Category: Boat Surveyors Ft. Lauderdale

If you have had a boat survey done before, then you know that not every marine surveyor will offer the quality services you need. This is because anyone can title him or herself as a marine surveyor. Finding the best boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale requires some investigation. As you search for the surveyor to work with, here are some important points you should keep in mind.

The survey should be accepted by banks and insurance companies

The purpose of a marine survey is not just to report on the issues that a boat has. The survey also looks at the fair market value of the boat, required repairs and missing equipment. Moreover, the boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale are required to adhere to strict codes of ethic and standards. That is why you need to work with a surveyor that is accredited or an associate of a recognized association.

The reason a survey should not be done by just anyone is because it has to be accepted by your bank and/or insurance company. Before you hire a boat surveyor, you need to ask questions about their survey report. Know what is included and the type of reporting format they use. You also need to understand the standards they adhere to as well as how much the survey will cost.

A good inspection is not rush

Any marine inspector that promises to get the inspection done in a matter of minutes will not do a great job. This is unless you are dealing with a small boat. A thorough boat inspection takes time and how long the inspection takes will depend on the type of survey that is needed, size of the boat, as well as the equipment and systems that is onboard. At times, the survey may take longer if there are additional services that will be needed such as a sea trial, oil analysis, stray current corrosion testing, moisture testing and ultrasonic testing. For the additional services, you may be charged more.

Keep in mind that the more thorough a marine survey is the better. Keep in mind that a perfectly conducted survey will offer great information on the condition of the vessel. You should also note that surveyors never take components apart. They only report the condition of the accessible areas. A surveyor that uses imaging tools will offer a thorough inspection.

There are many reasons why you should conduct a marine survey. In most cases, the survey will be requested by banks and insurance companies. You may also need a survey done to understand the condition and value of your boat or a boat you plan on buying. The main reason you should survey a boat is for the safety of the crew and passengers.

Boat Surveyors Ft Lauderdale

 

Finding a boat to buy in Florida is very easy. This is because at any given time there are dozens of used boats already on the market. The problem, however, is this; finding the best boat for you takes time. That is why it is highly recommended to work with experienced boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale trusts. Even so, before a seller can allow you to bring in your own boat inspector, you must first show commitment. That is why you need to be certain the boat you are targeting is the right fit for you before you hire a boat surveyor.

It costs money to work with boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale trusts. As the person hiring a surveyor, you will be the one paying for their services. You don’t want to keep hiring a surveyor for each boat that interests you, do you? That is why the first thing you should do is be certain the boat you are targeting is perfect for you. Here is a pre-inspection checklist you should use.

Ask for servicing and maintenance records

There is nothing more frustrating than hiring a marine surveyor only for them to find major issues you could have found on your own. If a boat doesn’t have good servicing and maintenance records, it is obvious it will be more trouble than you can handle. A boat that has serving and maintenance records has been taken care of properly. It will have fewer issues.

Know how the boat was being used

How the boat was being used will give insight into the condition it is in. For example, if the boat was used in saltwater, it will have a higher risk of rust than a boat that was used on freshwater lakes. You also need to ask about how the boat was stored. Asking about any major damage the boat has ever incurred will also be a great conversation opener.

Ask about existing damages

The main reason behind hiring an experienced boat surveyor in Ft Lauderdale is to help uncover issues the seller might be trying to conceal. While minor damages are bound to be there, you should ask the owner about any major problems that the boat has. With this information in hand, your marine surveyor will only be there to confirm the issues.

Know what is included in the selling price

Last but not least, you should ask about what the price includes. At times, in an effort to lure more customers in, sellers stage their boats. You don’t want to be surprised when you realize that most of the equipment on the boat were not included in the price.

Boat Surveyors Ft Lauderdale

 

When looking for a boat to buy, the possibilities stretch as far out as the inviting blue sea. One of the questions you will have to answer is whether to go for a used or a brand new boat. There are several factors you have to consider when deciding on the type of vessel to buy. In everything that you do, keep boat surveyors Ft Lauderdaletrusts close.

Buying Used Boats

If you want to get the most for your budget, used boats will be a good choice. Like used cars, used boats cost much less than brand new boats. You will be able to get a bigger boat for your money. It is also good to note that used boats already have VAT paid, and the initial depreciation cost will be in your favor. You are also most likely to get cheaper insurance for an older model. Although customization options are quite limited on a used boat, you can change the interior décor to your liking. However, you must never settle for a used boat without the opinion of boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale trusts.

You need the services of a boat surveyor because a used boat may have hidden problems. Used boats also don’t come with a warranty. You also need to ensure that the paperwork is in perfect order. Your marine surveyor will help with all this. The surveyor will also help with a sea trial to test the boat’s performance. All the issues will be included in a survey report. The surveyor will also help determine the fair market value of the vessel you are considering.

Buying a brand new boat

If you have a clear picture of what you want from your dream boat and extra cash to spare, buying a new boat will be the right path. When buying brand new, you get to pick the precise specifications you want, right down to the color of the upholstery. You can put a personal stamp on your dream through customization. The new technology further makes the boat economical, and everything will work like clockwork. You also get the peace of mind of warranty protection.

The downside to buying a brand new boat is the high cost, and the value depreciates quickly. You are also liable to pay VAT. Moreover, if you have a fixed budget, you will most likely get a much smaller boat than you would like. There may also be a long waiting time for a brand new boat unless the boat is already in stock. It is perfectly okay to involve boat surveyors in Ft Lauderdale when buying a brand new boat. The surveyor will give you a better understanding of the boat.

Boat Surveyors Ft Lauderdale

 

Thanks to the endless coastline in Florida, there is no shortage of boats to buy and buyers to sell your boat to. As a result of this, Florida probably has one of the largest numbers of marine surveyors in the country. Finding boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale will definitely be easy. The problem, however, is that not all surveyors have what it takes to offer great services. That is why you need to ask the right questions.

When vetting boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale, start by making sure they work full time as marine surveyors. Second, you have to ensure that they have experience working on vessels similar to yours. If you need the survey to satisfy your lender or for insurance purposes, make sure the surveyor will be accepted by your lender or insurer. The number of years the surveyor has been in business also matters. With that out of the way, here are some important things you should do once you find the right boat surveyor.

Let the surveyor know your expectations

If you don’t tell the surveyor what you need out of the survey, your needs might not be met. For example, if the surveyor doesn’t know the level of compliance you are seeking, the surveyor will only focus on the basics. Keep in mind that only a handful of vessels are 100% compliant. Always insist on scrutiny of any selected category such as electrical, fuel leakage, and hull fittings. If the owner claims their vessel is compliant, the work of the surveyor will be confirming compliance.

Know the type of survey you need

The next thing you must do even before you retain the services of a boat surveyor in Ft Lauderdale is to ensure that they can offer the services you need.

• Do you need a hull and deck moisture survey?
• To what degree should the surveyor check the engine and the generator?
• Do you need a galvanic corrosion test to be done?
• Do you need a transmission oil analysis?

Make a list of all the things you want to be inspected before you hire a surveyor. If you need a survey done for insurance purposes, your insurer will provide you with a list of items that must be included in the survey report. Make sure the surveyor can offer the services you need before hiring them.

Ask if you need the services of other professionals

Last but not least, you want to know if you will have to bring in another professional during or after the inspection. A good marine surveyor will let you know when you need to bring in electricians, paint coating specialists or fiberglass composite specialists. The surveyor will test every gear on the boat and let you know which ones need to be repaired or replaced.

Boat Surveyors Ft Lauderdale

 

Boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale require several skills that have to be certified by official bodies. They have to go through an extreme training and certification phase which is crucial to the foundations of becoming a successful surveyor. To further ensure the surveyor has the necessary expertise, you must ensure that they have years of experience in the field. But is this all the qualification that is needed? The answer is definitely no.

To become a reliable surveyor for container ships, for example, the best boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale are the ones that have worked on board such vessels or have worked at port terminals. What this means is that you should focus on marine surveyors who have completed surveys on vessels that are similar to the ones you own or plan on buying. That way they will know the vessel inside and out and will be able to offer a more educated survey.

Experience alone is not enough. The right surveyor needs to be certified by a third party. To get this certification, they have to complete specific courses that are relevant to the type of boat you are considering. There are so many bodies that offer certification. When a surveyor claims to have certification from a certain body, take time to research the certifying body and the certificate itself to make sure their certificate is not fake. Keep in mind that most standardization societies offer certification on various maritime courses.

You should not hire a boat surveyor simply because he or she is certified. This is because surveying a boat is a skill that is mostly learnt through extensive experience and not something that can be picked up overnight. You have to keep in mind that the surveyor only listens and observes to determine the condition of a vessel. The lack of experience can cause them to miss important things or provide you with an incomplete survey report.

When deciding on a marine surveyor to hire, you should look beyond their training, qualification and accreditation. You have to make sure the surveyor you hire is well-spoken and confident. They should be able to portray a positive image that eliminates doubts. All in all, the surveyor you hire must be able to prove their expertise. They should be able to write survey reports in a compact and detailed manner. The survey report is the first impression of any surveyor. Ensure your surveyor adheres to mutually acceptable standards. Having prior experience in any maritime industry will be an added advantage. A surveyor who has trained under an experienced and reputable surveyor will also be preferred.

Boat Surveyors Ft Lauderdale

 

It is easy to overlook the importance of working with boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale if you don’t know what they really do. Some people choose to inspect their boats on their own. However, due to the lack of experience, skills and specialized equipment, they end up regretting their mistake when it is already too late.

The most important thing to do when considering the purchase of a used boat is to get a marine survey. A marine survey is a comprehensive check-up for a boat. It is the equivalent of getting a roadworthy certificate for a vehicle. The survey is designed to identify any existing issues, highlight areas of weakness that may cause future problems and give a detailed picture of the health of the boat. Insurers and lenders may also require that you get a marine survey. To get a reliable boat valuation, you will need to work with professional boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale.

In this post, our focus will be on the key reason why you should hire a marine surveyor. Here are the three main reasons.

Get unbiased assessment

When buying a second-hand boat, the current owner may not be aware of existing problems. This is why getting a boat survey is so important. The survey has to be carried out as a condition of a purchase and before settlement.

In this case, a surveyor gets the opportunity to thoroughly assess every aspect of the boat. This includes rigging, electrical systems, plumbing, mechanical components and structural. This should be done both while the boat is on and off water. The boat survey report will let you know if the vessel has major weaknesses and if the set price is fair.

For the purposes of insurance

Most boat insurance companies require that a full survey be done before they cover a pre-owned boat. Needless to say, it is impossible to value a boat accurately without first scrutinizing it. Insurance companies offer a list of areas that have to be inspected. The survey report provides information that helps the insurer determine if the boat is worth insuring.

Protect your investment

Last but not least, when buying a boat, you don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on doomed vessel. Buying a boat is a huge investment. As a result, you wouldn’t want to buy it without first understanding its exact condition. Surveyors perform a thorough evaluation of the vessel to give you a clear picture of what you are about to spend your money on.

There are so many reasons why you should consider working with boat surveyors Ft Lauderdale especially when buying a pre-owned vessel. The surveyor will provide you with information and advice that helps make the most informed choice.

Boat Surveyors Ft Lauderdale

 

Are you planning on buying a used boat, getting ready to sell your old boat or simply want to know the value of your boat? In all these cases, you will need the input of boat surveyors Ft. Lauderdale. These are professionals trained to evaluate the condition of a boat and will help you know how much you should pay for it and how many repairs will be needed.

Marine surveyors are employed to survey or value everything from small crafts to mega yachts. You can bring in boat surveyors Ft. Lauderdale to survey a small commercial ship, trawlers, tugs, ex-barges, dredgers, and even narrowboats of different types and sizes. The primary duty of a boat surveyor is to make sure that a vessel is fit for the purpose and that it is in a suitable and sea, or river-worthy condition.

When you bring in an experienced boat surveyor, he will not only be able to survey the hulls but also the machinery, rig, gas, hotel systems, and electrical. Surveyors are also able to perform coding surveys, tonnage surveys, stability tests, and other related work.

If there was an accident or incident that may damage your boat, you can bring in a surveyor to examine the extent of the damage. One of the duties of a marine surveyor is to investigate the cause of an accident. They provide detailed reports that can be used during legal hearings. The surveyor can also serve as an expert witness in legal hearings.

How They Work

It is important to remember that a surveyor only observes and listens when surveying a boat. This means the surveyor will not open up components to see how the internal components are. If a component has to be opened for a thorough assessment, you will be advised to involve and electrician or mechanic. Some surveyors will, however, use imaging devices to see inside components without opening them up.

Specialty

Not all boat surveyors Ft. Lauderdale will be able to offer the survey that you need. It is important to make sure that the surveyor you are about to hire offers the kind of services you need. For example, small craft and yacht marine surveyors specialize in inspecting smaller vessels mostly those that are less than 24 meters long. These are boats used for pleasure boating. These surveyors may also work with marine insurance companies to perform damage surveys and provide incident reports.

Marine surveyors can also specialize in certain areas such as wooden-hulled vessels, or inland waterway crafts. Making sure you find a surveyor that offers the services you need is very important.

Boat Surveyors Ft. Lauderdale