Category: Boat Surveyor Ft Lauderdale

The notion that boat ownership is extremely expensive is a misconception. Just like cars, boats are available across a wide price range. Moreover, the cost of owning your dream boat may be lower than you think. If you have always wanted to own a boat but are on a tight budget, you should start by considering used boats. There are so many of them. The catch, however, is when considering a pre-owned boat, you have to work closely with a boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale. The surveyor will inspect the vessel and let you know if it is in good condition.

While buying a used boat is the way to go when on a tight budget, there are other methods you can use to stretch your budget further. In this post, we will be looking at boating on a budget.

Buy a used boat

As aforementioned, buying a used boat will help you get your dream boat at a fraction of the cost. You will, however, need to shop carefully. Focus more on boats that are between 2 and 10 years old. Such boats are in better shape than older boats. Even so, just like buying a classic car, you will need to do some investigation to ensure the boat is in good condition. Working with an experienced boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale is the best route to take. The marine surveyor will have the experience and equipment to identify even the tiniest problems. The surveyor will also provide you with a detailed report that you can use both in decision-making and to secure financing.

Finance the purchase

If you don’t have the money to buy your dream boat, you can always consider financing the purchase. There are so many financial options you can use to finance the purchase of a boat. You can start by contacting your bank and then consider what marine lenders have to offer. Your income, credit rating, and the value of the boat will determine how much you get in financing.

Attend boat shows

Boat shows are more like marine supermarkets. You will find virtually all boat brands and dealers here. Boat shows, thus, offer the best opportunity for you to start shopping for your dream boat. You will also get amazing discounts on good boats. Financing deals are also available. When searching for a boat to buy, visit as many boat shows as you can.

The above are the best tips you should use when buying a boat on a budget. Never underestimate the importance of a boat surveyor in Fort Lauderdale when buying a used boat.

Boat Surveyor Ft Lauderdale

 

It goes without saying that the first thing you must do before making a decision on any type of boat is to get the input of a boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale trusts. The role of the boat surveyor is not to help you know which boat to buy but to help you understand the condition of your target boat and if it is ideal for its intended use. With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the key considerations you should make before buying a fishing boat.

Size

You can fish from any size of the craft, including a rigid inflatable boat. However, it is good to note that any boat that is smaller than 13 feet long will make fishing difficult. If you are a first-time boat owner, a boat that is 16 feet long will be easily manageable. You can even launch this boat from a trailer. For a boat that is longer than 20 feet, you will require a powerful vehicle that has a remarkable towing capacity. All in all, the extra length will offer better stability and usability while fishing. The ideal fishing boat is one that is more than 20 feet long. Such boats are ideal for offshore fishing. Considering longer boats require a larger financial investment, don’t purchase one without getting it inspected by a reputable boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale trusts. The input of a boat surveyor will keep you from investing in a doomed vessel.

Inboard or Outboard Engines

For small to medium-sized vessels, the engine is usually outboard. These are mostly four-stroke engines on modern boats. The engines are quieter than the older two-stroke models and thus ideal for fishing. For larger vessels that are 26 feet or longer, you will find diesel inboard engines. A marine surveyor will help you know if the engine has the power to handle the boat. An underpowered engine will overheat and eventually get damaged.

Hull Type

There are different types of hulls available on boats. If you plan on fishing far from shore and on rough waters, a fishing boat with a displacement or semi-displacement hull will be ideal. While it doesn’t move as fast, this boat is more stable even in rough seas. The planning hull and the cathedral and semi-cathedral hulls are other hull options that are available. These types of hulls are ideal if you want a boat that moves a bit faster. You should, however, keep in mind that with the latter types of hull, you will be sacrificing stability.

A lot goes into the choice of a fishing boat. Working with an experienced boat surveyor in Ft Lauderdale will guarantee that you end up with the right boat for the job.

Boat Surveyor Ft Lauderdale

 

If you have taken a look at the cost of boats, both new and used, the price tags might have caught you unawares. There is no way of getting around the fact that boats are very expensive to buy and maintain. The cost is, however, justifiable. You should also not allow a seller to push you to buy at an exaggerated price. Working with a boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale trusts, can help you know if the price tag is fair or not.

Many factors influence the overall cost of owning a boat. The factors start with the cost of buying a boat. A used boat tends to be cheaper than a brand new one. Other costs you have to account for include the cost of insurance, storage fees, maintenance, and fuel. Understanding the cost of boating is something you must do before buying your first boat. Second, you have to get a professional’s opinion to help you know if you are making a good investment or not. An experienced boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale trust will help with this. Here are the other things that make boats expensive.  

Supply and demand

While you would expect boats to cost as much as cars, the cost of buying a good boat is much higher. This is due to supply and demand. Cars are a necessity in today’s world, whereas boats remain a luxury. Boat builders sell fewer vessels than car manufacturers. To make their business viable, boat builders need a bigger profit margin. This is one of the things that make boats so expensive. If you are on a tight budget but still need a boat, you should consider going for a used one. Used boats tend to cost less. You will, however, need the help of a boat surveyor to help with the inspection of the vessel. If a used boat has too many issues, you should consider staying away from it.

Manufacturing costs

The cost of building a boat is the main reason for the high price tag. Unlike cars, where the process is almost fully automated, boats are built mainly by hand. Huge shipyards are also needed to accommodate the boats. The big size and complexity require skilled labor. As a result, the cost of production is much higher.

Power

The horsepower behind a boat impacts the price tag significantly. The latest engines are quieter, fuel-efficient, have lower emissions, and more torque. Boats with these engines cost a lot more. A significant amount of money is also put into research and development.

There are many more factors that lead to the high price tag. Whether buying a brand new or used vessel, it is always wise to work with an experienced boat surveyor in Ft Lauderdale. The surveyor will ensure you don’t end up buying the wrong boat.

Boat Surveyor Ft Lauderdale

 

 
Are you searching for a boat surveyor Ft Lauderdaleto help with an inspection? If you are, you will be spoilt for choice. There are so many surveyors you can turn to. The problem, however, is that not every surveyor you meet has what it takes to provide a good survey report. That is why before hiring, you must learn how to hire the best surveyor. In this post, we will be looking at the top considerations you should make when searching for a surveyor. Let’s get started.

Good track record

When you start searching for a boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale, the first thing you will most likely do is reach out to friends and family for recommendations on the best surveyor. Boat yards and the internet will also be of great help. At the end of the day, you will have dozens of potential marine surveyors to reach out to. To narrow down the list to the most reliable surveyors, you need to pay attention to their track record. What type of services do they offer and what are their clients saying about their work? You don’t want to work with a surveyor who has never surveyed a boat before, do you? Track record helps you gauge their experience and competence.

Experience surveying your type of boat

Having lots of experience is not enough. To ensure the surveyor will not offer an incomplete report, you need to make sure the surveyor you hire has experience working on boats similar to the one you want to be inspected. Yes, professional training is great but experience brings a whole new perspective on things. That is why the marine surveyor you hire must have lots of hands-on experience on vessels similar to yours.

Serves your area

The reason you need a surveyor who works in your region is to benefit from their networks. When you need an out-of-water inspection, you don’t want to be the one making all the arrangements. A surveyor who works in your region will know where to go and how much it will cost. This will help eliminate a lot of the guesswork and headache on your part. 

Personality

Last but not least, you want to work with a surveyor you can relate well with. That is why you must speak to your preferred surveyor in person to gauge their personality. Are they willing to listen to your needs or they are focused more on giving recommendations? Do you feel comfortable working with them? The key is to hire a surveyor you can work with without feeling pressured.

The cost of service must never be the only factor you consider when hiring a surveyor. Making the above considerations will help find the best team for the job.

Boat Surveyor Ft Lauderdale

 

If you have never bought a boat before, understanding the survey process is one of the first things you should do. That way you will know what will be required of you by a boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale. In this post, we will be taking a look at the key things you will have to do.

Choose a boat

The first step is the most obvious; you have to decide on the boat you want. While the experience of a boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale is invaluable, it is not the surveyor’s job to help you pick a boat. Choosing a boat is a matter of personal preferences. You should, however, not choose just any boat. Take a look at the service history of the boat, ensure it meets your needs and ensure it is within your budget. The duty of the marine surveyor is to evaluate the vessel you are considering and help you understand if it is a worthy investment or not.

Sign the contract

After finding the boat that is perfect for you, the next step is to sign a contract with the seller. This has to be done before placing a deposit. A contract of sale has to be written and you and the seller have to agree on the terms before signing anything. It is good to include a clause about the deposit and payment plan in the contract. The contract must also state that you will hold up the end of your deal if the boat survey is satisfactory to you. The survey has to be done within a specified period of time and must include a sea trial. Ensure the contract state that if the boat survey report reveals issues and the seller is unwilling to fix them or negotiate, the deposit will be refunded fully within a specified period of time.

Make a deposit

Now that you are okay with the contract, the final step before you bring in a marine surveyor is to make a deposit. The seller may request a deposit of between 5% and 10% of the selling price. This is required because it is a lot of work to spend almost a full day inspecting, testing and slipping a boat during a survey. The seller wants to be certain that you are a serious buyer.

Bring in a surveyor

The final step is the most important; bringing in a marine surveyor. This involves something as simple as contacting a boat surveyor in Ft Lauderdale to give you a survey date. You may be required to complete an online form. Make sure you discuss your needs and the services the surveyor will provide before hiring.

Boat Surveyor Ft Lauderdale

 

When buying a used boat, one of the most important decisions you will make is hiring a boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale. It is the duty of a boat surveyor to help you understand the fair market and replacement value of a boat as well as report on its overall condition. Without the input of a surveyor, you may end up buying a boat that costs you more headache than you can imagine. The big questions, however, is this, who should you hire?

The market is filled with so many people who claim to be experienced and dependable boat surveyors. The problem is the majority of them never deliver on their promise. Bearing in mind a marine surveyor evaluates a boat by simply observing, you have to be very careful before settling on a surveyor. Here are some important things you should do when choosing a boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale to hire.

Ensure they are certified

Anybody can come up to you and tell you they are surveyors. While they may do a great job evaluating your target boat, if they are not certified, their survey report will be useless. Dependable surveyors certified and required to participate in continuing education to retain their certification.

It is good to note that the seller of your target boat will not be of much help when searching for a surveyor. This is because a marine surveyor usually works for the hiring party. If you are the one who needs a survey done, you will be the one paying for the service. The surveyor will only report to you.

Check their experience

The most important thing to do when hiring a boat surveyor is to ensure they have many years under their belt performing marine surveys. To get a great service, make sure the surveyor has surveyed many boats that are similar to the one you are interested in. A dependable surveyor will be willing to speak with you on the phone to answer all the questions you may have about the boat survey process. Don’t forget to ask the surveyor for references and samples of their past survey reports. The reports will help you evaluate the thoroughness of the surveyor when performing a survey. You must not expect a surveyor to answer specific questions about a boat they haven’t seen.

Compare their services with other surveyors

Last but not least, before you choose one surveyor you should compare their services with at least two other surveyors. That way you will be able to know if the boat surveyor Ft. Lauderdale you are considering offers the most comprehensive services.

Boat Surveyor Ft Lauderdale

 

When you are in the process of buying a used boat, the first professional you should bring onboard is a boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale. A good surveyor will provide you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are not making a bad investment. The surveyor will help you understand the boat you are about to buy inside and out. Even so, there are a couple of things you have to understand before getting a boat survey.

Type of survey

The first is the fact that there are many types of boat surveys that can be performed. The most common type of survey is the pre-purchase survey. This is done to help a buyer understand if the boat they are about to buy is a good investment or not. Other common types of surveys include:

• Insurance survey
• Finance survey
• Pre and post-transport survey
• Full condition survey

Prior to hiring a boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale, you need first to understand what type of survey you need. Do you want to get financing and use the boat as collateral or do you want to know how much repairs will cost?

What is involved in a full condition survey

A full condition survey is the most comprehensive of all surveys. While basic surveys are usually non-intrusive, a full condition survey takes a look at everything from the hull to the propulsive equipment to the condition of the mechanical gear. It is done to determine if a boat is sound. If you are buying a used boat, this is the survey you should request. This is assuming you can afford the extra fee that comes with a full condition survey.

Never rely on existing surveys

The worst mistake you can make is relying on an existing survey. Just because a survey was done less than a year ago does not mean the boat is still in the same mint condition it was in months ago. A lot change. A marine survey is more of a snapshot. It reflects the condition of the boat on the day the survey is carried out. It is also good to note that reputable boat surveyors carry indemnity insurance against which you can claim if the surveyor missed a salient defect. If you are not the one who paid the marine surveyor, you don’t have a contract with him and thus cannot file any claim.

Getting a marine survey is essential when buying a used boat. It is, however, good to keep in mind that there are limitations of surveys. For starters, the boat surveyor Ft Lauderdale only listens and observes. He will not disassemble parts to see inside. If this is required, you will be advised to bring in a mechanic for a more thorough look. Nondestructive testing methods like ultra-sound can be used to look inside components but a surveyor will never take components apart.

Boat Surveyor Ft Lauderdale