Category: Boat Surveyors Fort Lauderdale

Buying a boat is exciting. It offers a chance for you to own a boat and use it wherever and whenever you want. However, this is not a decision you should ever rush. Considering it is a huge investment, it is paramount that you make calculated decisions all through. In this post, we will be looking at the importance of working with boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale trusts, and the two crucial things you must do before buying a boat. Let’s get started.

Commission a marine survey

The input of boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale is invaluable when buying a used boat. This is for the simple fact that not all boats are as good as they look. Many have major hidden issues that may cost you a fortune to repair. The role of a marine surveyor is to evaluate the condition of the boat and report on all the issues it may have. You can use this information to negotiate a better deal with the seller or simply withdraw from the deal. The surveyor will also help you understand the fair market value of the vessel. This information is crucial in negotiations. Simply put, a surveyor will keep you from spending money on the wrong boat. 

Know what you need the boat for

Another important thing to do is to know what you need the vessel for. The mistake most people make is shopping blindly. If you have no idea what you need the boat for, you will end up falling in love with the wrong boat. To avoid this issue, start by compiling a list of things your dream boat must have and be able to do. This information will help narrow down your search to the vessels that are perfect for you.

Know what you can afford

Third, you need to be honest with your finances. If you plan on taking out a loan to finance the purchase, make sure you get preapproved first. Pay attention to the monthly payments and be certain you can keep up. If you will be spending your own money, be honest on how much you can afford. Having a clear budget will help you narrow down your search. Keep in mind that there is more to boat ownership than just the purchase price. You have to think about the maintenance costs which include boat insurance, fuel, oil change, storage and other things. Make sure you only consider vessels you can afford.

Boat Surveyors Fort Lauderdale

 

Being able to buy your first boat brings a lot of excitement. The boat offers you the chance to explore the waters in ways you would never have done with a rented boat. However, before you start searching for a boat to buy, it is good to understand the actual cost of owning a boat. Do not simply look at the initial cost. There are so many costs that come with boat ownership and the first is the cost of working with marine surveyors Fort Lauderdale.

Hire a marine surveyor

While buying a boat without involving a marine surveyor will save you money, it will cost you a lot more if you end up buying the wrong boat. Hiring marine surveyors Fort Lauderdale gives you the chance to get your target boat professionally assessed. The boat surveyor will inspect every inch of the boat and provide you with a detailed survey report. The survey report will help you understand the fair market value of the boat as well as all the issues it may have. You can use this information to educate your choice or to negotiate a better deal with the seller. On average, boat surveyors charge between $18 and $25 per foot. This may include out-of-water inspection, a test of all systems, sea trial and a full survey report.

Initial buying cost

The cost people pay attention to is the initial cost. This is the price tag on a boat. How much you pay for a boat will depend on its size, type, facilities and the buyer. New boat models tend to cost more than older ones. The good news is a marine surveyor will help you know if the used boat you are going after is in good condition and if it has been priced properly.

Running costs

Mooring is the easiest figure to calculate. It can be the largest monthly outgoings you have. Smaller boats have more mooring and storage options such as trailered or berthing. These options are cheaper than marina berthing but can be less convenient and require more forward planning. You also have to think about what to do with the boat over the winter months. Other running costs include the cost of fuel and insurance.

Maintenance and repairs

Your boat will definitely require maintenance and repairs every now and then. These are all costs you must prepare for. Needless to say, larger boats cost more in maintenance and repairs. While not set in stone, an age-old calculation of the maintenance costs of a vessel is 10% of the initial purchase cost.

Marine Surveyors Fort Lauderdale

 

The most common mistake aspiring boat owners make is that of hiring boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale trusts based on how much they charge. Being expensive doesn’t mean the services you get will be beyond reproach. When choosing a boat inspector, you must make your decision based on their competence. In this post, we shall be taking a look at the top questions you must ask a surveyor before hiring.

For how long have you been a marine surveyor?

While having several years of experience is no guarantee of competence, it is better to work with boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale trusts that have been offering marine surveys for years. You don’t want yours to be the first boat a surveyor inspects, do you? In addition to having experience in boat surveys, you also need to check if the surveyor has experience in other boating fields. For example, working with a surveyor that used to be a marine mechanic will give you a thorough marine survey report. This is because having handled repairs for years will give the boat inspector a good understanding of why and where a vessel is most likely to develop problems.

Can you provide sample survey reports?

Now that you are certain you are working with an experienced surveyor, it is time to take a look at their past work. Ask them for survey reports of boats that are similar to yours. In most cases, reputable surveyors will have the survey reports listed on their website. You can simply click on one and go through it. The reason you need to review a survey report is so as to see how thorough a surveyor is. Take note of what is included in their report and if the report is easy to understand. A good survey report should also include images of the issues the surveyor found.

Can I be present?

If you want to be present during the survey, it is good to ask the surveyor if that will be okay. A good surveyor will encourage you to be present so that you can answer any question he might have and ask any questions you may have. Being present during the survey is encouraged because it will give you the opportunity to understand every issue that the surveyor finds. There are, however, some surveyors who prefer to work alone.

How much do you charge?

Last but not least, you should ask about the cost of the survey. This is a question you should ask after being certain you have found the best person for the job. Know if an upfront deposit is needed and how much the surveyor will be paid in full. If you are okay working with that surveyor, get a written agreement and read it before signing.

Boat Surveyors Fort Lauderdale

 

When it comes to boating, you have to start somewhere. However, starting with the wrong type of boat can leave you feeling demoralized and frustrated. The temptation of buying a boat filled with all manner of gadgets and plenty of space will always be there. This is, nevertheless, not a priority when deciding on a boat to buy. Experienced boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale trusts will tell you that the love of sailing will come from feeling in control and at one with the sea. All you need is a hull, mast, rudder, and a sail and you will develop your love for the open waters. But which boat should you buy as a beginner?

Although it seems logical that the smaller the boat, the easier it is to handle, that is not always the case. Beginner friendliness is determined by rig simplicity and handling. As you search for the right boat, focus on the ones that are easy to rig, simple to sail, and lightweight for easy transportation. Keep in mind that your first boat doesn’t have to be your forever boat. As you hone your boating skills, you can upgrade to an even bigger and more sophisticated sailboat. The goal here is to pick the boat that best suits your present needs.

All in all, you shouldn’t buy a boat without having it assessed by boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale. As a first-time buyer, it is easy for sellers to exploit you due to your lack of knowledge of boats. Working with experienced marine surveyors will keep you from investing in doomed vessels. The surveyor will first help you determine if the boat you are considering is ideal for your skill level. Next, they will perform a thorough assessment to make sure the boat is in good condition. The survey report will also give insight into how much the boat will cost to fix up. You can use this information to negotiate a lower price with the seller.

As you may already know, there is a huge selection of beginner-friendly sailboats to pick from. To avoid making the wrong choice, start by taking a look at the most popular beginner sailboats in Fort Lauderdale. That way you will have more people to consult if there is an issue with your boat. Some great beginner sailboats to consider are:

• Sailing Dinghies
• Catalina 16.5 and 22
• Hunter 15 and 22
• Hobie 16
• West Wight Potter P 19

Don’t spend too much money on your first sailboat. As a beginner, you will get into accidents. The last thing you want is to give up on your dream because you can’t afford the repairs. You also need to get a boat whose replacement parts are easy to find.

Boat Surveyors Fort Lauderdale

 

It seems logical to assume that the process of buying a boat is not too different from buying a car. While the two processes share similarities, they have key differences. For example, when buying a used car, you will get away with working with your mechanic to assess the vehicle. For a used boat, you will need boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale trusts. It is good to understand the steps involved in a boat-buying journey.

Choose a boat

While it is the obvious first step, it is not a small decision. Although there are so many boats on sale in Florida, not all of them will be perfect for you. You must set aside adequate time to find the right boat. You also need a budget. The top questions you must ask when searching for a boat include the following:

• How big should the boat be?
• What do you need the boat for?
• How expensive is it to maintain your target boat?
• How much insurance will you need?

The above are just a few questions you will have to ask. Next, you will need the input of boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale depends on. The surveyor’s role will be assessing the vessel to help you determine if it is in good condition or not. A marine surveyor will also help you know the vessel’s fair market value. You can use this information to inform your decision and negotiate with the seller.

Arrange to view

With the list of the potential boats you have shortlisted, you need to contact the brokers or sellers to arrange a viewing. Viewing helps see the vessel in person and allows you to ask vital questions such as what will be included in the sale. View all the vessels on your list before settling on one.

Check the title documents

Before you go any further with the purchase, you need to let your marine surveyor evaluate the boat and check the title documents. The goal here is to ensure the vessel is in good condition and that the seller owns the boat 100%. You don’t want to buy a vessel that a marine mortgage. You also want to be certain that the owner is free from charges, debts, liens and encumbrances. Your marine surveyor will review all the necessary documents and check if the vessel has VAT paid or is VAT exempted.

Sign the contract

When buying through a broker, you will have to sign a contract. The contract is legally binding and must be signed by both parties. Therefore, ensure you understand all the clauses before you sign. A deposit will also have to be paid to show commitment.

Boat Surveyors Fort Lauderdale

 

If you plan on working with boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale, you definitely want to know what they will be looking for once they arrive. This information can be quite valuable because it will keep you at ease while the work is being done. Having this information further helps you vet potential marine surveyors better. In this post, we will be looking at what is inspected on the deck.

Winches

The first thing boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale will look at is the winches. The focus here is to ensure they work and sound like a Swiss Watch, ticking when you turn them slowly. The surveyor will also take a look at when the winches were last serviced as well as check if they have winch covers. Winch covers are very important because they keep saltwater and grim from getting into the winches. The surveyor will also help you know how warn out the drum is.

Grab rails

These are needed for safety. The surveyor will inspect them for cracks and pull them hard to see if they are strong enough. The fasteners will be looked at for indication of water intrusion. To check for signs of water damage, the rails will be tapped with a small hammer.

Lifelines

The lifelines must be inspected for signs of damage. The surveyor starts by looking at the connections between the turnbuckle and the steel. If your lines are coated in plastic, they will be checked for cracks as well as signs of rust. Even stainless steel tends to rust under a plastic-sheathed lifeline. You may want to get them replaced if they are over 10 years old.

Windows

Window sealants have to be inspected. The surveyor will look for sealant discoloration, discontinuity as well as cracking. If there are signs of water staining on the inside, chances are the sealant is damaged and needs to be replaced.

Chain-plates

The inspector will look at where chain-plates enter the deck or the bolts on the hull. Any discoloration or cracking will be noted. The inspector will also check to see if the metal is in a good condition.

Soft spots

Soft spots deflect when you put weight on them. When they are tapped, they give a dull thud. Soft spots indicate the degradation of core materials and must be investigated. In most cases, dull thuds are a sign of water intrusion.

Other areas the surveyor will check include:

• Mast electrical
• Shrouds and stays
• Running gear
• Compass
• Antennae
• Sails
• Propeller

Hiring experienced boat surveyors in Fort Lauderdale is the key to getting a thorough inspection. The survey report will help you understand a boat inside and out before you buy. Find someone with a reputation for thoroughness when it comes to inspecting boats similar to yours.

Boat Surveyors Fort Lauderdale

 

Have you worked with boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale before? If yes, you have some knowledge of the type of services they offer. However, if this is the first time you are hiring a surveyor, it is acceptable to feel confused. The marine survey industry is quite diverse and vast. As a result, surveys are usually done by specialized surveyors who are experts in specific fields. To help you know which type of surveyor you should hire, you first need to understand the various types of surveyors that are available.

The various types of marine surveyors can be placed in two categories: proactive and reactive surveyors. Just like the name implies, proactive surveyors identify problems in a vessel before they occur. Their primary responsibility is to assess the condition of a vessel during the sale or during a routine check. If possible damage or flaw is identified, boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale recommends appropriate repairs so as to avert mishaps. It is for this reason that these surveyors are called proactive surveyors.

With reactive surveyors, these are called after an incident has occurred. This second category is made up of claimants, arbitration and insurance surveyors. They assess a boat as a reaction to something that occurred.  Now that you understand the two main types of surveyors, let’s take a look at the other types of surveyors.

Cargo surveyors

These are specialists that are hired by charter or organizations involved in the transport of cargo in bulk. The responsibility of these surveyors is to ensure the cargo is loaded and unloaded properly. The surveyor further calculates permissible loads, minimum and maximum drafts as well as cross-checks the manifest with loaded cargo.

Classification surveyors

These are representatives of classification sociality. They make sure a boat adheres to the pre-set regulations. Classification societies are standardization bodies responsible for making sure ships are built and operated in a safe manner. They impose restrictions on a ship based on the class of the vessel. These societies require a vessel to maintain certain standards in order to remain registered under the society.

Government surveyors

These represent flag state representatives and port state representatives. Flag state officials make sure a boat is registered under its country and meets satisfactory requirements to continue being registered. Flag state representatives can revoke or suspend boat registrations. Port state officials, on the other hand, report to the government of the country a ship is docked. They ensure departing and incoming ships meet requirements that relate to a port. They also ensure draft limits in a port are maintained.

Other common types of surveyors include:

• Insurance and warranty surveyors
• Yacht and small craft surveyor
• Independent surveyors

When hiring boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale, you have to make sure you pick the one that offers the type of survey you need. The surveyor must also have a good track record.

Boat Surveyors Fort Lauderdale

 

Whether you are selling your own boat or plan on buying a used boat, you need the input of marine surveyors Fort Lauderdaleto understand the exact condition of the boat. Most of the issues are usually hidden. For example, if there is a moisture problem, you will not be able to see that right away unless you use a moisture meter. It is the work of the boat surveyor to make sure that every inch of the boat has been inspected and every filing provided in form of a report.

What does a survey involve?

There is a lot that goes into a marine survey. The extent of work done will depend on the size and age of the boat. The purpose of the survey also matters. For example, if the survey is needed for insurance purposes, the marine surveyors Fort Lauderdale will focus on the items provided by an insurance company. If you want to get more details about a vessel you are sell or buying, you will need a pre-purchase survey. This is the most thorough type of survey that includes a sea trial and in and out of water surveys.

A marine surveyor is not a mechanic. What this means is that his job is only to listen, observe and report his findings. While they may use imaging equipment, surveyors will not take components apart to see inside. If they suspect a component has issues, they will simply recommend that you bring in a mechanic for a closer inspection.

Survey report

Visual inspections and sea-trials help a marine surveyor to compile a list of items about the boat. The list includes both the good and the bad. Once the survey is done, you will get a survey report a few days later. The survey report includes descriptions of the boat and all the onboard systems together with the conditions of the boat and the current operational state of the onboard equipment. The report will also include vital recommendations regarding the repairs that have to be made. You will also get a fair market replacement value of the vessel.

A majority of boat buyers make offers contingent on the vessel passing a professional survey. If you, the seller, don’t get a survey before getting the boat listed and the buyer doesn’t want to use your old survey report, the buyer will be the one to pay a surveyor for additional survey work. It is common for buyers to try and get the seller to agree for the costs of survey to be part of the price negotiations.  

Marine Surveyors Fort Lauderdale

 

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

 

Whether you are purchasing or selling a boat, you want to make sure you get the most value out of a survey. The good news is there are a couple of things you can do to achieve this. In this post we will be taking a closer look at the important things you should do throughout the survey process right from finding the best boat surveyors Fort Lauderdaleto getting the boat ready for an inspection.

Find a reputable surveyor

The first thing you must do is find a surveyor you can depend on. A common mistake people make is hiring the first surveyor that is recommended to them or that gets in their way. What you need to remember is that marine surveyors are not all the same. Some are better than others. To get the most from the survey, you need to only consider boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale that have a proven track record.

Start by making sure the surveyor has experience reviewing boats that are similar to yours. Second, look at what recent clients are saying about the surveyor. Too many negative reviews are a red flag. Third, you have to ensure the surveyor creates comprehensive reports and is accepted by the insurance company or lender you plan on using. You also need to take a look at the range of services the surveyor offers. Does he offer everything that you need in a survey?

Be present during the survey

While it is possible for a marine surveyor to complete a survey in your absence, it is always a great idea to be present during the survey. That way you will be able to guide the surveyor around your boat, answer any question he may have and ask any question you have. If you cannot make it for the survey, organize for someone to be available on your behalf.

Clean the boat in advance

Cleaning does not only refer to getting rid of trash. When getting ready for the boat surveyors Fort Lauderdale to arrive, you need to remove everything that may get in the way of the surveyor. This includes old gear and even moving cushions out of the areas that need to be inspected. Decluttering the boat will speed up the inspection process.

Write down questions to ask

You definitely have some questions you would like to ask the surveyor. To ensure you don’t forget them, you need to write them down. Don’t forget to include a list of things that are disqualifying factors or red flags for you.

Give the surveyor room to work

Last but not least, you need to give your boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale adequate room to work. Don’t keep on getting in his way or second-guessing him.

Boat Surveyors Fort Lauderdale