the lender determine how much down payment you should pay as well as the interest rate you will be charged.

To attract buyers

The third reason you may need a survey done is when you are getting ready to sell your boat. As a seller, you can commission a boat survey to be done. Doing so will help you sell the boat faster and also at a higher price. Although the seller’s survey is owned by the seller, it can be shared with a potential buyer to increase interest. However, the survey report has to be current. Buyers are advised against using survey reports that are several months old. They are also advised to get their own boat survey done.

There are many reasons why you may need to hire a boat inspector Fort Lauderdale. The rule of thumb is to ensure you hire the right inspector for the job. If you need a survey for insurance or financing, you must ensure the surveyor you are contacting is approved by the institution you are considering. The surveyor you hire must also have a remarkable track record.

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How Do You Hire a Boat Surveyor Ft. Lauderdale?

When buying a used boat, one of the most important decisions you will make is hiring a boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale. It is the duty of a boat surveyor to help you understand the fair market and replacement value of a boat as well as report on its overall condition. Without the input of a surveyor, you may end up buying a boat that costs you more headache than you can imagine. The big questions, however, is this, who should you hire?

The market is filled with so many people who claim to be experienced and dependable boat surveyors. The problem is the majority of them never deliver on their promise. Bearing in mind a marine surveyor evaluates a boat by simply observing, you have to be very careful before settling on a surveyor. Here are some important things you should do when choosing a boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale to hire.

Ensure they are certified

Anybody can come up to you and tell you they are surveyors. While they may do a great job evaluating your target boat, if they are not certified, their survey report will be useless. Dependable surveyors certified and required to participate in continuing education to retain their certification.

It is good to note that the seller of your target boat will not be of much help when searching for a surveyor. This is because a marine surveyor usually works for the hiring party. If you are the one who needs a survey done, you will be the one paying for the service. The surveyor will only report to you.

Check their experience

The most important thing to do when hiring a boat surveyor is to ensure they have many years under their belt performing marine surveys. To get a great service, make sure the surveyor has surveyed many boats that are similar to the one you are interested in. A dependable surveyor will be willing to speak with you on the phone to answer all the questions you may have about the boat survey process. Don’t forget to ask the surveyor for references and samples of their past survey reports. The reports will help you evaluate the thoroughness of the surveyor when performing a survey. You must not expect a surveyor to answer specific questions about a boat they haven’t seen.

Compare their services with other surveyors

Last but not least, before you choose one surveyor you should compare their services with at least two other surveyors. That way you will be able to know if the boat surveyor Ft. Lauderdale you are considering offers the most comprehensive services.

Boat Surveyor Ft Lauderdale