Category: Fort Lauderdale marine survey

Whether you are a boat owner or a boat buyer, it is important to make arrangements for a boat survey. It is only with a Fort Lauderdale marine survey that you will be able to uncover all the issues your boat has as well as understand its fair market value. Marine surveys are particularly crucial for boat buyers because they help reveal details that keep you from making bad investments. But how much does it cost to get a marine survey?

When it comes to the question of how much does it cost to put a boat in survey, there is no definitive answer. This is because there are so many factors that dictate price. These factors range from the type of marine survey you need to the size and condition of your boat. On average, it will cost you anywhere from $25 to $40 per foot. The cost varies mostly depending on the age of the boat, the number of engines it has as well as the scope of the inspection.

Type of Survey

As you may have guessed, the cost of marine surveys varies depending on the type of survey that is being done. For example, an insurance survey may cost you between $14 and $18 per foot. A pre-purchase survey, on the other hand, may cost you from $25 and $40. The reason for this price difference is the fact that a pre-purchase survey is more thorough than an insurance survey. The more thorough a survey is, the more time a surveyor will spend on the boat and the more it will cost you.

Additional Services

If you have worked with a surveyor before or have done your research, then you know that the role of the surveyor is only to observe, listen and compile a report. Marine surveyors are not mechanics. If there is an issue that needs a component to be taken apart, the surveyor will request that you bring in a mechanic. Mechanics will charge between $100 and $180 per hour for an engine inspection. This is a cost you will have to factor in because the surveyor will not compile a survey report until the mechanic does the requested assessment.

Still on additional services, you have to think about the cost of a haul out. This will have a significant impact on the overall cost of a marine survey. A haul out can cost between $10 and $15 per foot.

Hopefully this post has sufficiently answered the question of how much does it cost to put a boat in survey. The only thing left is for you to find a reputable surveyor. Keep in mind that surveyors charge different rates for their services.

Fort Lauderdale Marine Survey

The answer to the question of how often do I need a marine survey will mostly depend on the insurance company you are using. Some insurers will demand that you provide a current marine survey if your vessel is 30 years old. Others are okay with a marine survey that is at least 10 years old provided it is in English. There are other insurance companies that will only accept a marine survey report that is no more than 5 years old.

As you can see, insurance companies are the main dictators in regard to how often you need to conduct a marine survey. All in all, for you to get the most comprehensive cover, it is highly recommended to provide a marine survey that is as current as possible. When applying for marine insurance, a Ft Lauderdale marine survey that is 12 to 18 months old will help you get the best coverage. This is because such a cover will guarantee that all the current issues are considered when insuring your boat. This is unlike a 5-year-old survey report that may be missing too many details. A current report will also help you get the current market value of your boat. This information is crucial when getting insurance cover. It will help you avoid being undercovered.

Another factor that will dictate how often you need a marine survey is the type of boat you own. Wooden boats are more prone to damage. As a result, it is highly recommended to get a marine survey done more frequently if you own a wooden vessel.

For other types of boats, you will be fine getting a marine survey updated once every 5 years. However, when it comes to a wooden boat, you need to get a survey done at least once every 2 to 3 years. This is the common requirement for wooden vessels.

How you use your boat will also matter. A boat that is frequently exposed to rough conditions will be at a higher risk of damage. As a result, you will need to get a survey done more frequently.

Other times, if you suspect that your vessel is underperforming or has been damaged in any way, you may need to get a survey done. This means you don’t have to wait until several years are over. You may have to get a fresh survey done as soon as a year.

There are numerous factors that dictate the answer to the question of how often do I need a marine survey. To be on the safe side, get your boat surveyed as frequently as possible. You should also ensure that the survey is done by an experienced surveyor that comes highly recommended in Fort Lauderdale.

Ft Lauderdale Marine Survey

 

You have found the ideal used boat, but you want to make sure you are making a wise decision. Since a vessel has numerous mechanical and structural parts, you should feel confident before making a purchase. This position is filled by a boat surveyor. A professional Fort Lauderdale marine survey can provide you and your bank with an additional degree of security when purchasing a used boat.

A boat surveyor is a person who is hired to do a certain type of inspection on a vessel. They typically have strong mechanical and/or boating backgrounds and are more knowledgeable about a vessel’s operations than the average boater. A surveyor can provide you peace of mind before making the significant financial choice of buying a boat. Even though you might have a mechanical bent, surveyors look at more than just the vessel’s on/off mechanics using specialized equipment like moisture meters. Additionally, many lenders want a certified survey before they would release funds if you intend to finance your boat. With that being said, how do I choose a marine surveyor?

There are a few inquiries you should make before hiring a boat surveyor. The questions you should ask include the following:

• Have they looked at comparable brands or models to the boat you have chosen?
• What exactly does the survey cover?
• How long does it take to receive the survey report?

An important thing to keep in mind is that, regardless of who you hire, surveyors use specific language in their reports to protect themselves against litigation. As a result, even a boat that has had a thorough inspection may have hidden problems while you own it, and your surveyor is still covered. For bigger vessels, it is usual practice to employ an engine mechanic who will be on hand on the day of the survey. Smaller vessels should at the very least have their compression examined by a qualified mechanic.

Either a sea-trial phase or an out-of-water inspection normally kicks off the process. The surveyor will typically use a moisture meter on the hull for out-of-water vessels, identify any structural flaws or dings, and mark any problems they see with the hull, prop, or lower unit area. A lot of surveyors will also evaluate onboard systems including stereo, VHF, and other fundamental electronics.

The sea trial phase will start once the boat is in the water. RPM, WOT, and cruise speeds are measured using a couple of tests. These are evaluated against manufacturer norms. If the RPM values are significantly below average, that may indicate probable engine problems.

A lot goes into a boat survey. Now that you have the answer to the question of how do I choose a marine surveyor, the next step is to find someone that is not only qualified but someone you feel comfortable working with.

How Do I Choose a Marine Surveyor

 

Is a marine survey worth it? This is a common question asked by both boat owners and aspiring boat owners. Most people assume that they can perform a thorough inspection on a boat they are targeting. The truth is doing an inspection on your own leaves you at a disadvantage. This is because you lack the specialized equipment and experience to perform a thorough inspection. In this post, we will be taking a look at what is looked at during a sea trial.

Access the structural condition of the boat

When buying a used boat, hiring an experienced professional for a Fort Lauderdale marine survey will be a great idea. The reason for this is that you will have to assess the structural condition of the boat. Doing a good job in the inspection requires having background knowledge of the vessel so that you know what to look for. This is what you get from a marine surveyor.

Assessing the structural condition of a vessel is done before and during a sea trial. The surveyor will do the following:

• Walk around the boat and thump the sides. If the water intrusion is suspected, the surveyor will use a moisture meter to get more information.
• Inspect the condition of the underwater gear.
• Test everything including rails, seats, stowage compartments, and hinges.
• Test all electronics and electrical items.

Check the condition of power systems

The sea trial offers the best way to inspect the condition of the power systems. This is because it offers the surveyor a chance to observe and listen to the performance of the engine. It is during a sea trial that the surveyor will hear any unusual noises and feel unexpected vibrations. Thermal imaging equipment may be used to get a closer look at how power systems work.

For a used vessel, the surveyor will want to perform a cold start. This means the boat should be stone cold when being fired up. This is when you will notice most problems before the engine warms up. The surveyor will also take note of how the shifter works.

Seakeeping abilities

It is during a sea trial that the surveyor will test the seakeeping abilities of your target boat. This is done by hitting waves from different angles to see how the boat performs.

With the above information in mind, it is easy to see why the answer to the question of is a marine survey worth it is a resounding yes. However, for the survey to be truly worth it, you have to work with the best marine surveyor in the business.

Is a Marine Survey Worth It