Category: Boat Inspection Fort Lauderdale

The boat motor is one of the most expensive parts to repair. That is why before you settle for a boat, you must make sure that the engine is in perfect condition. While you can perform an inspection on your own, it is always good to involve an expert. In this post, we will be taking a look at some of the techniques used by boat surveyors to check the condition of an engine during a boat inspection Fort Lauderdale.

Checking for impurities in the engine oil

The first step in a boat inspection Fort Lauderdale is making sure that the engine oil does not have impurities. This is done using the dipstick. If the engine oil has a milky color, smells foul or looks like black ink, then the engine has an issue.

For a diesel engine, oil that looks like black ink is not a problem. However, if yours is a gasoline engine, chances are there are worn-out motors or contamination. This should, however, not be a turn-off in a marine survey. The darkening of engine oil is very normal in many cases.

On the other hand, if the color of the oil is milky, this indicates that water has gotten in the engine. This will, thus, signify broken parts and corroded gears. If this is the case on the boat you are considering, it would be wise to pass on the deal.

Traces of metal fillings in the oil is another major issue. These are felt when you rub the oil between your fingers. A gritty feeling indicates the presence of metal fillings. This often indicates major issues such as serious engine wear.

A bad smell indicates the oil is contaminated. A bad oil smell can be a major issue. It shows the engine has a major problem that needs to be examined further.  In this case, the marine surveyor can use special equipment to look inside the engine without dismantling it. If a further examination is needed, you will be advised to bring in a mechanic to dismantle the engine for a closer look.

Start the motor cold

When buying a used boat, it is recommended to start the engine when it is stone cold. The reason for this is when the motor sits for long, the oil pressure between the surfaces bleeds off. A cold startup will thus help you hear telltale knocking, slapping or ticking more clearly. A boat surveyor will be able to know if the noises being heard are normal or need further examination.

Boat Inspection Fort Lauderdale

 

Owning a boat is no longer for the super-rich, thanks to the availability of marine mortgages. Provided you choose the right lender and raise a considerable amount of down payment, you can pay for your dream boat over a period of time you are comfortable with. However, before you get started with finding a lender, you need to identify the boat that is right for you and get a professional boat inspection Fort Lauderdale recommends.

Whether you are buying a brand new or a used boat, you will have an advantage if you provide a confirmed letter from the lender before you start negotiating with the seller. Being preapproved shows you are a serious buyer, which will speed up the process. Nevertheless, it is good to note that most lenders will require you perform a boat inspection Fort Lauderdale trusts before they can approve you for the loan. In this case, you have to find the boat you want before reaching out to a lender. But how do you choose the perfect boat?

Set a budget

The first thing you must do is set a budget. How much do you want to spend on a boat? Your budget will help narrow down your search to the boats you can afford. Don’t set a budget blindly. Do some research to find out how much boats go for. Your budget must also not focus only on the purchase cost. Think about the cost of a marine survey, boat insurance, marine fees, fuel costs, maintenance, and safety requirement.

Know the type of boat you want

With your budget in hand, it is time to think about the type of boat you want. This will depend on what you need the boat for. Are you looking for a fishing boat or a party cruise? The activities you intend on engaging in will help you know which boat will be perfect for you. Make your choice with your budget in mind. 

Inspect the boat

There are so many boats in perfect conditions all across Florida. However, this does not mean you commit to a boat blindly. In order to attract buyers, most sellers do some aesthetic work which conceals the flaws. With the help of a professional boat inspection in Fort Lauderdale, you will be able to uncover all the issues that a boat has.

These points will help you move in the right direction when searching for a boat. The secret to ending up with the perfect boat is liaising with the experts. An experienced boat surveyor will offer crucial information that will keep you from making the wrong choices.

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.

Boat Inspection Fort Lauderdale

 

With new boats costing a fortune, buying used boats has always been the best alternative approach to owning a boat. The demand for used boats has, actually, skyrocketed over the years. Even so, this does not mean you purchase just any boat that impresses you. Prior to making a purchase, you need to perform a boat inspection Fort Lauderdale. You will get better results when you work with an experienced boat surveyor.

A boat survey is the key to finding the right used boat. This is regardless of whether you are buying a used boat for personal use or to refurbish and sell it. The input of a marine surveyor will help you know how much work you will have to put in to get the boat in shape. A professional boat inspection Fort Lauderdale further helps you know if the boat you are considering is a worthy investment or not. With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the key areas of focus in a standard boat inspection.

Year of the boat

In an inspection, the surveyor will start by finding out the year the boat was built. Just like with a motor vehicle, the more recent the built the better. You should always avoid vessels that are over 20 years old. Such vessels will have more issues and outdated systems.

Where the boat was used

If the boat was exclusively used in fresh water, it will be in much better condition than one that was used in salt water. This is because salt water causes a boat to have more corrosion issues. All in all, this does not mean boats that were used in marine environments are bad. You simply need to get a thorough inspection done to ensure the vessel doesn’t have serious issues.

Engine hours

The engine hours will tell you a lot about the condition of the engine. The more hours the engine has the more unreliable it might be. Engine hours tell how tired an engine is.

Is the seller an original owner?

One of the things a boat surveyor will do is determine how many previous owners there are. The crucial point to remember is that original owners tend to take better care of the boat. Therefore, the more owners the boat has had, the ricketier it might be. 

What doesn’t work?

While asking the seller to reveal issues can save time, the seller may withhold certain information or might not be aware of some serious issues. A marine surveyor will perform an in-depth inspection of the boat and compile a list of all the issues and weaknesses the vessel might have.

A lot more is considered in a boat inspection. The key is to find a reputable boat surveyor that has experience inspecting vessels similar to the one you are considering.

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.

Boat Inspection Fort Lauderdale

 

Do you need a boat inspection Fort Lauderdale? If yes, the next step is to determine the type of survey that you need. There are four main types of surveys done by marine surveyors with each type being unique. In this post, we will be discussing the four types of survey.

Pre-purchase survey

Are you thinking about buying a used boat? If you are, a pre-purchase survey is what you will need. This is considered to be the most comprehensive type of boat inspection Fort Lauderdale. It is strongly advised when thinking about buying a used or second-hand craft.

A pre-purchase survey takes place when a buyer hires a boat surveyor to inspect a craft and its machinery, service systems, rig, and equipment. The purpose of this survey is to establish if a boat is fit for its designated purpose. The survey helps identify major issues.

The pre-purchase survey starts with an out-of-water inspection of the hull. This involves a wetness measurement of the shell and structural integrity as well as water tightness. While it is possible for a boat survey to be done while the boat is in the water, it will be harder to assess the parts that will be underwater.

Pre-purchase surveys also include a sea trial. During the trial, the surveyor checks the electrical, fuel, propulsion, sewage, water, and other service systems.

Damage survey

This type of boat inspection is initiated to assess the extent of damage to a boat. This is usually requested after a collision, storm damage, or grounding. These types of surveys are mostly requested by insurance companies. The surveyor will provide views on recommended repairs as well as an estimated cost of repairs.

Valuation or insurance condition survey

In some instances, this survey is usually included in a pre-purchase survey if a client asks for it. The purpose of this survey is to justify the fair market value of a vessel. This is usually required by insurance, mortgage, and other financing companies.

Condition and valuation survey

This fourth type of survey is done to help a prospective underwriter determine if a vessel is an acceptable risk. This survey will include an out of water inspection and focuses on the structural integrity of the vessels for the declared or intended use. Condition and valuation surveys are mostly requested on older boats.

The type of boat inspection Fort Lauderdale that you need will depend on what you need. That is why it is always wise to discuss your options with an experienced boat surveyor to get a better understanding of what you need. You must also ensure that you hire a surveyor that has an impeccable track record.

Boat Inspection Fort Lauderdale

Thanks to advances in technology and the use of materials like fiberglass and aluminum, boats are a lot cheaper today. There are more than 15.7 million recreational boats in the United States today. This shows that anyone can afford to purchase a boat. However, if you are targeting a used boat, you will need to make arrangements with an experienced marine surveyor for a boat inspection Fort Lauderdale. In addition to that, there are a couple of things you will have to do.

Choose the right type of boat

As a first-time boat buyer, you are encouraged to go for a used boat. Used boats are more affordable but you still have to make sure a professional boat inspection Ford Lauderdale has been done. A used boat is the best option to help you train and determine if boating is your thing or not. Just like a used car, a used boat will have hidden problems. A boat surveyor will help you identify issues.

While the role of a marine surveyor is to help you determine if you are making a good investment or not, it is not his job to find the best type of boat for you. There are over 30 types of recreational powerboats. These types are divided into three general usages: water sports, fishing and cruising. Deciding on the type of boat to buy is all up to you. The work of the marine surveyor is simply to assess the overall condition of your selected boat to determine if it is a good investment or not.

Get a fresh survey

Just because you are buying a boat from a friend does not mean it is as good as he says. When it comes to boat surveys, it is imperative that you get a fresh survey. This is because a professional boat inspection Fort Lauderdale is only valued for the day the inspection is done. Tides, storms and crashes can damage a boat. Getting a fresh inspection is the key to understanding the exact condition of the boat you are considering.

Be Present for the Survey

Last but not least, you need to make time to be present during the survey. Being present will give you the opportunity to ask all the questions you may have and answer any question that the boat surveyor may have. It is also you job to make the surveyor’s work easy by moving items out of the way.

Buying a boat is a huge investment. It is your job to ensure that you are not making a mistake. That is why you should always involve the services of a boat inspector to help evaluate the exact condition of the vessel.

Boat Inspection Fort Lauderdale