Category: Boat Surveyor Fort Lauderdale

If you are tired of renting or borrowing a boat from a friend, you should start saving up for a boat. A used boat is a great option and you will be able to get a bigger and more luxurious one for a fraction of the cost of a brand new boat. However, before you settle on a used boat, make sure you bring in an experienced boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale trusts for a thorough assessment. A surveyor will be able to identify any damages and flaws that a boat has. They will also enlighten you on the fair market value of a boat and help you know if the boat you are considering will be ideal for what you need it for.

While getting the input of a boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale is important, there are a couple of things you will also have to do. Below are the key things you should do long before you bring in a boat surveyor for an inspection.

Know your boat

The important point you should understand is that a boat surveyor is only there to give a detailed report on your target boat. They will not show you which boat is perfect for you. With that being said, it is your job to know the kind of boat that you need. To do this, you need to know what you need the boat for. Second, you must compile a list of all the must-have features in your boat. Doing so will help narrow down your search.

Set a budget

Once you identify the boats that would be ideal for you, the next step is to set a budget.  How much you plan on spending on a boat will help narrow down your search in terms of size and features. Don’t just think about the initial purchase cost. You need to think about the cost of maintenance. Maintenance costs include the cost of inspection, insurance, fuel, upgrades and boat storage. There are many more associated costs.

Pre-owned or brand new

As aforementioned, you will save a lot of money going for a used boat. However, based on how much money you can get, it is good to compare the cost of brand new and pre-owned vessels. This is because a brand new boat comes with amazing features and a manufacturer’s warranty. The downside is it depreciates fast. A used boat, on the other hand, will cost you less money and will not be impacted significantly by depreciation. However, if you plan on using the pre-owned vessel route, make sure you get an inspection done by an experienced boat surveyor in Fort Lauderdale.

Boat Surveyor Fort Lauderdale

Selling a boat is a multistep process. It requires a lot of patience and for you to sell for maximum value, you have to be prepared to invest some money in your boat. If it is time to sell your boat, the first thing you should do is call in an experienced boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale trusts. This will be your first investment into the boat. The purpose of calling in a boat surveyor is for them to perform a thorough assessment of the vessel and provide a detailed report on its condition. You can then use the survey report to improve your boat before selling and to set a selling price. Here are the additional steps you should take.

Ensure everything works

Buyers want to get the best deal when buying a boat. That is why the first thing they will do is use your boat’s flaws against you. If there is missing equipment or major repairs have to be done, buyers will deduct the cost of all these from their offer. More often than not, buyers will exaggerate the flaws. To avoid being shortchanged, you need to bring in a boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale trusts to perform a thorough boat inspection. Don’t simply fix what is obvious. A serious buyer will bring their own marine surveyor and the surveyor will find the problems you are trying to sweep under the rug. Making sure everything works and fixing anything that doesn’t work will not only help build trust with buyers but also give you an advantage during negotiations.

Remove personal items

There is nothing more misleading than a buyer assuming the fancy cooking equipment comes with the boat. To avoid confusion, remove anything that will not be included in the sale. That way, buyers will know exactly what is being sold. You also need to empty all the lockers and give the boat a thorough cleaning. If you must use anything to stage the boat so that buyers know what the boat can look like, make sure you give them a list of all the things that will not be included in the sale.

Test the engine

Last but not least, you have to clean up the engine and make sure it works optimally. Remove water in the bilge and clean off any oil from the engine. There is no harm in bringing in a professional who specializes in the steam cleaning of engine compartments. A clean shiny engine will definitely create a great first impression.

Boat Surveyor Fort Lauderdale

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.

Boat Surveyor Fort Lauderdale

Buying a used boat is one of the best ways to avoid the high cost of owning a boat. With a used boat, you will find a vessel in mint condition and get it for a fraction of the cost. However, this does not mean all used boats that are on sale are in good condition. In the same way, you wouldn’t buy a used car without having your mechanic look at it, you should never buy a used boat without involving a marine surveyor Fort Lauderdale. The role of the surveyor is to perform a thorough inspection of the vessel and provide you with a comprehensive report that tells you more about the vessel.

The main duty of a marine surveyor Fort Lauderdale is to provide an independent survey and report of the current condition of the vessel you plan on buying. The surveyor will report on the physical condition, class status as well as life history of the vessel. This report will offer crucial information that helps evaluate your proposed investment by identifying potential problems. By being able to identify potential issues with a boat, you will be able to reduce the technical and business risks you face when buying a used vessel.

To give you a good understanding of the condition of the vessel, the boat surveyor looks at various aspects of the vessel. While there are many survey methodologies used, the visual inspection covers the following on the boat:

• Structural integrity
• Firefighting equipment
• Main propulsion machinery
• Auxiliary machinery
• Documentation which includes statutory records, ISM and PSC records
• Electronic equipment
• Cargo gears
• Mooring equipment
• Accommodation and sanitary
• Main onboard spare parts

At times, everything is not don’t visually. A surveyor may use specialized equipment to review the condition of the vessel. For example, infrared equipment can be used to look inside equipment without dismantling them. If specialized equipment is unavailable or cannot accurately assess the condition of a component, the surveyor will request that you involve a specialist such as an electrician or a mechanic. The surveyor will not compile the final survey report until they get a report from these specialists.

Once the inspection is done, the surveyor will provide you with a survey report. This will include the following:

• Summary of the survey and condition of the boat
• Publications and statutory certificates
• Manning, management and records
• List of defects and condition statement
• Pictures

The only way to determine if the surveyor will offer the services you need is to ask for a sample survey report. You also have to make sure that they have worked on vessels that are similar to the ones you are interested in.

Marine Surveyor Fort Lauderdale

If you are in the market for a used boat, you will have to enlist the services of an experienced and reliable boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale. The surveyor will serve as your consultant. He will help you understand precisely what type of investment you are about to make. Surveyors do this by giving unbiased insight into the vessel. Away from that, let’s take a look at some of the most important questions you must answer when buying a secondhand boat.

How much is it worth now?

You don’t want to sign the final paperwork only to learn that you overpaid for a boat, do you? This is why the first thing you should do is understand the fair market value of the boat you are about to buy. You will need a boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale for this. Part of a surveyor’s boat inspection is determining its market value. This is achieved by looking at other comparable vessels and determining the amount of work that will be needed to get the boat in good running condition. To get the most accurate estimate, make sure you work with an experienced marine surveyor. Keep in mind that an accurate fair market value will help with negotiations and keep you from making a bad investment.

Does it require major repairs?

Just because a vessel has been priced fairly does not mean you go ahead and buy it. You should also not buy a boat simply because it appears to be in good condition. The most devastating problems are the ones you can’t see. This is why before you get started on the paperwork to buy a vessel you must involve a boat inspector to comb through every inch of the vessel. The survey report will include a list of major issues that the vessel has and how much it will cost to repair. Keep in mind some repairs are harder to tackle than others. Make sure you understand precisely what needs to be done to get the boat in working condition before offering to buy it.

Does it have all the essential equipment?

Away from repairs, it is common for used boats to lack vital equipment. For example, the navigation system might be damaged or missing altogether. You have to make a list of all the missing pieces of equipment. Doing so will help with negotiations and keep you from making a bad investment.

How much insurance should you get?

Last but not least, you need to think about the amount of insurance you will need for the boat. Keep in mind that with older boats you will have to pay higher premiums. Your boat surveyor will give an estimate on how much you will have to pay for insurance.

Boat Surveyor Fort Lauderdale

The main reason you have to work with a boat surveyor Fort Lauderdaleis so as to uncover damages to a boat. There are so many things that can damage a boat. The worst part is that most of these things are hard to spot especially if you are inexperienced or untrained. That is why you need the services of a surveyor. But what really causes damages to a boat? Understanding the causes can help avoid expensive damages as well as help you anticipate the future.

Submerged objects

Being careful as a boat captain is not enough. This is more so when you consider the fact that there are so many submerged objects that a boat can hit. The amount of floating debris has increased due to major storms and extreme tides. Therefore, when planning on buying a used boat, you should bring in an experienced boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale for an out-of-water inspection. The surveyor will take a look at the haul and report on the damages he finds. You will also be given an estimate on how much the boat repairs will cost.

Sinking

There is nothing more disturbing than watching your boat sink. Lesser fittings such as clamps and hoses last only a couple of years. They usually fail before anything else. If water is not drained properly, flooding on the boat will cause damage to the battery and bilge pump. Undrained water on the boat will also make the boat too heavy. One of the duties of a boat surveyor is to ensure rainwater is drained properly and that all the fittings are in good condition.

Fire and explosions

So many things can cause fire on a boat. In most cases, faulty DC wiring is the leading cause of fires on boats. Chafed wires are the leading cause. AC shore-power cord inlet is yet another leading cause of fires on boats. Wear and corrosion causes high resistance which creates heat. Overheated exhaust manifolds as well as fuel leaks may lead to fires.

Bad weather

Harsh weather can cause significant damages to a boat. As aforementioned, bad weather increases the number of debris in the water. This increases chances of collisions with submerged objects. When you contact a marine surveyor, they will check for damages caused by extreme weather and give recommendations on how to get the boat in tiptop shape.

There are so many things that can cause damages to a boat. When buying a used vessel, always evaluate it thoroughly. A boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale will help you understand the boat better and help you know roughly how much it will cost to get the boat in perfect condition.

Boat Surveyor Fort Lauderdale

Are you in the market for a used boat? If you are, this post is for you. Just like buying your first car, you will have a lot to think about when buying a boat. The worst part is that since you are not used to driving a boat, you will not be able to notice performance issues on your own. That is why it is always wise to work with an experienced boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale. There are also a couple of things you have to do when buying a used boat.

Identify the type of boat you want

The number one question you must answer is this; what kind of boating do you plan on doing? You need to consider where you want to use the boat and how you will be using it. Needless to say, boats are specialized. The boat you end up selecting will depend on where and how you will be using it. You need to take time to research the best boats for the kind of activity you want. You also need to think about the maintenance needs of the boat. Some vessels require more money to maintain.

Involve a boat inspector

Now that you have identified the type of boat you want and where to buy it, the next step is to bring in a boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale. The reason for this is because used boats will often have some underlying issues that you will not be able to identify on your own. The boat surveyor will go through every inch of the boat while using specialized equipment to identify issues. The surveyor will then perform a sea-trial which helps him determine how the boat operates.

If there are any issues with the boat, the surveyor will be able to let you know. You will get a detailed survey report that includes the possible issues, estimated cost of repairs as well as the fair market value of the vessel. This information will come in handy when deciding on the boat to purchase and during negotiations.

Know what is included in the sale

Buying a used boat means you will not get everything that a brand new boat has. That is why you should always sit down with the seller to compile a list of everything that will be included in the sale. The seller should give you a list of all the equipment that will be included so as to give you an idea on how much stuff will be coming with the boat.

Buying a boat can be emotional. It is important to take a step back when reviewing a boat and during negotiations. A boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale will help you focus on the things that really matter. If you feel you cannot be objective throughout the purchase, consider involving a broker.

Boat Surveyor Fort Lauderdale

After finding the perfect used boat, you want to be certain you are making an informed purchase. There are many structural and mechanical components that a boat has and you want to be certain they are all in good condition. What you need at this point is a boat survey. This will be done by a boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale. A boat survey will give you, and your bank an extra layer of protection before purchasing a second-hand boat.

Who is a boat surveyor?

A boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale is an expert that is certified to perform a various types of inspections on a boat. A boat surveyor will either have a strong boating and/or mechanical background. They leverage on their background to evaluate the condition of a used boat. The most important point to remember is that surveyors will not dissemble components to look inside. They simply observe and listen. If they determine there is an issue, they will either use imaging equipment to look inside without dismantling the component or advice you to bring in a mechanic.

Why use a boat surveyor?

The purchase of a boat is a large financial decision. Hiring a boat surveyor will give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are not being exploited in terms of price and that the boat will give you the performance promised by the seller. While you may be inclined to bring in a mechanic, you should note that surveyors use special tools like moisture meters to examine more than just the mechanics of the boat.

If you plan on financing the purchase, you need to note that most lenders will require you to provide them with a certified survey before they release the funds. Insurance companies will also require a survey to be done before insuring your boat.

What types of surveys are offered?

The type of survey you get will depend on your needs. There are basically four types of surveys:

• Pre-purchase survey. The survey looks at the current condition of a boat. It is requested by buyers to help them know if they are making a good investment.
• Insurance survey. This is used by the insurance companies to justify a vessel as being of an acceptable risk and value.
• Damage inspection. This looks at the extent of damage to a vessel.
• Appraisal inspection. The purpose of this survey is to determine the fair market value of a vessel.

There is a lot more to learn about a boat survey. Liaising with an experienced boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale will take the guesswork out of the way and guarantee that you get a comprehensive boat survey report. Hire someone that has experience working on boats similar to the one you are considering.

Boat Surveyor Fort Lauderdale

If you have ever owned a boat or plan on buying a boat, you probably know a few things about the importance of working with a boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale. A surveyor performs a marine survey which is a detailed inspection meant to help understand the condition and seaworthiness of the boat. There are several types of marine surveys with condition and value surveys being the most common. If you are planning on hiring a boat surveyor for any type of survey, there are a couple of things you will have to understand.

Surveyors Offer Limited Inspections

There is a certain level of inspection that the market has become accustomed to paying for. This level of inspection is also accepted by the insurance companies. In general, a boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale will never disassemble permanent parts of your boat to access areas that they cannot see. This means certain areas of your components will not be inspected. Surveyors only listen and observe components to determine their condition. If there is a serious issue, a surveyor will recommend you to a mechanic or electrician who will take the components apart and perform a thorough assessment. Other times the surveyor may use special equipment that helps him see inside a component without taking it apart.

You Always Need a Fresh Survey

The worst mistake you can ever make when buying a boat is relying on a survey that was performed by the current owner. What you need to understand is that a marine survey is a snapshot of the boat at the specific time it is inspected. A lot can happen to the boat a few days after an inspection. There is no guarantee that a component that powered up during the last survey still works. That is why if you are interested in buying a used boat, the first thing you must do is get a new inspection.

Why You Need a Marine Survey

The last thing you want is to purchase a boat that is in poor condition. While you may be able to visually evaluate the boat yourself, certain issues easily escape an untrained eye. That is why you need to have a marine surveyor inspect the boat for you. A boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale will determine if the vessel meets the safety criteria and helps safeguard the passengers and crew. Moreover, it will be hard for you to secure insurance or financing if you don’t get a qualifying marine survey.

Who Needs a Marine Survey?
Anyone that currently owns a boat or plans on buying a used boat needs a marine survey. The survey will further help you know if you are carrying the right amount of insurance coverage.

Boat Surveyor Fort Lauderdale