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