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.