Category: boat inspector Fort Lauderdale

When buying a boat, most buyers only focus on the boat purchase price. As a matter of fact, most aspiring boat owners use the purchase price as the main factor when deciding on the boat to buy. At the end of the day, most of them realize that they made a mistake. This is more so because boats that are expensive to maintain tend to cost more. To avoid buying the wrong boat, you must get the services of a boat inspector Fort Lauderdale trusts. This is, without a doubt, the first cost you must plan for.

Cost of working with a boat surveyor

As you may already know, the role of a boat inspector Fort Lauderdale is to comb through every inch of the boat you are buying. The boat inspector inspects everything in order to come up with a detailed report. The surveyor may also recommend a sea trial to get a feel of how the boat performs. At the end of the inspection, you will be provided with a detailed boat survey report. The report will give you a detailed picture of the condition of the vessel. Needless to say, working with a boat surveyor costs money. The service costs about $20 to $25 per foot of the boat. While this might seem like an unnecessary expense, it will save you a lot of headaches in the future.

Operating costs

Whether you are buying a motorized or sailing boat, you have to think about the operating costs. For motorized boats, the main cost goes to the purchase of fuel. You also need to prepare for the cost of maintaining, repairing and replacing the batteries, pumps, oil, lights and other equipment. Boats are prone to wear and tear. This means you have to set a budget for maintenance.

Insurance

To protect your investment and to be able to operate in some harbors, you will need boat insurance. Getting boat insurance is important if you operate your boat in areas with high traffic. Insurance can cover all manner of things depending on the cover you select. Keep in mind that you may have to hire a marine surveyor for a mandatory insurance survey. The premiums you pay will depend on the insurer you are using, the condition of your boat and the type of cover you select.

Storage

Your boat will need to be stored somewhere when you are not using it. The cost of mooring and storing a boat is one of the biggest expense boat owners incur. Most storage facilities calculate costs based on the size of your boat. You may be billed annually at a discounted rate or monthly. Keep in mind that while storing your boat at the marine gives easy access to the water, it is more expensive.

When buying a boat, don’t focus only on the purchase price. Take note of the ongoing costs. The last thing you want is to buy a boat that is too expensive to maintain.

Boat Inspector Fort Lauderdale

 

The best thing you can do before buying a used boat is to get the advice of an experienced boat inspector Fort Lauderdale trusts. The surveyor will help you understand the exact condition of the boat and its fair market value. This information is crucial in making a sound investment. However, before you can proceed with the hiring of a boat surveyor, it is important to understand the following facts.

The person who hires the surveyor pays them

The first point you must keep in mind is that the boat inspector Fort Lauderdale trusts, is paid by the person who hires them. If you need a survey done before buying a boat, you will be the one paying the surveyor. If an insurance company sends their own surveyor to assess your boat, the insurance company will be paying the surveyor. In most cases, the buyer is the one responsible for paying for a boat survey. Be wary of sellers who are offering to pay for a marine survey. Chances are they will use their own surveyor who might be biased.

There are many types of marine surveys

The work of the boat inspector is not just to determine the value of a boat and document its flaws. There is a lot that a surveyor does. Here are some of the most common types of marine surveys:

• Insurance survey. This is the most basic type of boat survey. It is meant to give the insurance company a general overview of the boat’s condition. It helps the insurer know how much to cover your boat.
• Finance survey. This will be requested by marine mortgage lenders or financial institutions. Lenders will require this survey to be done before they can approve a loan. The goal is to determine if the boat is a good asset.
• Pre- or post-transport survey. This type of survey assesses the condition of a vessel before or after it has been transported. The survey is used mainly for insurance purposes.
• Full condition survey. Also known as a pre-purchase survey, this is the most comprehensive type of survey. It delves deeper into the condition of the boat. The surveyor will check everything on the boat and even insist on a sea trial.

It is advised to be present during the survey

While you don’t need to be present during the survey, it is highly recommended to be present. Being present helps you learn a lot about the boat and also gives you a chance to ask any question you may have. A marine surveyor will be happy to show you things as they discover them. This will give you a better understanding of the condition of the boat.

Boat Inspector Fort Lauderdale

 

If your heart is set on restoring a boat, then buying a project boat will bring you a lot of satisfaction. The first step is to pick the right boat. Doing this requires the input of an experienced boat inspector Fort Lauderdale trusts. The role of the boat inspector will be to document the exact condition of the boat so that you know what will need fixing and how much it will cost.

Keep in mind that the bigger the boat is the more work it will require. You will also need to make arrangements for its transportation and storage. A bigger boat will also take longer to fix. The best thing, however, is that with a project boat, you get the chance to own a bigger boat that you would otherwise not have been able to acquire. Keep a boat inspector Fort Lauderdale close. His input can even help you secure funding and point you in the direction of the best boat spare parts dealer in Florida. However, even with the help of an experienced boat surveyor, there are a couple of things you will have to consider before choosing a boat.

The first thing you must do is make sure the boat you are considering has salvageable equipment. You don’t want to spend money on a shell, do you? The cost of replacing everything onboard can be high. Your marine surveyor will inspect the available equipment and help you know how much it will roughly cost to buy the necessary equipment. If too many pieces of equipment are missing, make sure you factor that in when making an offer to the seller.

Another important thing to do is make sure you are choosing a boat that has plenty of spares available. You will get the most enticing offers when considering the lesser-known boat models. The downside is getting the required spares will be a nightmare. Choose a boat that has plenty of spares as well as plenty of fans so that you won’t have trouble trying to sell it later on.

The third thing you must do is avoid project boats that have severe structural defects. Structural problems are hard and expensive to repair. Some structural defects are even not repairable. Your boat inspector in Fort Lauderdale will be of great help at this point.

While buying a project boat will save you a significant amount of money, you still need a budget. Create a list of all the things that will have to be done to fix the boat and double that budget in order to account for the unforeseen expenditures.

Last but not least, if you plan on doing all the repairs yourself, make sure you select a boat that you can work on. For a first refit, select a model that has a simple design without too many systems. A boat that is easy to restore will give you confidence and make you proud of your handy work.

Boat Inspector Fort Lauderdale

 

A boat inspector Fort Lauderdale depends on is a specialist that inspects the condition of a boat and compiles a report. Also known as marine or boat surveyors, boat inspectors use various strategies when inspecting a vessel. However, there are certain standards they adhere to when inspecting a vessel. It is also good to note that these professionals are not mechanics or electricians. They will not dismantle components to look inside. Some do rely on imaging equipment that helps them look inside components without disassembling them. If a serious issue needs a closer look, the surveyor will recommend you hire a mechanic or electrician.

Finding the best boat inspector Fort Lauderdale endorses is the trickiest part. With Florida being a boating haven, so many people are working as surveyors. Some of these surveyors are just experienced boat owners who double as surveyors. Others are wannabes trying to make an extra buck offering mediocre boat survey services. If you are in the market for a good boat surveyor, here are the key things you must do.

Choose an experienced surveyor

The best thing you can do is hire an inspector with significant experience inspecting vessels similar to the one you are targeting. If you are targeting a towboat, sailboat, or pontoon boat, make sure you find a surveyor who has worked on such a vessel. That way, you will be guaranteed a more specialized service.

Good communication

You don’t want to work with a surveyor who is so full of himself he never listens to a word you say, do you? That is why you must start evaluating a surveyor over the phone. Note how they answer your call and how well they answer your questions. Do you feel comfortable working with them? You need to ask for references at this point. Contact several of their past clients to hear what they say about their experience working with the surveyor you are about to hire.

See a sample survey report

To better gauge their services, you need to take a look at their past work. In this case, you need to request a sample survey report. Then, look at how the report has been compiled. Finally, if you need a survey done for insurance, make sure your insurer will accept a survey report from your selected inspector.

The service cost should never be the primary determining factor on who to hire. To make sure you don’t end up with the second-best surveyor in the business, you must speak to at least three surveyors to find the one that is the best fit for you.

Boat Inspector Fort Lauderdale

 

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

 

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.

Boat Inspector Fort Lauderdale

 

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.

Boat Inspector Fort Lauderdale

 

Selling a used boat is a great way to generate money. This is more so if you rarely use the boat. However, considering this is a big decision, you will have to work with a number of professionals to help with the sale. One of the professionals you will need is a boat inspector Fort Lauderdale. The responsibility of the inspector is to perform a thorough inspection so that you know the exact condition of your boat and what you need to improve on. You also need to do the following.

Know its actual value

You will not be able to price your boat correctly if you have no idea what its fair market value is. This is where a boat inspector Fort Lauderdale comes in. The boat inspector will perform a marine survey and help determine the true value of your boat. He will take a look at every aspect of your boat, consider what similar boats are selling for and help you know the real value of your boat. Some inspectors will also share some information on the repairs that ought to be done and how much the said repairs will cost.

Good presentation

Knowing the issues that your boat has and how much it can sell for in a perfect market is not enough. You need to present it properly to potential buyers so that you get the best price for it. For this purpose, there are three very important things you should do.

• Fix mechanical issues

Mechanical issues are the main turn-off for potential buyers. This is because if your boat is not working properly, the buyer will not be able to get it in the water right away. Away from the engine, if the handrail is loose or there are some leaks, you have to get them fixed before you get the boat on the market. Buyers are interested in vessels that will not cost them a lot of time and money to make them sail-ready.

• Declutter the boat

Every boat inspector Fort Lauderdale wants you to declutter your boat before they arrive. This is because a decluttered boat is easier to inspect. Once the inspection is done, you also need to remove anything that will not be included in the sale. Doing so will increase the perceived space as well as eliminate confusion.

• Deep clean the boat

The next thing you must do is give your boat a deep clean. Cleaning and polishing the hull will make your boat more attractive to potential buyers. It is all about the first impressions.

Legal Issues

Last but not least, you have to demonstrate that the boat is actually yours. You should show the prospective buyer a trail of bills of sale that lead back to when the boat was brand new. The boat must also be free of unpaid charges and bills.

Boat Inspector Fort Lauderdale