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.
Boat Surveyors Fort Lauderdale